Can serious engineering tasks be done using 3d printing methods?

My daughter has been getting into 3d printed dragons, snakes, etc.

I've seen 3d printed car parts made to replicate NLA ie out of production OEM plastic (mostly body/trim) parts.

Does 3d printing as it stands currently have a place for serious engineering tasks where precise methods, materials, etc. are required? I don't believe there is any sort of 3d printing for metal parts - only for stuff made from plastics.