Perhaps the most revolutionary piece of technology in the last decade, 3D printing has the potential to innovate across many different fields. For instance, there are countless 3D printed medical innovations that are transforming the healthcare industry.
The Cortex 3D Cast, for example, is created from a scan of the patient's skin and bone. This custom-fit mold offers more support around the fracture, resulting in a more optimal healing process.
Most notably, 3D printing is capable of creating prosthetics and organs. The University of Connecticut's Biomolecular Engineering department has come up with a way to design a viable 3D kidney, an invaluable medical breakthrough that, when put into practice, will undoubtedly save millions of lives who otherwise might have never received a donor.
20 3D Printed Medical Innovations
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3D Printed Skulls
Dr. Bon Verweij Successfully Implanted a Tech-Made Cranium in the Netherlands
19
3D Printed Casts
3D Printed Items are Changing the Way Bones are Healed
18
Smart Wireless Earbuds
Bragi Dash Headphones Play Clear Sound and Integrate Environment Awareness
17
Heroic Limb Replacements
3D Printing Engineers Create Inspiring Superhero Prosthetic Arms for Kids
16
Printed Facial Prosthetics
Eric Moger's 3D Print Piece Was Applied in the Aftermath of Surgery
15
3D Printed Facial Surgeries
CARTIS Has Used 3D Printing for Surgical Repairs
14
3D-Printed Genetic Glues
This Medical 3D Printing Innovation Aids the Creation of Organs
13
Pain Prevention Sensors
The Valedo Sensors Focus on Alleviating Lower Back Pain
12
3D Printed Ears
Scientists Use 3D Printing to Create a Replica of a Human Ear
11
3D Printed Wheelchair Ramps
The Printable Portable Wheelchair Ramps Make Mobility More Convenient
10
Easily Digestible Printed Meals
Biozoon is Creating 3D Printed Food That Goes Down Easy
9
3D-Printed Kidneys
ACT Group and UoC Collaborated to Make a Viable 3D Kidney
8
Protective External Ligaments
The Custom 3D Printed Exo-L is Designed to Prevent Ankle Sprains
7
Blind-Directing Multi-Sensory Maps
These Interactive Maps for the Blind are Installed at Schools
6
3D-Printed Knee Replacements
The ConforMIS Implants Are Revolutionizing Knee Replacement Surgery
5
3D-Printed Medical Braces
Andiamo Looks to Revolutionize the Way Kids Are Fitted with Orthotics
4
3D-Printed Skull Implants
A Patient Had 75 Percent of Their Skull Replaced in Pioneering Procedure
3
3D-Printed Jaws
This 3D-Printed Jaw Was Made For An Indian Cancer Patient
2
Palpable 3D Natural Eyes
These 3D Printed Prosthetic Eyes are Made of Glass and Acrylic
1
3D-Printed Turtle Prosthetics
This 3D-Printed Prosthesis Was Implanted Onto Stumpy the Turtle
Related Ideas
Elegant 3D-Printed Prosthetics
The Exo-Prosthetic Leg is Designed To Be Functional and Beautiful
Peculiar Self-Portraiture
Iiu Susiraja Challenges Typical Femininity in her Self-Portraits
3D Printed Skulls
Dr. Bon Verweij Successfully Implanted a Tech-Made Cranium in the Netherlands
3D Paper House Invitations
This Adorable DIY Paper Invitation is Loaded with Surprises
Anatomical Thumb Drives
The USB Finger is a Clever Comment on Practical Tech-Age Prosthetics
3D Printed Casts
3D Printed Items are Changing the Way Bones are Healed
Superhero-Inspired Hand Replacements
Bubba's 3D Printed Prosthetic Limb is Modelled After Iron Man
Flourishing 3D Printed Gardens
This 3D Printer is Able to Produce a Living Garden
3D Printed Kayaks
Jim Smith Made the World's First 3D Printed Kayak and It's Vibrantly Fantastic
3D-Printed Home Organizers
The Uook Wall Organizer by Build Republic is Customizable
Fabric-Like Concrete Furniture
The Plane Draped Table by Sruli Recht is Made with a 3D Printer
Versatile Mobile Wheelchairs
This Motorized Wheelchair by WHILL Has Three Different Modes
Inspirational Wheelchair Fashion Models
Danielle Sheypuk is the First-Ever Wheelchair Model
Pelvic Muscle Monitors
The Elvie is a High-Tech Version of the Kegel
At-Home 3D Printers
The Cube 3D Home Printer Lets Users Print Objects From Their Own Space
Vibrant Deity Photos
'Darshan' Comprises Photographically Recreated Images of Hindu Gods
Textured Geometry Furnishings
The Lubna Chowdhary Tiled Buffet from West Elm is Multi-Dimensional
Edible Candy Diodes
DIY LED Design Gummies are High-Tech Treats for Geeks
3D Printed Self-Portraits
Artist Joshua Harker Uses a 3D Printer to Create an Elegant Portrait
Self-Charging Wireless Earbuds
Earin Recharges While in the User's Pocket
Heroic Limb Replacements
3D Printing Engineers Create Inspiring Superhero Prosthetic Arms for Kids
3D-Printed Family Portraits
DoubleMe3d Creates Figurine Portraits for Loved Ones
Cellular 3D-Printed Jewelry
Nervous System's 3D Printed Accessories are Organic & Nature-Inspired
Printed Facial Prosthetics
Eric Moger's 3D Print Piece Was Applied in the Aftermath of Surgery
Ultrasound-Healing Medical Casts
Osteoid by Deniz Karasahin is a Stylish and Practical Alternative
Office Stretching Apps
Take a Yoga Break by Suzan Colon Encourages a Healthier Work Life
Miniature 3D Paper Worlds
Artist Fideli Sundqvist 3D Paper Art is Out of This World
Fashion-Focused Prosthetics
Alternative Limb Project Gives Amputees Some Stylish Prosthetics
Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
Phiaton Unveils Its Impressive PS 202 NC Earbuds at CES 2015
Airbag-Studded Shoes
The LeBron 12 is Designed For Maximum Explosiveness
Ceramic Sketch Sculptures
Artist Katharine Morling's Porcelain Sculptures Look Like 3D Drawings
3D Printed Facial Surgeries
CARTIS Has Used 3D Printing for Surgical Repairs
Lightweight Wearable Airbags
Motorcycle Safety and Style is Combined in the Inflatable Airbag Vest
Bike Helmet Airbags
Swedish Company Hovding Produces a Stylish Protector for Biking
Modular Mind-Bending Benches
These Illusion Benches Use Trompe L'Oeil to Trick the Eye
3D-Printed Exoskeletons
This Robotic Exoskeleton is Changing Lives
3D Makeup Printers
Mink Makeup Printer Lets You Print 3D Makeup From a Regular Computer
Intelligent Body Monitors
The InBody Band Features More Functions Than Typical Fitness Wearables
Oscillating Sideways Seats
The Rocking Verner Reorients an Iconic Chair for a New Playful Design
Post-Surgery Celebrity Portraits
Johan Andersson's Angelina Jolie Portrait Stirs Up Controversy
Organic Uprooted Stools
The Degenerate Chair Has an Elaborate Natural Look and Composition
Athlete-Friendly Earbuds
Beats' Powerbears2 Wireless Earbuds Resist Against Sweat and Water
Streamlined Prosthetic Flippers
The Elle Swimming Suit Enables Amputees to Compete and Swim Meets
Wearable Walking Coaches
The Life Balance-Promoting Arki Posture Corrector is a Smart Wristband
Inexpensive 3D Printers
Deltaprintr is an Affordable 3D Printer That's Faster at Printing
3D-Printed Sleep Mouthpieces
This 3D-Printed Mouthpiece Helps Sleep Apnea Patients Breathe Better
Trunk Wheelchair Accessible Cars
The Kenguru Lets Drivers to Easily Roll in Through the Rear Door
Custom 3D Printed Fetuses
3D Babies Can Print Life Size Replicas of Your Unborn Baby
3D Print Weaponry Documentaries
The VICE Click.Print.Gun. Film Tracks the Future of Firearms
3D Printed Online Maps
GSI is Developing Software for Blind People to Print Out Tactile Maps
Edible 3D Drumsticks
This 3D KFC Drumstick Looks Edible and Delicious
3D Brain Scan Art
The Neurosky is Being Used with a 3D Printer to Turn 3D Brain Scans into Art
Overcast-Thriving Solar Panels
National Physical Laboratory Present Cells That Require Less Light
Spinal Exercise Apps
The Straighten Up Canada App Provides Quick Exercises to Improve Posture
Animalistic Surgical Masks
Samira Boon's Animal Snout Surgical Masks are Hilariously Clever
Butterfly-Clipped Daybeds
The Trestle Bed is Supported by Freely Arranged Metal Props
Vivid Mobility Equipment
Simpati’K Set Takes a Fresh and Colorful Design to Uplift Young Patients
Sightless Transit Guides
The Station Reported Device Directs the Blind to Their Desired Buses
Molten Steel Vessels
Designer Josh Bittelli Creates 3D Objects with a Welding Gun
3D Printed Ears
Scientists Use 3D Printing to Create a Replica of a Human Ear
Instant-Printed Schnozes
The 3D-Printed Nose May Be Available for Trauma Patients Within a Year
Earphone Identifiers
The Apple ID Tags by Buoy Tags Ensure People Keep Track of Their Earbuds
Dynamic Multi-Initial Jewelry
Mymo's 3D Printed Metal Monogram Jewelry Blends Letters Together
3D-Printed Canine Prostheses
Derby the Dog Can Run Thanks to 3D-Printed Prosthetic Legs
Insect-Inspired Building Techniques
MIT Research Allows Silkworm Mimicked 3D Printed Architecture
Consumer 3D Printers
The Micro by M3D is Reliable, Consistent and Accessible
3D-Printed High-Tops
The Sneakerbot II Shoes Can Be Crumpled, Stashed Then Reshaped for Wearing
Blind Reading Devices
The Digital Reading System Translates Documents for the Visually Impaired
3D Screen Protectors
The EyeFly 3D is a Screen Protector That Entertains and Keeps Dirt Away
Customizable Athletic Prosthetics
The Versa Foot is a Custom Prosthetic Foot for Extreme Sports
Portable Diagnostic Gadgets
The rHealth Uses Blood Samples to Diagnose Diseases in Minutes
Rock Climber Prosthetic Legs
Klippa by Kai Lin Allows Disabled to Indulge Their Outdoor Passions
Retro Gaming Ear Buds
These Game Boy Headphones are Inspired by the Old School Gaming Devices
Protective Airbag Belts
The ActiveProtective Airbag Protects Seniors When They Fall
3D-Printed Bionic Ears
Scientists Have Created a Tool That Revolutionizes the Way We Listen
3D-Printed Kidneys
ACT Group and UoC Collaborated to Make a Viable 3D Kidney
Growing Leg Prosthetics
The FIT Adjustable Prosthetic Grows with Its User
Fuss-Free Tire Inflators
The Air Pot Blows Up Your Wheels With the Simple Press of a Button
Futuristic Prosthetic Limbs
The i-Limb Ultra Revolution is an Amazingly Advanced Prosthetic Device
3D-Printed Gowns
The Verlan Dress Flaunts the Ease Which Tech Has Infiltrated the Fashion Industry
Anatomical Interactive Billboards
A Campaign by Voyages Travel Agency Features Giant Body Parts
Inflatable Motorcycle Jackets
The Designers at Spidi Have Created a Suit to Prevent Neck Injuries
Mind-Controlled Prosthetics
These Prosthetic Arms Are Controlled By Amputees' Minds
Accessible Subcompact Autos
The EQUAL Concept Car Caters Specifically to Wheelchair-Bound Drivers
3D-Printed Insoles
SOLS Creates Custom Orthotics with the Help of Instant Technology
3D-Printed Heartbeat Regulators
These Artificial Heart 3D-Printed Membranes Could Save Your Life
Feminized Business Apparel
This JW Anderson Menswear Collection Boasts Androgynous Undertones
Prosthetic Musical Instruments
Prosthetic Advancements are Bringing Music Back to Amputees
Efficient Aircraft Wheelchairs
POSTA Seat Transfer Makes Travel More Comfortable to the Disabled
Stowable Airbag Backpacks
The Mammut Avalanche Airbag is Great in Winter Emergencies
Wearable Visual Guides
'GIST' is a Guide for the Visually Impaired
Brain-Operated Bionic Arms
This Mind-Controlled Prosthetic is From the Inventor of the Segway
Tattoo-Making 3D Printers
This 3D Printer Tattoo Machine Was Developed by French Design Students
DIY Free-Sourced Prosthetics
These Prosthetic Hand Designs Will Help Out Any Family in Need
Athlete-Approved Earbuds
The Sport Performance Skullcandy Earbuds Withstand Tough Workouts
Wireless Airbag Jackets
This Airbag Jacket Wirelessly Inflates From a Motorbike Control System
Curvaceous MRI Designs
These Futuristic Imaging Machines Will Transform the Ways Doctors Work
Deceptive Bandage Neck Ties
This Clever Bandage Tie Will Protect You from Mind-Numbing Day Jobs
3D-Printed Knee Replacements
The ConforMIS Implants Are Revolutionizing Knee Replacement Surgery
Portable 3D Content Cameras
The Sense 3D Scanner Turns Ordinary Objects into Printable Files
Wearable Musical Prosthetics
'Instrumented Bodies' Performs with Responsive Musical Skeletons
Blind-Assisting Glasses
These Glasses Help Visually Impaired People Navigate Their Environment
Heartbeat-Sensing Earbuds
Rumor Has it the New Apple Earbuds Will Be Your In-Ear Doctor
3D-Printed Puppet Toys
MakerBot Now Offers a Printable 3D Toy of Sesame Street's 'Snuffy'
3D-Printed Medical Braces
Andiamo Looks to Revolutionize the Way Kids Are Fitted with Orthotics
Online 3D Fossil Collections
This Free Website Tool Lets Everyone Get a Better Look at Fossils
Compact Braille Translators
This Pocket-Sized Braille Reading Device Offers Endless Possibilities
Powerful Waterproof Headphones
The Waterfi Short Cord Headphones Can Be Submerged Up to Ten Feet
Intricately 3D-Printed Gear Sculptures
Proxy Design Firm Will Reinvent Limitations of 3D Printing
3D Printed Back Braces
This Fashionable and Personalized Scoliosis Brace is Targeted Towards Teens
3D-Printed Skull Implants
A Patient Had 75 Percent of Their Skull Replaced in Pioneering Procedure
3D Printed Wooden Recliners
This Chaise Was Made Using 44 3D-Printed Composite Materials
Radio-Hijacking Ambulances
The 'Radio Ambulance' Broadcasts Emergency Messages to Drivers
Suspended 3D Aerial Printers
The MX3D-Metal Will Be Able to Print Metal Pieces Out of Thin Air
Beacon Navigation Technology
Sightcompass is a Beacon Tool for the Visually Impaired
3D-Printed Jaws
This 3D-Printed Jaw Was Made For An Indian Cancer Patient
3D Blooming Bandeaus
This Flower Top from Romwe Will Get You Though the Winter
3D-Printed Crab Shells
These Beautiful and Intricate Hermit Crab Shelters are Made of Plastic
Blind-Friendly Mobile Phones
The 3D-Printed OwnFone is Equipped with Braille Buttons
3D Printed Voice Sculptures
This Obama Speech Art Explores Tech Advances
Functional Fashion Footwear
Phillip Vasyli Spoke with Trend Hunter About Vionic Technology
Kitschy Bear Headphones
These Adorable Earbud Designs are Shaped Like Little Teddy Toys
Mind-Controlled Prosthetics
This Prosthetic Arm Attaches Directly to Patients' Skeletons