3D printing of crystallographic models for interdisciplinary college education

Crystallographic models of molecule and crystal structures, crystal morphologies, Bravais lattices, space and point group symmetries, highly local and extended crystal defects, ... can all be encoded in the Crystallographic Information Framework (CIF) file format. While 3D printing has been available for at least 20 years, cost and performance improvements have only recently made 3D printing practical for usage by college educators and the general public. There is also an industry wide 3D printing standard, the STL file format. Virtual reality freeware programs that include conversions from CIF to STL are openly available [1]. The more than 250,000 entries Crystallography Open Database (COD) has in recent years developed into the world's premier open-access source for CIFs of structures of small molecules and small to medium sized unit cell crystals [2]. The International Advisory Board of the COD also supports a related project [3a], which provides CIFs for interdisciplinary college education. Three of these "COD offspring" databases have started to provide for free downloads of STL files of small molecules, crystal morphologies, and grain boundaries [3b]. These 3D printing files were created directly from the CIFs in these databases. It is now up to interested college educators to develop new pedagogy in teaching crystallography on the basis of 3D models that can be printed out from these files. To facilitate further developments in this field, there is a web portal of open-access crystallography resources to which all interested college educators are invited to contribute [3c].

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3D printing of crystallographic models and open access databases

Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances ◽

10.1107/s205327331408721x ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 70 (a1) ◽

pp. C1278-C1278 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Werner Kaminsky ◽

Trevor Snyder ◽

Peter Moeck

Keyword(s):

Open Access ◽

3D Printing ◽

College Education ◽

Structural Data ◽

Data Bank ◽

3D Models ◽

Crystal Defects ◽

Crystallographic Structure ◽

Performance Improvements ◽

Basic Infrastructure

Although introduced 30 years ago, cost and performance improvements have only recently made 3D printing affordable. The industry wide input file format for 3D printers incorporates explicit mesh - `STL' data. Molecules and crystal structures, when including symmetry, crystal morphologies, or crystal defects are encoded in the parametrical `CIF' syntax. Free software for converting directly CIF data to STL files has just been developed, available online [1]. First examples of printed 3D models from STL-files created with these programs include molecules of sucrose, herapathite [2a], caffeine, humulone [2b], an alpha-quartz crystal and its Japanese {112} twin or a brilliant cut diamond. Far more CIF encoded models are available, even open access. The Crystallography Open Database (COD) features over 245,000 entries and has recently developed into the world's premier open-access source for structures of small to medium unit cell-sized inorganic and molecular crystals [3a], complementing the well-established open-access Worldwide Protein Data Bank [3b]. The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre in the United Kingdom provides crystal structure data of small (organic) molecules free for bona fide research [3c]. Structural data on inorganic crystals, metals and alloys can be obtained free of charge from the Inorganic Material Database (AtomWork) [3d]. Related to the COD, the crystallographic open-access databases [3e] ("COD offspring") provide CIF data for interdisciplinary college education. With this basic infrastructure in place, any interested college educator may print out her or his favorite crystallographic structure model in 3D and use it in hands on class room demonstrations [3f].

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The Natural Historian's Guide to the CT Galaxy: Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing and Analyzing Computed Tomographic (CT) Data Using Cross-Platform, Open Access Software

Integrative Organismal Biology ◽

10.1093/iob/obaa009 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

Author(s):

T J Buser ◽

O F Boyd ◽

Á Cortés ◽

C M Donatelli ◽

M A Kolmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Open Access ◽

3D Printing ◽

3D Visualization ◽

3D Models ◽

Digital Data ◽

Anatomical Structures ◽

Computed Tomographic ◽

Biomechanical Models ◽

Cross Platform ◽

Ct Data

Synopsis The decreasing cost of acquiring computed tomographic (CT) data has fueled a global effort to digitize the anatomy of museum specimens. This effort has produced a wealth of open access digital three-dimensional (3D) models of anatomy available to anyone with access to the Internet. The potential applications of these data are broad, ranging from 3D printing for purely educational purposes to the development of highly advanced biomechanical models of anatomical structures. However, while virtually anyone can access these digital data, relatively few have the training to easily derive a desirable product (e.g., a 3D visualization of an anatomical structure) from them. Here, we present a workflow based on free, open source, cross-platform software for processing CT data. We provide step-by-step instructions that start with acquiring CT data from a new reconstruction or an open access repository, and progress through visualizing, measuring, landmarking, and constructing digital 3D models of anatomical structures. We also include instructions for digital dissection, data reduction, and exporting data for use in downstream applications such as 3D printing. Finally, we provide Supplementary Videos and workflows that demonstrate how the workflow facilitates five specific applications: measuring functional traits associated with feeding, digitally isolating anatomical structures, isolating regions of interest using semi-automated segmentation, collecting data with simple visual tools, and reducing file size and converting file type of a 3D model.

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Open Access Resources for Crystallography Education in Interdisciplinary College Courses: Crystallographic Databases and 3D Printed Models

MRS Proceedings ◽

10.1557/opl.2014.872 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 1716 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Peter Moeck ◽

Jennifer Stone-Sundberg ◽

Trevor J. Snyder ◽

Werner Kaminsky

Keyword(s):

Open Access ◽

Small Molecules ◽

Structural Information ◽

College Education ◽

3D Printer ◽

College Courses ◽

Crystallographic Databases ◽

3D Printed ◽

Crystallography Open Database ◽

Information Framework

ABSTRACTComplementing a multitude of activities around the International Year of Crystallography, we report here on a few resources that are helpful for integrating basic crystallography into interdisciplinary college education. We concentrate on four resources with which we are directly involved. The Crystallography Open Database (COD) features currently more than 295,000 entries and has over the last decade developed into the world’s premier open-access source for the structures of small molecules and small to medium sized unit cell crystals. ‘Educational offshoots’ of the COD with approximately a thousand entries combined provide structural information on small molecules, selected macromolecules, crystal structures, grain boundaries, and crystal morphologies in the well documented Crystallographic Information Framework (CIF) file format. This information can be displayed interactively on the website http://nanocrystallography.research.pdx.edu and freely downloaded. Files that allow for the printing of selected database entries on any 3D printer have been added to this site and are also freely downloadable. These files were created with the programs Cif2VRML and WinXMorph that convert CIF files directly into 3D printing files. Interested college educators are invited to visit our open access crystallography resource portal and suggest other resources that should receive wider exposure over this portal.

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MeshSlicer: A 3D-Printing software for printing 3D-models with a 6-axis industrial robot

Procedia CIRP ◽

10.1016/j.procir.2021.03.018 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 ◽

pp. 110-115

Author(s):

Jan Werner ◽

Mohamed Aburaia ◽

Alexander Raschendorfer ◽

Maximilian Lackner

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Industrial Robot ◽

3D Models

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Application of 3D-printing technologies for production of master-model in engineering industry

Technology of metals ◽

10.31044/1684-2499-2021-0-9-17-21 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (9) ◽

pp. 17-21

Author(s):

O. A. Dvoryankin ◽

◽

N. I. Baurova ◽

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Layer Thickness ◽

Ultimate Strength ◽

3D Models ◽

Engineering Industry ◽

Master Model ◽

Parameter Influence ◽

Printing Parameter

Analysis of 3D-printing methods used in the molding production to manufacture master-models has been carried out. The technology was selected, which allowed one to make high-precision parts, combining the molding and the 3D-printing. Factors effecting on the quality of 3D-models printed by this technology were analyzed. Experimental studied for determination of the printing parameter influence (layer thickness, filling percentage, printing velocity) on ultimate strength of specimens made of ABS-plastic were carried out.

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Bioprinting in ophthalmology: current advances and future pathways

Rapid Prototyping Journal ◽

10.1108/rpj-06-2018-0144 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 496-514 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Nataraj Poomathi ◽

Sunpreet Singh ◽

Chander Prakash ◽

Rajkumar V. Patil ◽

P.T. Perumal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Cardiac Tissue ◽

Human Life ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

3D Models ◽

Eye Diseases ◽

Biological Research ◽

Content Type ◽

Almost All ◽

Time Of Operation

Purpose Bioprinting is a promising technology, which has gained a recent attention, for application in all aspects of human life and has specific advantages in different areas of medicines, especially in ophthalmology. The three-dimensional (3D) printing tools have been widely used in different applications, from surgical planning procedures to 3D models for certain highly delicate organs (such as: eye and heart). The purpose of this paper is to review the dedicated research efforts that so far have been made to highlight applications of 3D printing in the field of ophthalmology. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the state-of-the-art review has been summarized for bioprinters, biomaterials and methodologies adopted to cure eye diseases. This paper starts with fundamental discussions and gradually leads toward the summary and future trends by covering almost all the research insights. For better understanding of the readers, various tables and figures have also been incorporated. Findings The usages of bioprinted surgical models have shown to be helpful in shortening the time of operation and decreasing the risk of donor, and hence, it could boost certain surgical effects. This demonstrates the wide use of bioprinting to design more precise biological research models for research in broader range of applications such as in generating blood vessels and cardiac tissue. Although bioprinting has not created a significant impact in ophthalmology, in recent times, these technologies could be helpful in treating several ocular disorders in the near future. Originality/value This review work emphasizes the understanding of 3D printing technologies, in the light of which these can be applied in ophthalmology to achieve successful treatment of eye diseases.

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Accessing 3D Printed Vascular Phantoms for Procedural Simulation

Frontiers in Surgery ◽

10.3389/fsurg.2020.626212 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Author(s):

Jasamine Coles-Black ◽

Damien Bolton ◽

Jason Chuen

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Endovascular Procedures ◽

Low Cost ◽

3D Models ◽

Routine Care ◽

Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Ct Angiogram ◽

Abdominal Aortic ◽

3D Printed

Introduction: 3D printed patient-specific vascular phantoms provide superior anatomical insights for simulating complex endovascular procedures. Currently, lack of exposure to the technology poses a barrier for adoption. We offer an accessible, low-cost guide to producing vascular anatomical models using routine CT angiography, open source software packages and a variety of 3D printing technologies.Methods: Although applicable to all vascular territories, we illustrate our methodology using Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) due to the strong interest in this area. CT aortograms acquired as part of routine care were converted to representative patient-specific 3D models, and then printed using a variety of 3D printing technologies to assess their material suitability as aortic phantoms. Depending on the technology, phantoms cost $20–$1,000 and were produced in 12–48 h. This technique was used to generate hollow 3D printed thoracoabdominal aortas visible under fluoroscopy.Results: 3D printed AAA phantoms were a valuable addition to standard CT angiogram reconstructions in the simulation of complex cases, such as short or very angulated necks, or for positioning fenestrations in juxtarenal aneurysms. Hollow flexible models were particularly useful for device selection and in planning of fenestrated EVAR. In addition, these models have demonstrated utility other settings, such as patient education and engagement, and trainee and anatomical education. Further study is required to establish a material with optimal cost, haptic and fluoroscopic fidelity.Conclusion: We share our experiences and methodology for developing inexpensive 3D printed vascular phantoms which despite material limitations, successfully mimic the procedural challenges encountered during live endovascular surgery. As the technology continues to improve, 3D printed vascular phantoms have the potential to disrupt how endovascular procedures are planned and taught.

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Design and Development of 3D Printed Teaching Aids for Architecture Education

Architecture and Design ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-7314-2.ch016 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 457-475

Author(s):

Min Jeong Song ◽

Euna Ha ◽

Sang-Kwon Goo ◽

JaeKyung Cho

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

3D Modeling ◽

3D Models ◽

Design And Development ◽

Architecture Education ◽

Teaching Aids ◽

Current State ◽

Practice Based Research ◽

Research Findings ◽

3D Printed

This article describes how the implementation of 3D printing in classrooms has brought many opportunities to educators as it provides affordability and accessibility in creating and customizing teaching aids. The study reports on the process of fabricating teaching aids for architecture education using 3D printing technologies. The practice-based research intended to illustrate the making process from initial planning, 3D modeling to 3D printing with practical examples, and addresses the potential induced by the technologies. Based on the investigation into the current state of 3D printing technologies in education, limitations were identified before the making process. The researchers created 3D models in both digital and tangible forms and the process was documented in textual and pictorial formats. It is expected that the research findings will serve as a guideline for other educators to create 3D printed teaching aids, particularly architectural forms.

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3D Printing Aids Acetabular Reconstruction in Complex Revision Hip Arthroplasty

Advances in Orthopedics ◽

10.1155/2017/8925050 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Andrew J. Hughes ◽

Cathal DeBuitleir ◽

Philip Soden ◽

Brian O’Donnchadha ◽

Anthony Tansey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Surgical Simulation ◽

Selective Laser Sintering ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

3D Models ◽

Tactile Feedback ◽

Revision Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Acetabular Reconstruction ◽

Acetabular Cup

Revision hip arthroplasty requires comprehensive appreciation of abnormal bony anatomy. Advances in radiology and manufacturing technology have made three-dimensional (3D) representation of osseous anatomy obtainable, which provide visual and tactile feedback. Such life-size 3D models were manufactured from computed tomography scans of three hip joints in two patients. The first patient had undergone multiple previous hip arthroplasties for bilateral hip infections, resulting in right-sided pelvic discontinuity and a severe left-sided posterosuperior acetabular deficiency. The second patient had a first-stage revision for infection and recurrent dislocations. Specific metal reduction protocols were used to reduce artefact. The images were imported into Materialise MIMICS 14.12®. The models were manufactured using selective laser sintering. Accurate templating was performed preoperatively. Acetabular cup, augment, buttress, and cage sizes were trialled using the models, before being adjusted, and resterilised, enhancing the preoperative decision-making process. Screw trajectory simulation was carried out, reducing the risk of neurovascular injury. With 3D printing technology, complex pelvic deformities were better evaluated and treated with improved precision. Life-size models allowed accurate surgical simulation, thus improving anatomical appreciation and preoperative planning. The accuracy and cost-effectiveness of the technique should prove invaluable as a tool to aid clinical practice.

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Digital Design and 3D Printing of Aortic Arch Reconstruction in HLHS for Surgical Simulation and Training

World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery ◽

10.1177/2150135118771323 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 454-458 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Sarah A. Chen ◽

Chin Siang Ong ◽

Nagina Malguria ◽

Luca A. Vricella ◽

Juan R. Garcia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Aortic Arch ◽

Surgical Simulation ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

3D Models ◽

Digital Design ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Aortic Arch Reconstruction ◽

Arch Reconstruction ◽

And Training

Purpose: Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) present a diverse spectrum of aortic arch morphology. Suboptimal geometry of the reconstructed aortic arch may result from inappropriate size and shape of an implanted patch and may be associated with poor outcomes. Meanwhile, advances in diagnostic imaging, computer-aided design, and three-dimensional (3D) printing technology have enabled the creation of 3D models. The purpose of this study is to create a surgical simulation and training model for aortic arch reconstruction. Description: Specialized segmentation software was used to isolate aortic arch anatomy from HLHS computed tomography scan images to create digital 3D models. Three-dimensional modeling software was used to modify the exported segmented models and digitally design printable customized patches that were optimally sized for arch reconstruction. Evaluation: Life-sized models of HLHS aortic arch anatomy and a digitally derived customized patch were 3D printed to allow simulation of surgical suturing and reconstruction. The patient-specific customized patch was successfully used for surgical simulation. Conclusions: Feasibility of digital design and 3D printing of patient-specific patches for aortic arch reconstruction has been demonstrated. The technology facilitates surgical simulation. Surgical training that leads to an understanding of optimal aortic patch geometry is one element that may potentially influence outcomes for patients with HLHS.

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