Goals:
Learn the workflow for 3d printing / rapid prototyping
Segment two dimensional data from a patient or fossil and create a digital model to later be transformed into a physical model
Examples include:
Kidneys from a patient MRI to visualize a disease state
The bones of the foot from a child Australopithecus to investigate their functional anatomy
The sacral region of the spine, its associated nerves, and a complex tumor for surgical planning
Fossil reconstruction.
Teaching Activities leading to student work:
Presentation of the techniques for 3d printing, including compatible file formats, different printing formats and methods, mesh requirements, software and hardware for printing.
Discussion of limitations, advantages and disadvantages for 3d printing.
Presented examples of 3d printed objects, including a skull (seen above) and the foot bones of an Austrolopithecus (shown being printed in the video above).
Significance of the student learning as a result of the assignment.
Digital images on the screen become a physical tangible object.
3d printing has democratized creation. One example presented was a hand prosthesis.
3d printing is becoming more common in the field of medical illustration and is one more area of proficiency a graduate can highlight to set them apart from their peers.
Gained experience and familiarity with new technologies.