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A multi-method assessment of 3D printed micromorphological osteological features
Rachael M Carew1,2, Francesco Iacoviello3, Carolyn Rando4
1UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK. rachael.carew.16@ucl.ac.uk.
International Journal of Legal Medicine
|February 10, 2022
Summary
3D printed bones show good metric accuracy and micromorphological feature representation, though fine details may be lost. This study validates 3D printing for forensic applications.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Accurate 3D printing of osteological materials is challenging, especially for fine surface details.
- Reliable 3D reconstructions are increasingly needed for the criminal justice system.
- Assessing the accuracy of 3D printed bones with micromorphological alterations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the surface quality and accuracy of 3D printed bones.
- To assess the representation of micromorphological alterations on 3D prints.
- To provide empirical data for the use of 3D printed reconstructions in legal settings.
Main Methods:
- Micro-CT scanning of archaeological bones.
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing of bone models.
- Multi-method experimental approach including metrical analysis, visual comparison, and mesh comparison.
Main Results:
- 3D printed bones achieved metric accuracy within 1.0 mm.
- Good overall representation of micromorphological features, with some loss of intricate details.
- Five out of nine prints were quantitatively scored as accurate via visual comparison.
- Low mesh comparison distances (±0.2 mm) between original and digitized 3D print models.
Conclusions:
- 3D printed osteological materials demonstrate significant accuracy for forensic applications.
- The study provides a validated pathway for assessing 3D print accuracy in future reconstructions.
- Findings support the use of 3D printed exhibits in legal proceedings.
