3D Printing
What is it?
3D printing or additive manifacturing is the deposition of raw-matter layer by layer, in order to obtain a final product.
At BioArchitects our printers use liquid polymer resins, which are deposited and cured by UV light. This type of printing enables the mixing of several materials, so it is possible to create products in many colors and textures (by mixing flexible and rigid resins).
Printing Methods
FDM
The FDM Printing (fused deposition modeling) consists in the extrusion of molten material that is laid down in layers. Once the material cools, it hardens again.
Polyjet
This method used liquid resins that are deposited and cured my UV light. With this technology it is possible to create multicolored products with many textures.
Titanium
Titanium printing, also known as EBM (electron beam melting) consists in the deposition of titanium powder that is welded by an electron beam.
Possibilities
colors, textures, hardenesses
We use rigid and flexible resins, that are combined to reach several colors and hardnesses, this way we can make products that mimic the patient’s anatomy and also teaching models in specific colors.
Why 3D printing?
By being made layer by layer, the 3D printing product can be shaped in ways impossible to be reached by other technologies, such as the trabecular bone.
Besides that, this method enables mass customization, so we can create custom products, with no need for molding or large scale orders.
How are AnatomicModels made?
Medical Imaging
Using CT scans and MRI images, we reconstruct the 3D images and create a digital version of the patient.
Segmentation
Then, we select the area of interest in a process called segmentation, selecting tissues such as bones, skin, muscles and etc.
3D Printing
With this data, we work on the image, adding color and texture to the structures. Once this is finished, we start the printing process.
Printing of an AnatomicModel of a Heart
This AnatomicModel was divided in two parts, at the physician’s request, for a better visualization on the internal structures. The printing process lasted 12 hours.
