3D printing methods for radiological anthropomorphic phantoms.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Three dimensional (3D) printing is increasingly used for fabricating anthropomorphic phantoms.
• Existing methods require further development in software and materials for enhanced realism and accuracy.
• There is a growing demand for high-quality phantoms that closely mimic human anatomy and tissue properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and evaluate current 3D printing technologies for anthropomorphic phantom fabrication.
• To identify advancements and limitations in 3D printing methods and materials for radiological applications.
• To explore the potential of different 3D printing techniques in creating realistic and radiologically equivalent phantoms.

Main Methods:

• Review of five primary 3D printing methods: photo-curing, melted plastic deposition, paper-based printing, powder binding/melting, and bio-printing.
• Focus on polymer jetting and fused filament fabrication (FFF), also known as fused deposition modelling (FDM).
• Analysis of material properties, accuracy, speed, cost, and potential for emulating human tissues.

Main Results:

• Polymer jetting and FFF are identified as promising technologies for realistic anthropomorphic phantoms.
• Paper-based and polymer jetting methods have material limitations (e.g., contrast agents, polymerizable materials).
• FFF offers flexibility in material composition, lower cost, and suitability for large, heterogeneous phantoms despite lower speed and accuracy.

Conclusions:

• FFF technology presents a promising, cost-effective approach for creating patient-specific anthropomorphic phantoms.
• Further development in 3D printing software and materials is crucial for achieving higher accuracy and tissue emulation.
• Advancements in 3D printing hold significant potential for improving radiological applications and patient treatment adaptation.