To create a bone prototype, Medical Modeling's biomedical technicians segment
and prepare the data gathered from a CT by loading individual information
slices from the scan into a series of software programs. Computer files for
appropriate fabrication are output, and these files are sent to a
stereolithography apparatus for model fabrication. The stereolithography
apparatus can produce a physical model from these 3-D files by building
horizontal layer upon layer until the form is complete. Each layer of the data
is outlined on the surface of a vat of liquid epoxy by using a laser. The
liquid epoxy responds to the laser by hardening only in the areas the laser
beam touches. The result is the most accurate fabricated bone model available
today with overall dimensional accuracy better than 1mm.
When Medical Modeling researched available resins for their stereolithography
apparatus, they chose DSM's Somos 7120. "Somos 7120 came to the top as the
superior resin available on the market," says Andy Christensen, general
manager at Medical Modeling. "The quality of 7120, coupled with the service
DSM provided, really convinced us to choose the Somos product."
One of the main factors influencing the company's decision to use Somos 7120
was the resin's fast prototyping capability. With its high photospeed, Somos
7120 allowed Medical Modeling to produce models at least 30 percent faster
when compared with their previous experience.
Somos 7120 also gave Medical Modeling's technicians a broader process
latitude. The model, normally produced with a layer thickness of 0.004 to
0.005 inches, could now be produced using layers that were 0.006 inches,
shaving an additional 20 percent off the modelps production time.
With the new resin, Medical Modeling is now able to provide surgeons with
models featuring higher-quality surfaces. Thanks to the surface finish of
Somos 7120, technicians can achieve better surface definition, resulting in a
smoother, more congruent "bone-like" surface.
The resin also allows Medical Modeling's technicians to remove unwanted
support structures with greater precision and ease. Prior to the introduction
of Somos 7120, these support structures were typically removed utilizing
drills to chisel out the structures from the down facing surfaces. The
previous resin's brittleness made it difficult to retrieve all of the pieces
without damaging the model's integrity and accuracy. However, Somos 7120, in
its green state, allows the finishing technician to remove support structures
more easily, and it provides technicians with better down facing surfaces
making cleanup faster, easier and more accurate.
"Somos 7120 was easily the best of all resins because of its exceptional build
and post-processing qualities," says Christensen. "The characteristics of the
resin enable us to produce the most accurate biomodels in the world." In the
long run, Medical Modeling should be able to reduce production costs while
providing a superior product to its surgeon customer base.
For more information, contact Medical Modeling Corporation at 888-273-5344 or
E-mail: info@medicalmodeling.com.
For further information on DSM Somos:
Melisa Lasell <
Europe@dsmsomos.info >
DSM Somos External Affairs Europe
Via
della Stazione 7F
00042 Anzio (Roma), Italy
Tel. ++39.06.986.5179
Cell. ++39.339.526.3828
