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Biomedical Imaging Service

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Biomedical Imaging Service

CT or MRI Scans converted to 3D Printable CAD

Utilising specialty software, 3D Systems Asia-Pacific’s trained engineers are able to convert CT or MRI scans into an anatomically correct 3D CAD format, ready to print into a 3D model. Patient data is able to be converted into a STL format to allow users to benefit from 3D printing solutions to medical problems. 3D Systems Asia-Pacific can customize every aspect of the 3D model, from colour and finish, to selective cross sections and creative data interpretations.

3D Systems Asia-Pacific's Additive Manufacturing Technologies

3D Systems leverages its extensive in-house Additive Manufacturing technologies to deliver the customer a model in a variety of materials, opacities and finishes that are custom tailored to the customer’s unique requirements. We offer the following technologies for the printing of 3D models.

PolyJet^™ technology
Polyjet models are widely used in many medical modeling applications because of their high accuracy, fast build time, and ease of model sterilaztion. The models are also highly resilient enabling drilling and fixing of screws and model plates in a similar way to human bone tissue.

Furthermore, support removal that preserves thin and delicate structres, as well as the lack of an after-production step that can degrade the model surface, make it possible to build complex models of human anatomical structures even more delicate than bone, such as blood vessels.

Another area Polyjet technology is renowned for is the ability to print two distinctly different materials simultaneously.

"I was particularly impressed with the model fabrication's turnaround time. This is the finest example of technology driving the globalization of health care" ....stated by Jon P. Bradrick, DDS, Associate Professor, Director Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, MetroHealth Medical Centre.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
SLS technology allows for unlimited complexity, internal and external. The tough nylon takes the rigors of surgical planning, testing and cutting admirably, and also imparts a slight light diffusive quality to parts, much in the way real bone does.

To discuss the best technology for your needs, speak to one of 3D Systems Asia-Pacific’s trained technicians - call 1800 839 199.

Biomedical Applications:

Applications

Description

SURGICAL BIOMODELS

Physical replicas of patient’s internal bone or soft-tissue structures are useful to medical professionals for planning complex surgical procedures and deciding on the best course of action. Some of the proven benefits of this technology are - a reduction in surgery time (less exposure to anesthetics for patients) and a more predictable outcome.

Typically, surgeons that use models to plan for bone reconstructive surgery, specialize in neurosurgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, spine surgery, orthopedic surgery and otolaryngology (ENT surgery).

See above Case Study - SLS technology helps Surgeons change faces (Australian Craniofacial Unit)

MEDICAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Rapid Prototyping (RP) models have been used in medical applications for many years. Because of the complexity of CT data, the automated and deskilled form of production provided by RP makes it an excellent choice for generating products based on patient data. RP fabrication has been used in the following medical applications:

Surgical and diagnostic aids
Prosthetics and medical product development
manufacturing
tissue engineering

NATURAL SCIENCES

Materialise image:
Animal anatomy

Using Mimics software to convert CT/MRI scans into 3D CAD provides many opportunities in the field of natural sciences, for example:

Understanding animal anatomy
Researching mummy pathology
Studying 3D models of technical parts derived from CT scans such as historic musical instruments or engine blocks
Modeling the surface of the planet Mars

Scanning technology can help reveal findings inside bones that are otherwise invisible to the eye. Printing parts from CT images of fossils makes it dramatically easier and faster to reconstruct the placement of skeletal parts,

ART & SCULPTURE

Maria Fernanda Cardoso - Objet 3D model

Talented artists in the Art & Scuplture precinct are pushing the boundries with new manufacturing technology.

Artist - Maria Fernanda Cardoso is well known for her unconventional use of materials and her ability to embrace new technology, her work is exhibited in major museums and galleries in the Australia, US, Latin America, Europe.

The Microsculptures (left image), printed by Formero’s Objet 3-D technology have been described as complex and intricate organic and formally beautiful objects, a technological, scientific and artistic feat presented for the first time to the public to admire.

Maria has been collaborating with the Australian Museum Electromicroscopy unit microscopist, as well as with the private sector in order to make her intricate microscultptures utilizing some of the latest technologies in computer 3-D modeling.

View

CASE STUDIES

Developing an Innovative Medical Device

Formero accelerating your products to market

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