Structural Chemistry & Crystallography Communication

3D printing has been shown to be an increasingly useful application in the field of medicine. Using MRI or CT imagery, 3D printed models have been used in order to plan surgery using accurate models of patient anatomy. This process allows surgeons to better understand and strategise procedures in a safe and non-invasive manner. 3D printed models have also been manufactured in order to reconstruct the skull and jaw in the case of trauma. By using 3D modelling following medical imaging tech­niques, reconstruction can be extremely accurate in both structure and durability and could provide more per­sonalised care. This study used a Bio- CAD image-based modelling technique. Initially, a head and neck MRI were taken of two subjects. These images were then import­ed using Simpleware ScanIP software whereby Comput­er-Aided- Design (CAD) was used to generate several STL files. Anatomical structures are then manufactured using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and Stereolithogra­phy (SLA). Finite element analysis is also undertaken to investigate each model’s ability to withstand forces on dif­ferent stress points which can be used for impact/shock analysis. Using these MRI rendered 3D printed skulls; this project intends to better understand the possible uses for this technology in several fields of medicine.