Materials database for 3D printed multi-materials anatomical models

Abstract

This project set to generate and investigate on a pool of data then cater for anatomical models fabrication in the future. With the uprising of additive manufacturing, more advanced and detailed anatomical could be made, this could replace the current cadaver’s that medical institute are using. As anatomical model was complicated, an extensive variety of prints has to be carried out and undergo several testing to identify the best suitable material setting for each human body parts. This set of data will be a useful guideline for future printing parameters, templates for each specific human organ group. Specimens that are carefully designed based on dimension from actual cadavers were printed. They undergo several tests to obtain data. Graph and spreadsheets were also used to identify patterns and trends among the specimens. The projects also study the relationship of shore hardness the actual prints and calculation to enable user to be able to predict actual hardness of models prior to printing. Based on the clinical survey results, relationship was drawn between the specimens and human organs to identify suitable inputs parameters to fabricate consistent and optimised anatomical models. Organ printing recommendation were developed in this project and will be aid in future printing. In the past, the color of a model printed with a combination of materials is always unknown until the model is fabricated, with the color data from this project, the user may select the desire color prior to printing to prevent waiting time and trial and error. It is found that several specimens display prominent properties and color similar to organs and the input to this properties can be traced. These findings would be compiled into an array to make a better selection process for multimaterial anatomical replicas. The library would be easier to match the haptic feedback and colour blend of these models to that of the actual cadaver or human body consistently and it would be particularly useful in optimising quality and consistent of printed anatomical model in the future.