Applying 3D surface scanning technology to create photorealistic three-dimensional printed replicas of human anatomy.

Aim: To describe advances in 3D data capture and printing that allow photorealistic replicas of human anatomical specimens for education and research, and discuss advantages of current generation printing for replica design and manufacture. Materials & methods: We combine surface scanning and computerized tomography datasets that maximize precise color and geometric capture with ultra violet (UV) curable resin printing to replicate human anatomical specimens. Results: We describe the process for color control, print design and translation of photorealistic 3D meshes into 3D prints in durable resins. Conclusion: Current technologies allow previously unachievable ability to capture and reproduce anatomical specimens, and provide a platform for a new generation of 3D printed teaching materials to be designed and used in anatomy education environments.

The teaching of human anatomy has undergone significant change in the last 30­40 years, especially in respect to the technologies available to augment or replace traditional teaching using dissection of human bodies. This has included plastic models, software teaching packages, digital visualization tables and virtual/augmented reality. Our group initially developed a range of 3D printed replicas (Series 1) of human anatomy dissections. Our method involved computed tomography scanning a dissected specimen to capture the geometry and then digitally coloring the model with a standardized color palette to 'false color' the resulting 3D prints (e.g., yellow for nerves and red for arteries). This present report details how advances in full-color, high-resolution surface scanning can create a true colored photorealistic model of preserved human anatomical specimens. When these surface scanned models are 3D printed with the current generation of UV curable resin-based printers, it is possible to achieve photographic quality replicas comparable to the original anatomy specimens. This new generation of 3D printed replicas resembling traditional anatomy specimens (Series 1.1), while simultaneously still allowing color augmentation to further enhance their educational value. These replicas have an advantage over plastinated cadaver specimens as they can be utilized in any teaching environment such as peripheral or rural medical school locations, teaching hospitals and clinical environments.