This collaboration initially developed between a radiology professor and the author as a mechanism to explore innovative ways of imaging objects (drills, computer parts, etc.) and reverse engineering the digital model for use as a pedagogical tool in design instruction. In executing the research and developing the process required in translating a CT scan into 3D Mesh geometry (a process that involves: removing metadata from CT scans, then repairing the mesh in a digital modeling software) the team observed that it would be possible to develop digital models of bones and soft tissues with relative ease and that the process was also cost prohibitive for the initial application, the analysis of products.

The dog lung below is printed in a flexible resin on the Form 1+ and shows a large mass embedded in the vascular system and lamb done through Shapeways flexible materials.

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Conversion of CT scans and execution of prints.