-New 3D modeling software includes haptic 3D stylus to provide ‘Design You Can Touch’
-Complements existing CAD systems for more powerful workflows
-Makes 3D printing of any design file simple and seamless
ROCK HILL, South Carolina, October 29, 2014 – 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced today the immediate availability of its new Geomagic®SculptTM 3D modeling software with TouchTM haptic 3D stylus. Geomagic® Sculpt erases the boundaries of solid modeling, empowering the freedom of designing complex, curvy and organic shapes.
With precise positioning input and instant force feedback that mimics the sense of physical sculpting, the Touch 3D stylus adds the ability to literally feel what is being created. Touch uses the power of haptics to allow users to feel every shape, every texture and every curve in design creations. Together, they are the most intuitive way to design functional and beautiful products, and enhance existing product design workflows.
Watch Scotty Ziegler, master designer, artist, and inventor, use Geomagic Sculpt and Touch to bring his ideas to reality.
Geomagic® Sculpt with Touch 3D Stylus Features:
Virtual Clay Modeling – Harness the power of virtual clay to easily create exquisitely complex and organic forms. Enjoy the ability to tug, ridge, emboss and form just like real clay. Unlock intuitive design potential when you can feel the model using the Touch.
Seamlessly Beautify Your CAD Models – Geomagic Sculpt works alongside your current CAD software, so you can design like never before while working within established workflows. Geomagic Sculpt completes your design suite by adding unconstrained geometry to your existing 3D modeling tools.
Multi-representational Design Freedom – Geomagic Sculpt is the only software that combines the benefits of voxel modeling and Sub Divisional (SubD) surface modeling with dimension-driven sketch tools. You can create exactly the geometry you envision, using constraints where you need to and omitting them where you don’t.
Incredible Detailing Tools – Fine tune even the smallest elements and make your products stand out. Geomagic Sculpt lets you bake textures of any complexity into virtual clay and perfect them for the ideal look and feel. Design flourishes, which are often impossible in CAD, are simple to do in Sculpt – just import any image and go.
3D Print Ready – Always be ready for 3D printing with Geomagic Sculpt’s voxel-based modeling engine. Coupled with its automatic 3D printability analysis, Geomagic Sculpt lets you optimize designs on the fly for printing and will even check for common printability issues like feature size and proximity, flagging them so you can make changes before you print.
Geomagic Sculpt with the included Touch 3D stylus is priced at $3,900 USD and is available immediately through 3DS’ resellers of Geomagic software. A free trial of the software is also available at www.geomagic.com/en/products/sculpt/overview/.
Learn more about 3DS’ commitment to manufacturing the future today at www.3dsystems.com.
https://objexunlimited.com/objexunlimited/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2014_Sculpt_banner_640x440.jpg440640Objex Unlimitedhttps://objexunlimited.com/objexunlimited/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/OBJEX_LOGO_WHITE_17-copy-300x153.pngObjex Unlimited2014-10-30 16:18:392015-02-23 12:50:173D Systems Delivers Entirely New Design Freedoms with Launch of Geomagic® Sculpt and Touch
We have entered the next manufacturing revolution, and here is the proof. Using 3D printing to build a rapid prototype, the guys at WHYcase were able to go from concept to final product in less than 7 days. Watch the video below to see how they did it!
WHYcase for iPhone 6 | Let’s Start A Manufacturing Revolution
The product they made was a case for the iPhone 6. Since the phone was announced in September to be released later in the month, the guys at WHYcase challenged themselves to make a product to serve the demand for all those brand new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Pluses.
WHYcase used 3D scanning to obtain a very precise iPhone 6 CAD design. The case was then built around the design and printed on a Direct Metal printer. The 3D printed metal is then polished to a nice smooth finish, as the original print is rough and not smooth enough to be used as a commercial mould.
Could this be used for your next project? Do you have an idea that can utilize this rapid prototyping technology? Can your company utilize 3D Scanning or Direct Metal Laser Sintering in your manufacturing process? Let’s arrange a short time to discuss how these technologies can work in your favour!
https://objexunlimited.com/objexunlimited/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/1413248783785.jpeg8451500Objex Unlimitedhttps://objexunlimited.com/objexunlimited/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/OBJEX_LOGO_WHITE_17-copy-300x153.pngObjex Unlimited2014-10-20 17:19:332015-03-27 12:24:28Idea to End-Product in 7 Days Flat: WHYcase for iPhone 6 | Let’s Start A Manufacturing Revolution
Objex Unlimited is happy to announce the arrival of the 3D Systems CubePro line of printers, including the CubePro, CubePro Duo, and CubePro Trio. We tend to deal a lot more in the Professional and Production realm of 3D Printing technologies here at Objex Unlimited, however, we were quite intent on receiving our first order of CubePros early September to test out.
The CubePro line of 3D Printers falls into the Prosumer price bracket of Plastic Jet 3D printers, with the upcoming Cube 3 to represent the Consumer price level. While printers at this price point can be very hit or miss with the parts they create (more often a miss than a hit), CubePro has quite a few features that put it ahead of the competition. Additionally, even if you own a production level FDM printer, it’s always beneficial to have a machine with lower material and operating cost to experiment with in the office space. On this front, the CubePro delivers as an affordable and functional office printer for handling basic to intermediate plastic 3D Prints.
A front shot of the CubePro Trio.
Key Features
The new CubePro models have a couple of key features that put them ahead of the competition:
Fully-enclosed, heated build chamber.
High-detail prints, with a layer resolution up to 70 microns.
Build platform size of 10 3/4 x 10 3/4 x 9 1/2 inches (275 x 265 x 240 mm).
Prints PLA, ABS and nylon (coming soon) materials, with the ability to have different materials in the same print.
25 different colours available for each material.
Available with single, dual or triple print jets.
Stabilized print mechanics, easy setup, wireless connectivity, and fast print speed.
After some issues with warping and edge curling with the CubePro’s predecessor, the CubeX, we were partially excited, partially nervous about what to expect with the latest from Cubify. And while there is always some finesse required with getting excellent FDM 3D Prints, we can finally say with confidence that 3D Systems has managed to improve upon many, if not all, of these issues.
Enclosed, Heated Build Chamber
The older CubeX had an open concept, allowing both cool air (and human limbs, for that matter) to enter the build chamber during print operations. Not only is this a potential hazard, but a closed heated chamber drastically helps with the dreaded ABS peeling and warping issues. When a gust of cool air hits the first layers of your print and begin to cool it down, the difference in temperature of the hot plastic being extruded on top is apt for causing warping, mainly seen on the edges of the print curling off the print bed. Luckily, the CubePro boasts an enclosed, heated build chamber, addressing the major issues of the CubeX. We’ve also been quite impressed with the 70 micron setting, and the extra fine detail setting, both of which will heavily affect build times but will give a very impressive, smooth finish.
Software
Which brings us to software. The included CubePro software is easy-to-use and quite intuitive. While we have yet to get wi-fi printing working on our office network, loading files onto the USB key works well enough. Although the CubePro software won’t give you quite as much options to tweak your build as the open source printers, such as a Rep-Rap, it does include options for layer resolution, overall build strength, infill pattern, fill spacing, bottom and top layer heights, and outer wall thickness.
Summary
Pros:
Great FDM (plastic jet) printing at the price point.
Higher layer resolution than other FDM printers on the market.
Large build platform.
Relatively user-friendly compared to similar printers on the market.
Lots of material choices, with more to come!
Cons:
Will not print as well as production level FDM printers (nor should it be expected to at a fraction of the price).
As with all FDM, some experimenting necessary to get the hang of the machine.
3rd-party material not supported (3D Systems claims this is to control inferior filament getting put through the extruder and potentially harming the CubePro).
Subscribe to the Objex Blog! 3D Printing tips for the CubePro, among other 3D Printers, to come shortly.
https://objexunlimited.com/objexunlimited/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/OBJEX_LOGO_WHITE_17-copy-300x153.png00Objex Unlimitedhttps://objexunlimited.com/objexunlimited/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/OBJEX_LOGO_WHITE_17-copy-300x153.pngObjex Unlimited2014-10-15 16:51:012019-01-24 18:18:06CubePro Available to Order! Here’s our review.
Medical 3D Prints are drastically changing how Doctors interact with their patients, as we begin to see just how useful a true 3D model is in getting across information to patients and other doctors. Jason Kirk, a Drexel University student, recently completed his Master’s Thesis on the topic, demonstrating the potential of 3D printed models in doctor’s office. Jason published his findings in a video, entitled 3D Printed Cardiac Imaging Data. You can watch the video below:
Objex Unlimited not only offers the service of printing 3D medical models from CT Scans or CAD files (see our 3D Printed CT scan of a human heart below), but we’ve also been working to improve the methods to deliver effective 3D Printed medical models. If you are interested in hearing more about our 3D printing services and to see some samples of our work please don’t hesitate to contact us.
CT Scan of Human Heart (Monochrome) – Objex Unlimited. Printed on a ProJet 4500.
“The basic question that he tackled was “is there value for surgeons and their patients in reviewing 3D printed anatomy replicas?” Kirk notes that in the past, surgeons used such things as X-rays, drawings, CT imaging and computer animation when communicating with their patients regarding anatomy issues. Today, however, most surgeons agreed that those methods limit the discussion to basic two dimensional representations, “which frequently confused complex spatial relationships.”
3D Model of Human Heart Use for Printing
During the video Kirk provides insight into the process of preparing 3D anatomy replicas. Initially, the healthcare professional begins with patient specific CT scan data which serves as the basis for developing the 3D replica. He indicates that patient specific data is then used in conjunction with a software program called “MiMiC.” By using the software program, he is able to prepare the model and isolate the area of interest, in this case the heart muscle.
The software allows the computer to save the graphic details of the model. It is then ready to complete using a polyjet 3D printer. This type of printer works by depositing layer after layer of liquid resin. This portion of the model is allowed to cure for 24 hours. The model is then removed from the printer and inspected for any errors. Once complete, a digital model can be used, as is, or with further editing to create a 3D stylized physical object. It is printed in two sections so it can provide a visual representation of the heart that allows for internal and external views without compromising either.
Additionally, Kirk obtained input from a panel of cardiac experts, including cardiovascular surgeons, radiologists, and researchers from the Mayo Clinic, Hahnemann University Hospital as well as Drexel University College of Medicine. The goal of the interviews was to determine if a 3D printed cardiac anatomy replica could be used to facilitate doctor-patient communications by providing a supplemental decision making aid.
3D Printed Heart Model
His research indicated “Cardiac anatomy replicas can be used to facilitate Doctor/Patient communication and supplement contemporary visualization techniques by providing accurate three dimensional data which offers additional haptic and spatial feedback specific to the patient’s anatomy and pathology.”
Or stated another way, Kirk determined that in order to overcome the limitations of two dimensional presentations, one needs to combine patient centered healthcare, patient specific imaging data, and additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing; to assist empowered doctors to better communicate with their patients. Ultimately, this should lead to better, and more informed decisions.
Kirk’s thesis would appear to offer additional support for the idea that patients who have the ability to observe 3D anatomy replicas of affected organs gain a better understanding of the issues involved. Replicas that are based on patient specific data afford the best opportunity for meaningful dialog.”
https://objexunlimited.com/objexunlimited/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/OBJEX_LOGO_WHITE_17-copy-300x153.png00Objex Unlimitedhttps://objexunlimited.com/objexunlimited/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/OBJEX_LOGO_WHITE_17-copy-300x153.pngObjex Unlimited2014-08-08 20:07:122019-01-24 18:18:07How 3D Medical Printing is Changing How Doctors interact with their Patients
Originally published on 3dprint.com. By MERITXELL GARCIA SEIN-ECHALUCE
During the recent 3D Systems’ 2014 Investor & Analyst Day, one of the key issues addressed was the new frontiers in medical technology. At 3D Systems, healthcare appears to be the fastest growing market. The management team stated its plans to build up its leadership in this field. The company plans to invest and expand its virtual surgical planning (VSP®) capabilities, broaden its range of implants and surgical tool manufacturing and develop new personalized medical devices, such as the recently introduced bespoke scoliosis brace.
In April, 3D Systems announced the acquisition of Medical Modeling, a leading provider of personalized surgical treatments and patient specific medical devices, including virtual surgical planning (VSP®). The VSP is a service-based approach to personalized surgery that combines expertise in medical imaging, surgical simulation and additive manufacturing. It allows for planning maxillofacial surgical procedures in a virtual environment and transferring that plan to the patient using innovative models, templates and surgical guides manufactured with 3D printers. Recently, it was used by Dr. Oren Tepper, Assistant Professor of Surgery at New York’s Montefiore Medical Center and a pioneer in virtual surgical planning. He performed surgery on a 3-week-old girl named Jayla Vargas who had difficulty breathing due to her tiny jaw. Traditionally, in such cases, she would have had to wait 6 years until she was large enough for the operation. However, with the help of VSP technology, Dr. Tepper successfully fixed Jayla’s jaw.
At the Investor & Analyst Day, Dr. Oren Tepper was the guest speaker and he discussed the current uses and future applications of 3D printing in plastic surgery. Dr. Oren Tepper explained how technology is important in plastic surgery as creativity and innovation are involved in building, restoring and renovating the human body. Therefore, practitioners embrace this technology. Over the last several years, training and skills have been the key points in technical innovation related to plastic surgery. Advanced techniques have been used and cutting edge technology has been incorporated. For the moment, all of these advancements are focused on the operating room itself. Nonetheless, this technology is bringing greater planning and precision to operating rooms, enabling surgeons to perform successful operations that were previously impossible.
At the moment, 3D Systems and Medical Modeling has had a tremendous impact on bone reconstruction, but it is still a relatively small impact in the field. The untapped potential, especially in soft tissue reconstruction, is enormous.
“This technology eliminates surprises, minimizes complications and improves the precision of surgery.”
According to the doctor, the first real advancement was the CT scanner, which allowed plastic surgeons to look at bodies via the CT scans. Next, the skull was 3D printed so it could be used as a reference. The process started building stereolithographic models of the skulls so it was possible to study them in any direction and to practice surgery. That was the first generation, just printing the existing anatomy of the patient. Now, it is possible to plan a surgery on a computer for surgical simulation. Therefore, surgeons can move the bone structures where they want them to be and they can develop on the computer and 3D print guides and jigs which they sterilize and bring to the operating room.
The first study about virtual surgical planning and printing was published 5 years ago. Regarding facial fractures, Dr. Tepper used an example at the conference of a lower jaw fractured in multiple pieces, on a young woman named Jayla. Due to limited exposure of the surgeon and the lack of reference points, it was difficult to put the jaw back together. The phases to follow during the process of reconstruction are:
Phase 1. Virtual planning: Reduce fracture and establish occlusion on the computer.
Phase 2. Modeling: Create jigs and guides that can be taken to the operating room.
Phase 3. Surgering. Place the 3D printed jigs on the patient in the operating room and use them to put the facial fractures together.
Phase 4. Analysis: Achieve what doctors have automatically set out to do surgically.
Regarding Jayla’s operation, Dr. Tepper emphasized that the procedure used was safer and cheaper than the traditional practice, a tracheostomy, which is a surgically created opening in the windpipe to allow proper breathing. However, virtual surgical planning is only used on a small percentage of operations today. When asked about the challenges he faced and the solutions that he came up with, Dr. Tepper highlighted four reasons why 3D printing was so useful to him in the operating room:
The device size. He wasn’t sure if the device was small enough that it would fit under the lower jaw but this technology solved that problem.
The underdevelopment of the patient’s bone. Jayla’s bone was so under developed that he needed to place the device exactly at the same parallel vector. Again, thanks to this computer technology he could perfectly do just that.
The critical structures. The lower jaw is not just simply made of bone. Thanks to the computer, it was possible to identify the different structures and stay away from those critical structures.
The bone width. This technology allowed him to predict the size of the bone so he knew exactly where to place the device.
Dr. Tepper believes in the technology’s future growth potential as it will make the existing infrastructure better and faster and it will represent a tremendous opportunity in expanding markets. At the moment, there is no communication between plastic surgeons and 3D printing companies. On the contrary, it is an opportunity for real time communication so that companies like 3D Systems could have a role in the operating room. Dr. Tepper affirmed that surgeons will one day look back on non-VSP procedures as crude and primitive.
https://objexunlimited.com/objexunlimited/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/OBJEX_LOGO_WHITE_17-copy-300x153.png00Objex Unlimitedhttps://objexunlimited.com/objexunlimited/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/OBJEX_LOGO_WHITE_17-copy-300x153.pngObjex Unlimited2014-07-31 20:33:292015-03-27 12:24:08How 3D Systems’ Medical Modeling Is Changing the Operating Room for the Better
Visit St. Basil Cathedral from the safety of your desk.
Russia’s famous St. Basil’s Cathedral. Printed on a 3D Systems ProJet® 4500. How does it compare to the real thing?
To learn how we can help you with your next project, don’t hesitate to request a quote. We’ll help make your ideas a reality.
Objex Unlimited 3D Printing Studio Toronto’s 3D Printing and 3D Service Experts
Objex Unlimited is your resource for everything 3D.
We take great pride in the services we provide, and will find the best 3D printing solution for you. We will work with you to complete your project and reach your goals ahead of schedule.
Our talented and diverse staff deliver high-quality, industry-leading results. Our commitment is to fulfill your project needs within budget and on-time.
3D Systems Delivers Entirely New Design Freedoms with Launch of Geomagic® Sculpt and Touch
-New 3D modeling software includes haptic 3D stylus to provide ‘Design You Can Touch’
-Complements existing CAD systems for more powerful workflows
-Makes 3D printing of any design file simple and seamless
ROCK HILL, South Carolina, October 29, 2014 – 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced today the immediate availability of its new Geomagic®SculptTM 3D modeling software with TouchTM haptic 3D stylus. Geomagic® Sculpt erases the boundaries of solid modeling, empowering the freedom of designing complex, curvy and organic shapes.
With precise positioning input and instant force feedback that mimics the sense of physical sculpting, the Touch 3D stylus adds the ability to literally feel what is being created. Touch uses the power of haptics to allow users to feel every shape, every texture and every curve in design creations. Together, they are the most intuitive way to design functional and beautiful products, and enhance existing product design workflows.
Watch Scotty Ziegler, master designer, artist, and inventor, use Geomagic Sculpt and Touch to bring his ideas to reality.
Geomagic® Sculpt with Touch 3D Stylus Features:
Virtual Clay Modeling – Harness the power of virtual clay to easily create exquisitely complex and organic forms. Enjoy the ability to tug, ridge, emboss and form just like real clay. Unlock intuitive design potential when you can feel the model using the Touch.
Seamlessly Beautify Your CAD Models – Geomagic Sculpt works alongside your current CAD software, so you can design like never before while working within established workflows. Geomagic Sculpt completes your design suite by adding unconstrained geometry to your existing 3D modeling tools.
Multi-representational Design Freedom – Geomagic Sculpt is the only software that combines the benefits of voxel modeling and Sub Divisional (SubD) surface modeling with dimension-driven sketch tools. You can create exactly the geometry you envision, using constraints where you need to and omitting them where you don’t.
Incredible Detailing Tools – Fine tune even the smallest elements and make your products stand out. Geomagic Sculpt lets you bake textures of any complexity into virtual clay and perfect them for the ideal look and feel. Design flourishes, which are often impossible in CAD, are simple to do in Sculpt – just import any image and go.
3D Print Ready – Always be ready for 3D printing with Geomagic Sculpt’s voxel-based modeling engine. Coupled with its automatic 3D printability analysis, Geomagic Sculpt lets you optimize designs on the fly for printing and will even check for common printability issues like feature size and proximity, flagging them so you can make changes before you print.
Geomagic Sculpt with the included Touch 3D stylus is priced at $3,900 USD and is available immediately through 3DS’ resellers of Geomagic software. A free trial of the software is also available at www.geomagic.com/en/products/sculpt/overview/.
Learn more about 3DS’ commitment to manufacturing the future today at www.3dsystems.com.
Idea to End-Product in 7 Days Flat: WHYcase for iPhone 6 | Let’s Start A Manufacturing Revolution
We have entered the next manufacturing revolution, and here is the proof. Using 3D printing to build a rapid prototype, the guys at WHYcase were able to go from concept to final product in less than 7 days. Watch the video below to see how they did it!
WHYcase for iPhone 6 | Let’s Start A Manufacturing Revolution
The product they made was a case for the iPhone 6. Since the phone was announced in September to be released later in the month, the guys at WHYcase challenged themselves to make a product to serve the demand for all those brand new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Pluses.
WHYcase used 3D scanning to obtain a very precise iPhone 6 CAD design. The case was then built around the design and printed on a Direct Metal printer. The 3D printed metal is then polished to a nice smooth finish, as the original print is rough and not smooth enough to be used as a commercial mould.
Could this be used for your next project? Do you have an idea that can utilize this rapid prototyping technology? Can your company utilize 3D Scanning or Direct Metal Laser Sintering in your manufacturing process? Let’s arrange a short time to discuss how these technologies can work in your favour!
CubePro Available to Order! Here’s our review.
Objex Unlimited is happy to announce the arrival of the 3D Systems CubePro line of printers, including the CubePro, CubePro Duo, and CubePro Trio. We tend to deal a lot more in the Professional and Production realm of 3D Printing technologies here at Objex Unlimited, however, we were quite intent on receiving our first order of CubePros early September to test out.
Prosumer Plastic Jet/Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) Printing
A front shot of the CubePro Trio.
Key Features
Enclosed, Heated Build Chamber
The older CubeX had an open concept, allowing both cool air (and human limbs, for that matter) to enter the build chamber during print operations. Not only is this a potential hazard, but a closed heated chamber drastically helps with the dreaded ABS peeling and warping issues. When a gust of cool air hits the first layers of your print and begin to cool it down, the difference in temperature of the hot plastic being extruded on top is apt for causing warping, mainly seen on the edges of the print curling off the print bed. Luckily, the CubePro boasts an enclosed, heated build chamber, addressing the major issues of the CubeX. We’ve also been quite impressed with the 70 micron setting, and the extra fine detail setting, both of which will heavily affect build times but will give a very impressive, smooth finish.
Software
Which brings us to software. The included CubePro software is easy-to-use and quite intuitive. While we have yet to get wi-fi printing working on our office network, loading files onto the USB key works well enough. Although the CubePro software won’t give you quite as much options to tweak your build as the open source printers, such as a Rep-Rap, it does include options for layer resolution, overall build strength, infill pattern, fill spacing, bottom and top layer heights, and outer wall thickness.
Summary
Pros:
Cons:
Subscribe to the Objex Blog! 3D Printing tips for the CubePro, among other 3D Printers, to come shortly.
How 3D Medical Printing is Changing How Doctors interact with their Patients
Medical 3D Prints are drastically changing how Doctors interact with their patients, as we begin to see just how useful a true 3D model is in getting across information to patients and other doctors. Jason Kirk, a Drexel University student, recently completed his Master’s Thesis on the topic, demonstrating the potential of 3D printed models in doctor’s office. Jason published his findings in a video, entitled 3D Printed Cardiac Imaging Data. You can watch the video below:
3D Printed Cardiac Imaging Data from Jason Kirk on Vimeo.
Objex Unlimited not only offers the service of printing 3D medical models from CT Scans or CAD files (see our 3D Printed CT scan of a human heart below), but we’ve also been working to improve the methods to deliver effective 3D Printed medical models. If you are interested in hearing more about our 3D printing services and to see some samples of our work please don’t hesitate to contact us.
CT Scan of Human Heart (Monochrome) – Objex Unlimited. Printed on a ProJet 4500.
For further reading, below is an excerpt from the article published about the thesis project on 3Dprint.com by Michael Moody called How Patient Specific 3D Printed Organ Replicas Help Patients Reach Informed Decisions.
“The basic question that he tackled was “is there value for surgeons and their patients in reviewing 3D printed anatomy replicas?” Kirk notes that in the past, surgeons used such things as X-rays, drawings, CT imaging and computer animation when communicating with their patients regarding anatomy issues. Today, however, most surgeons agreed that those methods limit the discussion to basic two dimensional representations, “which frequently confused complex spatial relationships.”
3D Model of Human Heart Use for Printing
During the video Kirk provides insight into the process of preparing 3D anatomy replicas. Initially, the healthcare professional begins with patient specific CT scan data which serves as the basis for developing the 3D replica. He indicates that patient specific data is then used in conjunction with a software program called “MiMiC.” By using the software program, he is able to prepare the model and isolate the area of interest, in this case the heart muscle.
The software allows the computer to save the graphic details of the model. It is then ready to complete using a polyjet 3D printer. This type of printer works by depositing layer after layer of liquid resin. This portion of the model is allowed to cure for 24 hours. The model is then removed from the printer and inspected for any errors. Once complete, a digital model can be used, as is, or with further editing to create a 3D stylized physical object. It is printed in two sections so it can provide a visual representation of the heart that allows for internal and external views without compromising either.
Additionally, Kirk obtained input from a panel of cardiac experts, including cardiovascular surgeons, radiologists, and researchers from the Mayo Clinic, Hahnemann University Hospital as well as Drexel University College of Medicine. The goal of the interviews was to determine if a 3D printed cardiac anatomy replica could be used to facilitate doctor-patient communications by providing a supplemental decision making aid.
3D Printed Heart Model
His research indicated “Cardiac anatomy replicas can be used to facilitate Doctor/Patient communication and supplement contemporary visualization techniques by providing accurate three dimensional data which offers additional haptic and spatial feedback specific to the patient’s anatomy and pathology.”
Or stated another way, Kirk determined that in order to overcome the limitations of two dimensional presentations, one needs to combine patient centered healthcare, patient specific imaging data, and additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing; to assist empowered doctors to better communicate with their patients. Ultimately, this should lead to better, and more informed decisions.
Kirk’s thesis would appear to offer additional support for the idea that patients who have the ability to observe 3D anatomy replicas of affected organs gain a better understanding of the issues involved. Replicas that are based on patient specific data afford the best opportunity for meaningful dialog.”
How 3D Systems’ Medical Modeling Is Changing the Operating Room for the Better
Originally published on 3dprint.com. By MERITXELL GARCIA SEIN-ECHALUCE
During the recent 3D Systems’ 2014 Investor & Analyst Day, one of the key issues addressed was the new frontiers in medical technology. At 3D Systems, healthcare appears to be the fastest growing market. The
management team stated its plans to build up its leadership in this field. The company plans to invest and expand its virtual surgical planning (VSP®) capabilities, broaden its range of implants and surgical tool manufacturing and develop new personalized medical devices, such as the recently introduced bespoke scoliosis brace.
In April, 3D Systems announced the acquisition of Medical Modeling, a leading provider of personalized surgical treatments and patient specific medical devices, including virtual surgical planning (VSP®). The VSP is a service-based approach to personalized surgery that combines expertise in medical imaging, surgical simulation and additive manufacturing. It allows for planning maxillofacial surgical procedures in a virtual environment and transferring that plan to the patient using innovative models, templates and surgical guides manufactured with 3D printers. Recently, it was used by Dr. Oren Tepper, Assistant Professor of Surgery at New York’s Montefiore Medical Center and a pioneer in virtual surgical planning. He performed surgery on a 3-week-old girl named Jayla Vargas who had difficulty breathing due to her tiny jaw. Traditionally, in such cases, she would have had to wait 6 years until she was large enough for the operation. However, with the help of VSP technology, Dr. Tepper successfully fixed Jayla’s jaw.
At the Investor & Analyst Day, Dr. Oren Tepper was the guest speaker and he discussed the current uses and future applications of 3D printing in plastic surgery. Dr. Oren Tepper explained how technology is important in plastic surgery as creativity and innovation are involved in building, restoring and renovating the human body. Therefore, practitioners embrace this technology. Over the last several years, training and skills have been the key points in technical innovation related to plastic surgery. Advanced techniques have been used and cutting edge technology has been incorporated. For the moment, all of these advancements are focused on the operating room itself. Nonetheless, this technology is bringing greater planning and precision to operating rooms, enabling surgeons to perform successful operations that were previously impossible.
At the moment, 3D Systems and Medical Modeling has had a tremendous impact on bone reconstruction, but it is still a relatively small impact in the field. The untapped potential, especially in soft tissue reconstruction, is enormous.
According to the doctor, the first real advancement was the CT scanner, which allowed plastic surgeons to look at bodies via the CT scans. Next, the skull was 3D printed so it could be used as a reference. The process started building stereolithographic models of the skulls so it was possible to study them in any direction and to practice surgery. That was the first generation, just printing the existing anatomy of the patient. Now, it is
possible to plan a surgery on a computer for surgical simulation. Therefore, surgeons can move the bone structures where they want them to be and they can develop on the computer and 3D print guides and jigs which they sterilize and bring to the operating room.
The first study about virtual surgical planning and printing was published 5 years ago. Regarding facial fractures, Dr. Tepper used an example at the conference of a lower jaw fractured in multiple pieces, on a young woman named Jayla. Due to limited exposure of the surgeon and the lack of reference points, it was difficult to put the jaw back together. The phases to follow during the process of reconstruction are:
Regarding Jayla’s operation, Dr. Tepper emphasized that the procedure used was safer and cheaper than the traditional practice, a tracheostomy, which is a surgically created opening in the windpipe to allow proper breathing. However, virtual surgical planning is only used on a small percentage of operations today. When asked about the challenges he faced and the solutions that he came up with, Dr. Tepper highlighted four reasons why 3D printing was so useful to him in the operating room:
Dr. Tepper believes in the technology’s future growth potential as it will make the existing infrastructure better and faster and it will represent a tremendous opportunity in expanding markets. At the moment, there is no communication between plastic surgeons and 3D printing companies. On the contrary, it is an opportunity for real time communication so that companies like 3D Systems could have a role in the operating room. Dr. Tepper affirmed that surgeons will one day look back on non-VSP procedures as crude and primitive.
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St. Basil’s Cathedral on a ProJet® 4500
Visit St. Basil Cathedral from the safety of your desk.
Russia’s famous St. Basil’s Cathedral. Printed on a 3D Systems ProJet® 4500. How does it compare to the real thing?
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Objex Unlimited 3D Printing Studio
Toronto’s 3D Printing and 3D Service Experts
Objex Unlimited is your resource for everything 3D.
We take great pride in the services we provide, and will find the best 3D printing solution for you.
We will work with you to complete your project and reach your goals ahead of schedule.
We offer a variety of 3D printers, 3D scanners and 3D software, and will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. We are an authorized reseller of 3D Systems, Artec Group, LMI Technologies, Geomagic and Agisoft 3D products.
Our talented and diverse staff deliver high-quality, industry-leading results.
Our commitment is to fulfill your project needs within budget and on-time.
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