3D Printing a ultrasonography file

Published Dec 17, 2021

GPL-3.0-only

3 hours to build

Expert

By uploading DICOM files from CT scans, radiologists can easily convert scans into STL (a 3D printer-ready file format). One exciting area where 3D printing is being used is with expectant parents. By using the files from a 3D baby ultrasound, 3D-printed models of babies can be created — even while the child is still in the womb.

Components Used
3D Printer 3D Printers Axi 3D Printer	X 1
3DSlicer software to open medical file	X 1
Slicer Software to generate gcode from stl for 3d printer	X 1

Description

In this project, I'll show you how to use free software called 3dSlicer to convert an MRI/CT/US file to a 3d printed model.

I choose ultrasonography file of a baby to 3D print the file in any printers.

What 3D printing actually is??

It adding substances layer by layer and form the objects. Its called 'added manufacturers' technology. The slicer slices 3D cad model into layer by layer and generates G-code for the machine to print in 3D printer.

There are several types of 3D printing, which include:

Stereolithography (SLA)
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Digital Light Process (DLP)
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Electron Beam Melting (EBM)

Most commonly used method of 3Dprinting is FDM.

The materials used to print the data in a 3D printer have a wide range of physical, chemical, and textural qualities, allowing for a wide range of applications based on our needs. The majority of 3D printers can print PLA, ABS, PTEG, TPU, and other materials.

I decided to utilize White PLA for this project. Because it provides a smooth finish.

Requirements for this project : 3dSlicer for generating stl file, Slicing software for generating G-code like SuperSlicer,Cura,Simplify3D , FDM 3D printer.

Step 1:You can run virtual machines and Docker containers by downloading all of the relevant software and files and following the steps. Binder service, for example, offers 3D Slicer Plus Jupyter notebook in a web browser for free (no installation needed, the application can run in any web browser if you have experience in virtual machine ).

Step 2: Open 3dSlicer software and go to File and click Add Data file and choose your file.

Step 3: Select the Segment Editor from list.

Step 4 : Click on Add Segment.

Step 5: Select the Threshold values to Select bright region to trim the ultrasonography file and create a better quality model.

Step 6 : Click on "show3d" to view the model before generating the G-code. Edit the model upon your requirement until you get the desired view of the model which you want to print.

Here, I removed background for better view of the model.