Introduction: 3D Printing From MRI Data in 5 Steps

Objective: Take MRI data (brain, heart, bone, etc.) and 3D print it.

Software Needed (free):

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Step 1: Obtain the MRI Data

You should be able to obtain a DICOM (.dcm) file from your doctor. If not you can find some free online such as NBIA.

Step 2: Restrict the View

Now we need to open our DICOM file in a software program mentioned above and then limit the view to what we would like to print. In the image below what is highlighted in green is what will be printed.

Step 3: Export the Model

Once we have the model in view we need to convert it into an .stl file which can then be printed. To do this we need to make a surface construction first and then export the file. Follow the steps in the software. This may take a while and slow down your computer, there should be a loading bar to see the progress (probably in the bottom right corner).

Step 4: Fix the Model

Most likely the model will have many non-manifold errors (holes, separate parts, etc.) This is the hardest step in the process and will require an understanding of non-manifolds. Perhaps the easiest method is to upload the model(.stl) into the netfabb cloud, although this may not work. If it doesn't then you will need to try other methods found in the following post. I would start with Meshlab. An easy way to see the errors is in Meshmixer as seen in the image below:

Also one method may not be enough, as multiple methods may be needed to fix the model.

If you do not do this step then your model may not 3d print properly.

Step 5: Prepare & Print

You will need to choose a side for the supports to be printed on. This should probably be the side that you care the least about the appearance of. You may also need to orient, scale, split, add a raft, etc.

It should be noted that these models are often complex and can take days to print, so make sure you are not on a deadline to have it printed. Also note that it may take a couple of hours for this model to slice alone.

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