# Custom-Printed Bandages Temple University Developed a Method for Making 3D-Printed Bandages By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-04-13 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-bandages References: [3ders.org](http://www.3ders.org/articles/20180410-temple-researchers-3d-print-personalized-bandages-for-improved-comfort-and-faster-healing.html) & [temple-news](https://temple-news.com/professor-develops-individual-3d-printed-bandages/) Thanks to constantly evolving developments in the world of [additive manufacturing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinting-resin), one-size-fits-all bandages have the potential to be phased out and replaced by highly personalized 3D-printed bandages. Researchers from the bio-engineering department at Philadelphia's Temple University have developed a new method of making 3D-printed bandages with a [custom 3D printer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personomic-saddle). Unlike the protective strips of materials that are sold in pharmacies, which can be awkward to apply to some injuries, the flexible, lightweight 3D-printed bandages can be printed directly onto a patient's skin for a perfectly natural fit. As such, these solutions are not only comfortable but speed up the healing process. As part of its work, the research team has also developed a handheld version of the custom-built 3D printer that has the potential to be available for commercial applications in the future. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Personalized Bandages:** The development of 3D-printed bandages allows for highly personalized solutions, fitting perfectly to a patient's injury for improved comfort and faster healing. - **Additive Manufacturing:** The advancements in additive manufacturing enable the production of custom bandages with flexible and lightweight materials, leading to innovative medical applications. - **On-skin Printing:** The ability to 3D print bandages directly onto a patient's skin offers convenient and effective wound care, bypassing the need for traditional bandage application methods. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Healthcare:** The healthcare industry can leverage 3D printing technology to create personalized bandages that optimize patient care and healing outcomes. - **Additive Manufacturing:** The additive manufacturing industry can explore opportunities in the production of custom medical devices, such as 3D-printed bandages, for the healthcare sector. - **Medical Technology:** Medical technology companies can develop handheld 3D printing devices for commercial applications, offering convenience and accessibility in the healthcare field. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Connected Monitoring Bandages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wound-bandage.md) - [3D Medicine Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doserx1.md) - [App-Customized Arm Braces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/appcustomized-arm-braces-the-brace-elbow-brace-by-nils-sorger-is-3d-printed.md) - [3D Printed Medical Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vsp-bolus.md) - [Fruit-Adorned Adhesive Bandages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adhesive-bandage.md) - [Patented 3D-Printed Bone Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/p3d-bone.md) - [Artful Bandage Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-met-x-bandaid.md) - [Healing Transparent Skin Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/psoriasis-prescription-patches.md) - [3D-Printed Bone Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bellaseno.md)