What’s the evidence for 3D printed medical training models? 3D printed multi-material models can replicate the complexity and wide range of patient pathology, making them superior tools for medical education. But how do 3D printed models compare to traditional training methods? In multiple peer reviews, users agree they can be an invaluable asset to training and better prepare practitioners for the clinical realm. The studies evaluated: The cost effectiveness of 3D printed models compared to traditional methods Student performance when learning with 2D methods such as textbook and CT imaging versus 3D printed models A wide range of therapeutic areas including neurosurgery, ophthalmology, cardiology and oncology The role 3D printed models can play in standardizing teaching and assessment techniques of trainees. Read our white paper to learn: How 3D printed models compare to traditional training methods The degree of realism in anatomical models The impact of 3D printing on training, cost and time efficiencies Download the white paper PDF at the button below. Download

For ‘Dave,’ the main character in the storyline, more than 800 different facial expressions were 3D printed with the Stratasys full-color J750 3D Printer. An eagerly awaited holiday tradition is the British supermarket chain Sainsbury’s Christmas TV ad. Drawing on hot trends in both popular culture and technology, this year’s spot is proving to be a winner. Shot entirely in stop-frame animation, the Sainsbury’s ad is a touching and funny mini-musical called “The Greatest Gift.” Composed by Bret McKenzie, half of the comedic musical group Flight of the Conchords, and sung by British actor-talk show host James Corden, the ad features a number of different engaging characters. The characters’ faces, which required hundreds of variations to make the three-and-a-half minute film, were 3D printed on the Stratasys J750 3D Printer by 3D Print Bureau and Tri-Tech. The short film was directed by Sam Fell and centers on the character of Dave, who discovers a way to spend more time with his family at Christmas. According to Richard Pickersgill, workshop supervisor at puppet makers Mackinnon & Saunders, the elaborate production needed a technology capable of delivering fine detail and rich, high quality color, but within a strict timeframe. “As it turns out, [...]

Vapor smoothing can be used to produce a polished, consistent finish on your 3D parts. In conventional injection molding for mass production, parts come directly off the mold with a mirrored or textured finish. No post processing is required and upon cooling, the part can be packaged and shipped to its destination. Molders achieve this complete finish using polishing techniques with brushes, felts, stones, and other tools. With fused deposition modeling, heated thermoplastics are extruded layer-by-layer to form a 3D part. Material can be extruded at incredibly thin layer thicknesses, ranging from 13 thousandths of an inch all the way to 5 thousandths. However, FDM still produces visible layer lines that can affect the cosmetic appearance. And while ultra-thin layers produce a better appearance, the thinner the layer, the longer it takes to print. Fortunately, vapor smoothing allows you to effectively smooth 3D printed parts directly after they come off the machine. Through vapor smoothing, parts are dipped into a vapor tank containing a liquid that is brought to boiling point. The vapor rises and melts away the part surface, eliminating all layer lines. The process only takes a few seconds and your left with a smooth shiny part. Vapor smooth parts have [...]

Stratasys is kicking off the 13th Annual Extreme Redesign 3D Printing Challenge with a formal call for entries. Building on the success of previous contests, this year's challenge is fully supported by the power of GrabCAD - the market's premier digital manufacturing hub, helping designers and engineers build products faster by linking people, content, and technology. Open to student innovators worldwide, the annual challenge invites scholars across the disciplines of engineering, design, and art, jewelry, and architecture to create an original piece - or redesign an existing work - leveraging the power of 3D printing. All designs should prove mechanically sound, realistic and achievable. Submissions are analyzed and judged based on: Mechanical design Design creativity Product usefulness Aesthetics (art, jewelry, and architecture category) Compelling description Individuals or design teams are asked to create entries using 3D CAD software, sign up for a free GrabCAD Community account, and then submit files in STL format through the GrabCAD Challenge platform - along with a description highlighting the design's value and benefit. Deadline to submit across the following categories is March 9, 2017. The contest categories are as follows: Engineering: Secondary Education (middle/high school) Engineering: Post-Secondary (university, college, or post-secondary) Art, Jewelry & Architecture (any grade [...]