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Medical 3D Printing Dimensional Accuracy for Multi-pathological Anatomical Models 3D Printed Using Material Extrusion
Prashanth Ravi1, Leonid L Chepelev2, Gabrielle V Stichweh3
1Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 234 Goodman St, Cincinnati, OH, 45219, USA. raviph@ucmail.uc.edu.
Journal of Digital Imaging
|March 3, 2022
Summary
Medical 3D printing using Material Extrusion (MEX) produces anatomical models with less than 1-mm dimensional error. This accuracy makes MEX suitable for surgical planning models when a 1-mm tolerance is acceptable.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Medical 3D printing of anatomical models is increasingly used in healthcare.
- Quality control, particularly accuracy, is crucial for these models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of anatomical models 3D printed using Material Extrusion (MEX).
- To determine if MEX-printed models meet a tolerance level of less than 1-mm dimensional error.
Main Methods:
- Six diverse anatomical models and a reference cube were 3D printed using MEX (Ultimaker 3) in triplicates.
- Measurements were taken using high-resolution calipers on strategically placed blocks within the models.
- A secondary study assessed the impact of model rotation and scale.
Main Results:
- All absolute measurement errors were below 1 mm (maximum 0.89 mm).
- Average absolute error was 0.26 mm and average relative error was 0.71% in the primary study.
- Secondary study yielded similar results, confirming MEX process reliability.
Conclusions:
- The Material Extrusion (MEX) 3D printing process demonstrates high accuracy for anatomical models.
- MEX is a viable option for creating patient-specific anatomical models for surgical planning, provided a 1-mm accuracy threshold is sufficient.
