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Medical Models are accurate physical replicas of human body parts created using medical scan data and Rapid Prototyping (RP) processes.  Clinicians use these models to aid the treatment of patients.  To date, most of the models made have been of bone structures and used to aid reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation, but models can be made of any body parts including soft tissues.

RP machines build models directly from three-dimensional computer data in a layer upon layer fashion until the whole model is complete.  Several processes are available using different materials and technologies to produce models.

Medical models improve communication, accuracy, aesthetic quality and confidence during surgery and rehabilitation as well as helping to reduce risk.  To date this process has been of particular interest to oral, maxillofacial, craniofacial and neurosurgeons.  However, other specialities may achieve similar benefits by exploiting medical modelling, such as orthopaedic, spinal, hand, Ear Nose & Throat and plastic surgery.

PDR can supply medical models using a range of rapid prototyping processes for laboratory and operating theatre use.

Links

Medical Modelling Customer Information (PDF)
Stereolithography Laboratory Models (PDF)
Stereolithography Theatre Models (PDF)
Z-Corp 3D Printer Models (PDF)
Fused Deposition Models (PDF)
Cranial Defect Contoured Models (PDF)