07/17/2026
🚀
This week we're sharing re:3D Thermoformable Splints—a family of flat-printed, thermoformable splints and immobilizers designed for rapid, low-resource fabrication in disaster and relief settings.
Download the files and learn more—links are in the comments.
Each part prints flat, is warmed in hot water, with a heat gun, or another suitable heat source, then molded directly to the wearer. The open lattice design is lightweight and breathable.
Inspired by the recent humanitarian efforts of the maker community responding to the earthquakes in Venezuela.
Included in this system:
• Wrist Splint — stabilization for the wrist
• Finger Splints (long and mid section) — stabilization for fingers
• Knee Immobilizer — limits knee flexion and keeps the joint extended
Files included:
• STEP files for direct printing or CAD import
• Original Rhino file for editing and remixing
• Grasshopper (GH) definition used to generate consistent strut thickness across the system
The Grasshopper definition was built with help from the Reer AI plug-in. Thank you to the Reer AI team for making this parametric workflow possible.
Intended purpose
These splints are designed only for temporary stabilization while proper medical care is being sought or is delayed, such as in disaster and relief settings. They are not a substitute for a professionally applied cast, brace, or other medical treatment.
How to use
Print flat, heat until pliable using warm water, a heat gun, or another suitable heat source, then mold to the limb. Secure using bandages or straps through the slots. When appropriate, use padding beneath the splint and reheat and reform as swelling changes.
Skin & burn safety 🩹
Protect open wounds or sensitive skin before thermoforming, and always ensure the material has cooled to a safe temperature before application.
Inspiration & Credit
The Wrist Splint was re-derived using Ostec3D's splint as an ergonomic reference, originally shared with the 3D printing community for earthquake relief in Venezuela. While the fit follows thumb-spica anatomical requirements, the lattice and internal structure are re:3D's own, developed for specific post-thermoforming stiffness behavior.
Thank you to Ostec3D for the inspiration and for leading the way.
License
Released free for non-commercial and humanitarian use (CC BY-NC). Please keep credit to Ostec3D intact in any re-share. If you adapt or redistribute these files, please attribute both re:3D and Ostec3D.
Other ways to help ♥️
Printing is only one way to support earthquake relief in Venezuela. Follow PrintForHelp for current relief needs and consider donating to Cáritas de Venezuela, which is providing aid directly to affected families.
Disclaimer 🚨🚨🚨Not medical devices. For temporary stabilization only. Seek professional medical care before use.
Ostec3D:
https://ow.ly/QnWV50Zp7t0
Engine-4 Foundation:
https://ow.ly/8AEJ50Zp7t1
Printforhelp:
https://ow.ly/Yuoz50Zp7sY
Caritas Venezuela:
https://ow.ly/S6IX50Zp7sZ
