Scientists from TU Delft and Boston University presented a high-tech replacement for plaster

Soon, people with fractures will be able to wash properly and will not experience any attendant inconvenience - all thanks to the new development of scientists from TU Delft and Boston University.



Gypsum does not allow the skin to breathe, which can lead to irritation and disease. Therefore, researchers from TU Delft and Boston University have developed a porous cast that will be more comfortable for the patient's skin due to improved air circulation.



Scientists use an infrared camera for heat sensitivity analysis. The obtained data is processed to form a heat map for a specific part of the body. The program then creates a digital 3D model of the impression for printing a mesh-porous structure, which has openings of different diameters for the passage of air.



Such holes in ordinary plaster will lead to deterioration of mechanical strength. However, in this case, the material for 3D printing is selected on the basis of indicators of lightness and flexibility.



Water resistance is another important characteristic of it, because you cannot take a shower with ordinary plaster. Taking into account these parameters, the scientists printed a copy using the Ultimaker FDM printer. According to Professor Charlie Wang from TU Delft, this is the first orthopedic development that will provide maximum patient comfort.



“Personalized porous compounds printed on a 3D printer offer patients comfort through optimal air circulation. The development so far exists only at the prototype stage, and we will continue testing, ”said Wang.



Test results will be demonstrated at the ACM Symposium on Software and User Interface Technologies this year in Quebec.