From virtual to tangible

No matter how good 3D images are; there is nothing like a model in your hands…

H.K. Kawamoto, MD DDS, UCLA Medical Center, USA

The Mimics Innovation Suite has visualization options for virtual 3D anatomy, but sometimes there is nothing more powerful than getting your hands on a physical model. For this, you can use Additive Manufacturing to create accurate, realistic, and tangible models. Physical models allow you to explore and evaluate patient anatomy to gain better insight into specific pathology. This knowledge facilitates medical diagnoses. 3D models are also an excellent tool for discussing treatments with patients or the medical team. They even allow you to bend plates and fit implants to the model prior to surgery. Materialise can manufacture parts for you in a wide variety of materials.

The Mimics Innovation Suite allows you to:

• Ensure manufacturability by defining wall thickness
• Design auxiliary components or internal structures using the common CAD tools
• Perform very complex cuts
• Export the most complex geometries to any AM machine
• Save material by shrinkwrapping and hollowing your parts