Our Process

In collaboration with Mayo Clinic, a patient's anatomy is 3D scanned using a MRI, X-ray CT, or 3D ultrasound to create a volumetric image.

Patient scans are labelled by segmentation to identify and isolate relevant structures and remove unwanted details from the 3D image data to create a digital 3D model.

The digital 3D model is converted into a series of meshes and prepared for printing. Each design includes adding connectors and surface color, or including partitions for easier disassembly.

The digital 3D model is exported to a 3D printer. Each model is printed using an additive manufacturing technique that adds support materials and layers to reproduce the model as a physical representation of the original patient anatomy.

Starting with Mayo’s pre-surgical 3D printed models, 3DA determines if additional minor sculpting, texturing, or colorization is required before 3D printing the educational models. This process refines the anatomical accuracy, while improving the manufacturability of each model. Ultimately, providing the most durable, accurate and realistic anatomy models for the medical education industry.

 3DA prides ourselves on ensuring the 3D CAD files developed will produce the best medical models available using 3DP technologies. Working side by side with Mayo’s AMU team,  all models are reviewed and countless hours spent during the final design phases, validating the anatomy accuracy. Models are tested and built at Mayo’s AMU facilities and quality approved, before determining the models are ready for production. Weekly quality review meetings between Mayo, 3DA and Mass Persona,  further emphasizes quality assurance, throughout the manufacturing process.

The GPI 3D Anatomy team monitors every step of the 3D model development and production processes. 3DA models will be made at 2 locations :  Mayo Clinic  or  Mass Persona (3DA’s production partner). Mayo and Mass Persona,  are experts using the same 3DP production machines and equipment.