The model can be edited using some of the software described in this paper before a final part is fabricated The raw images need to be analyzed and a model needs to be created from them.

This is a schematic depicting a typical workflow from imaging to physical part. An aim of this paper is to document this process, reducing the expertise required to make physical models from different types of 3D image datasets. While straightforward, this process is relatively un-documented.

Following the acquisition of the image data, a generation of the corresponding 3D computer model is required, and then the appropriate 3D printing method must be selected to finally create the physical model (Fig. The workflow from image data to the creation of a final model is fairly straightforward in principle. Just as in optical imaging, where compiling 2D images into a stack creates a 3D dataset compiling 2D slices into the final printed object creates a 3D part. The creation of the models, discussed here, highlight similarities that can be applied to create models from many microscopy techniques including electron microscopy and other optical modalities.ģD printing is similar to 3D optical imaging techniques in several ways. Here we describe 3D printing from optical imaging methods, such as confocal microscopy and multiphoton microscopy. Most 3D printing of biomedical images to date has utilized clinical imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3D ultrasound. For these reasons, these models are also extremely effective teaching tools to help students understand complex 3D biological phenomena, such as membrane architecture and dynamics. These models can prove especially useful in fields where concepts are often difficult to spatially comprehend from a two-dimension (2D) image. Physical 3D models are useful as they allow researchers to hold and feel a structure that they might otherwise only be able to see on a computer screen. Aiding both research and education, 3D printing can be used to create physical models from biomedical imaging data. Although 3D printing is now widely used for medical applications, there are lesser-known biomedical applications, including the manufacturing of complex parts for research, such as microfluidic components, and for education.

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