Protocol for Converting DICOM Files to STL Models Using 3D Slicer and Ultimaker Cura

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and 3D Printing
• Biomedical Engineering
• Open-Source Software Applications in Medicine

Background:

• 3D printing is crucial for surgical planning and medical education.
• Converting medical imaging data into 3D models is essential for creating patient-specific anatomical replicas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a comprehensive protocol for converting DICOM files into 3D printable GCODE files.
• To develop an optimized workflow for accurate and efficient 3D anatomical model generation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized open-source "3D Slicer" for DICOM to STL conversion and segmentation.
• Employed "Ultimaker Cura" for generating GCODE files for 3D printing.
• Validated the protocol using deviation analysis for structural fidelity and morphological accuracy.

Main Results:

• Achieved high fidelity in anatomical structures with narrow deviation ranges.
• Generated accurate and reproducible 3D anatomical models from DICOM data.
• Demonstrated the protocol's adaptability to various 3D printers and materials.

Conclusions:

• The protocol offers an effective, accessible, and accurate method for creating 3D anatomical models.
• This open-source, low-cost approach democratizes 3D modeling in medical sciences and education.
• Future work may involve patient data integration and benchmarking against alternative methods.