3D Printing of CT Dataset: Validation of an Open Source and Consumer-Available Workflow

The broad availability of cheap three-dimensional (3D) printing equipment has raised the need for a thorough analysis on its effects on clinical accuracy. Our aim is to determine whether the accuracy of 3D printing process is affected by the use of a low-budget workflow based on open source software and consumer’s commercially available 3D printers. A group of test objects was scanned with a 64-slice computed tomography (CT) in order to build their 3D copies. CT datasets were elaborated using a software chain based on three free and open source software. Objects were printed out with a commercially available 3D printer. Both the 3D copies and the test objects were measured using a digital professional caliper. Overall, the objects’ mean absolute difference between test objects and 3D copies is 0.23 mm and the mean relative difference amounts to 0.55 %. Our results demonstrate that the accuracy of 3D printing process remains high despite the use of a low-budget workflow.

[1]  Mika Salmi,et al.  Accuracy of medical models made by additive manufacturing (rapid manufacturing). , 2013, Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.

[2]  A. Mäkitie,et al.  Inaccuracies in additive manufactured medical skull models caused by the DICOM to STL conversion process. , 2014, Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.

[3]  Yosry Morsi,et al.  Error analysis of FDM fabricated medical replicas , 2010 .

[4]  Jacob Sosna,et al.  Clinical applications of physical 3D models derived from MDCT data and created by rapid prototyping. , 2011, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[5]  D.J. van den Heever,et al.  Preoperative Three-Dimensional Model Creation of Magnetic Resonance Brain Images as a Tool to Assist Neurosurgical Planning , 2013, Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery.

[6]  Nicola Bizzotto,et al.  Three-Dimensional Printing of Bone Fractures , 2015, Surgical innovation.

[7]  J. Asaumi,et al.  Comparison of three-dimensional computed tomography with rapid prototype models in the management of coronoid hyperplasia. , 2001, Dento maxillo facial radiology.

[8]  M. Figl,et al.  Accuracy of Craniofacial Measurements: Computed Tomography and Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Compared With Stereolithographic Models , 2008, The Journal of craniofacial surgery.

[9]  D. Silva,et al.  Dimensional error of selective laser sintering, three-dimensional printing and PolyJet models in the reproduction of mandibular anatomy. , 2009, Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.

[10]  Frederik L. Giesel,et al.  3D printing based on imaging data: review of medical applications , 2010, International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery.

[11]  Jorge Vicente Lopes da Silva,et al.  Dimensional error in selective laser sintering and 3D-printing of models for craniomaxillary anatomy reconstruction. , 2008, Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.

[12]  Sumeet Kumar Sharma,et al.  Comparative Evaluation of Dimension and Surface Detail Accuracy of Models Produced by Three Different Rapid Prototype Techniques , 2012, Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society.

[13]  Janalt Damstra,et al.  Segmentation process significantly influences the accuracy of 3D surface models derived from cone beam computed tomography. , 2012, European journal of radiology.

[14]  S. Laycock,et al.  3D Printing of an Aortic Aneurysm to Facilitate Decision Making and Device Selection for Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in Complex Neck Anatomy , 2013, Journal of endovascular therapy : an official journal of the International Society of Endovascular Specialists.

[15]  Awan,et al.  A critical inventory of preoperative skull replicas , 2013, BDJ.

[16]  G. Marchal,et al.  Three-dimensional imaging of acetabular dysplasia: diagnostic value and impact on surgical type classification. , 2000, European journal of radiology.