One of the our goal is converting 3D medical images generated by HorliX, an medical image viewer, into .stl and/or .obj files optimized for 3D printing.
However, we must solve many problems to make it available for clinical use.
#1. The shape of organs is complex in general
This is an example.
download its .stl file -click to start-
The original file is distributed at https://3dprint.nih.gov/discover/3dpx-003333 . Special thanks to NIH and Mr. nevitdilmen !
This is Aorta and coronary arteries which provide nutrition for heart.
The right coronary artery is cut off presumably because some parts of it are discontinuous in drawing X-Y plane.
Solutions For this case
1. adding support materials
It is difficult, however, to adjust adequate settings in auto-generated mode.
It looks better to use Slic3r Alpha version.
Here is the tutorial video for it.
We add support material partially.
Then, we removed it.
We made it!
2. making the casting mold instead of model itself
randolph.I wrote:
do you hope to eventually print these models in something like ninjaflex that will enable trainee surgeons to practice their cutting? if so I think you may do better to create your models in PLA and then use them as models so that you can then cast in something like silicone which can be formulated to mimic flesh suffering from coronary artery disease.
It is fascinating idea!
#2.
#3.