Creating a 3D Printable Bone STL Model in 20 Minutes Using Freeware

Full tutorial: goo.gl/poEWKe
File pack to follow along: goo.gl/fJ6ajO
UPDATED VIDEO: Faster and Easier method • A ridiculously easy an...
In this tutorial we discuss use of 3D Slicer, Blender, and MeshMixer to convert a CT scan in DICOM format to a 3D printable STL file of a skull. This is part of a series of tutorials on how to do biomedical 3D printing using free software. For more go here www.embodi3d.co...
This informative video by Dr. Mike shows viewers how to use freeware to create a high-quality 3D printable skull from a CT scan image. Creating 3D models from CT scans can be an expensive and complex process, but Dr. Mike helps his audience overcome these obstacles with detailed instructions for using the free programs 3D Slicer, Blender, and Meshmixer to create an STL file that is ready for 3D printing. Dr. Mike’s guide saves users time and money while avoiding frustration without sparing a bit of quality!
Dr. Mike has viewers covered whether they need a file to work on or they already have a CT scan file they want converted to an STL file that can become a 3D printed medical model. For those without an image already, a file pack containing the skull files used in the tutorial can be downloaded for free by members registered with embodi3D.com.
Those who aren’t registered with embodi3D will certainly want to complete the fast and free registration to gain access to perks such as the file packs that accompany tutorials and much more!
The software discussed in this tutorial is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Macintosh operating systems, but Mac users also have the option to use Osirix. Of course, Dr. Mike has a tutorial to help with that, too!
With their CT scan DICOM images ready, Dr. Mike has viewers start the process with the free software called 3D Slicer by slicer.org. This is the program that will be used to convert the DICOM image into an STL file, which is a format accepted by 3D printers. Dr. Mike simplifies a complex process as he walks users through each step of using 3D Slicer to transform a traditional CT scan stored as a DICOM file into a skull STL file.
The conversion is only step 1, but Dr. Mike doesn’t let viewers off on their own there. The CT scan skull image may be in the desired STL format, but it’s not quite ready for the 3D printer. The STL file will need to be cleaned up using the free Blender software offered by blender.org. An intricate process, Dr. Mike streamlines the revision of the bone STL file using Blender in a way that makes this process approachable even to those unfamiliar with this type of project.
Once the STL file is cleaned up, Meshmixer from Meshmixer.com will be used to finalize the 3D printable skull medical model. Dr. Mike shows users how to utilize Meshmixer to inspect their 3D image analyzing it for any imperfections.
After this process is complete, viewers will have an STL file that is ready to be sent to a 3D printer and turned into 3D medical model. Regardless of whether Dr. Mike’s tutorial leads viewers to the high-quality 3D skull model seen in the video or a creation of their own, those who use this tutorial will certainly be satisfied with the priceless advice provided at the grand expense of zero!

[@gowththegreat]

I think in slicer, instead of doing segmentation, currently a new module called greyscale model maker is present which will directly separate bone and create a model out of it in single click, Saving time. Hope it is usefull to someone!

[@jessedanielryder]

Can you convert CT of a trachea and convert to a trachea or airway STL?

[@JeremyDinoro]

Thank you for the video! What do you think the best way to fill in missing CT scan data would be? I've been assigned to print a mandible model but some of the chin is missing.

[@Embodi3D]

+Jeremy Dinoro Unfortunately, I don't think you can fill in data that isn't there. You should start with a DICOM data set that has the mandible. CT face or CT mandible protocols usually include the mandible, whereas CT brains to not. Once you find a good data set, you can generate the jaw. Or, if you just want to download and print a jaw you can do so at this link. www.embodi3d.com/files/file/38-3d-printable-mandible-jaw-bone/

[@Totoroafer]

First of all, thanks for the tutorial! Now, I'm getting an error message (Could not load: 'filename' as a Scalar Volume) when I try to load DICOM files on Slicer, at 2:17 in your video. Do you know what could it be? Once again... Thanks a lot!

[@fotoamgamgfoto3695]

for my data Load button does not work :( "Loading 1: Unnamed series 0%" it just stays there forever :( update: for the 10th click and selecting rows randomly it could open, but the slider not precise enough to select only bone for my model, not same a yours skull is full of red soft tissue or bone is missing if I increase slider...

[@bryanong1685]

Thanks for the tutorial! Is it possible to 3D render structure sets as well? (From radiation oncology)

[@Embodi3D]

I'm not sure Bryan, as I've never done this. Maybe somebody else knows the answer?

[@asifraj321]

It's a great tutorial but the link is not working for file download.

[@GiovaniBertolla93]

First of all, thanks for the tutorial! Now, I'm getting an error message (Could not load: 'filename' as a Scalar Volume) when I try to load DICOM files on Slicer, at 2:17 in your video. Do you know what could it be? Once again... Thanks a lot!

[@markovogelsang2655]

Hello I wonder what kind of material would be most similar to the bone structure. To make the products as realistic as possible

[@AGARRALABOLSA]

like spending 4d ultrasound , 3D formats for printing 3D printer

[@Image3dconversion]

Thank you for the tutorial . It was helpful .

[@markovogelsang2655]

Good day, thanks for the tutorial. When I load images into a slicer, they are not in real proportions. Somehow I get a stretched wrist. I also tried over Embodi 3d. Where did I make a mistake? Thank you

[@Embodi3D]

The problem may be with your DICOM data set. If the embedded slice coordinates are incorrectly spaced, the model may look squashed or stretched. This can be fixed but it is complicated. If you have access to a different DICOM data set, I'd use that.

[@Kriptonaite]

Thanks for the tutorial... i have a question doe.. Why does the print of the skull was so small??.. Can it be done on a real size(100%) ?

[@Embodi3D]

It was done at 100%. I reduced the size to 50% afterwards to save on the cost of printing. FYI, if you are interested in a faster way to make 3D printable bone models, check out my latest video on how to use a free automated service to make your models kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2iTpHSHiqafqtk

[@rahulraghavanv]

Thanks a ton for this :) Can we use the same method for Ultrasound DICOM files?

[@Embodi3D]

Ultrasound images are not registered in space, unlike CT and MRI images. Therefore making 3D models from ultrasound images is much harder. This method won't work. Good luck!

[@beerhunter1571]

good job

[@brettcrist3052]

Great tutorial. Thanks

[@arnoldt3363]

Bardzo fajne

[@pedrobh18]

It is possible to print in a natural size

[@Embodi3D]

Yes of course. This was printed at half size to save on cost. You can print at whatever size you want.

[@skullvscrusher]

@@Embodi3D Hello Dr. Mike does printing size depends on the printer already ? or do you state/indicate that during the Blender phase or 3D slicer

[@TotallyJeffNipples]

How thin do the native images need to be?

[@Embodi3D]

Thinner the better. 1.5 mm is a good thickness.