3D Printing for Realistic Anatomical Models

Friday, July 21 | 10:30 – 11:30 am

At the intersection of art and 3D medical printing is a world of opportunity for biomedical visualizers. The toolbox for a “Medical simulation artist” continues to grow. What is different today is that old-world techniques can be augmented by digital design and 3D printing, opening a new range of powerful possibilities. The skillsets of traditional special FX artists like hyper-realistic sculpture, painting, mold making, casting, and silicone fabrication are merging with new skills like digital sculpting, 3d printed molds, as well as full color 3d printing to create high-end realistic simulation models and trainers for medical professional education and more. Both analytical thinking and creative visualization go into deciding which processes will be used with considerations such as: structural requirements of the model, determining what parts should be cast silicone and which are better printed, seamlessly blending printed and cast components, selection of materials to create the most realistic experience, how to maintain anatomic accuracy while minimizing the complexity of the design, when traditional fabrication or 3D printing is the best choice for quality or efficiency, etc.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, the audience will be able to describe the role of a non-traditional visual artist as an essential member of an intra-hospital team in the Anatomical Modelling Unit at Mayo Clinic; describe how traditional sculpting and painting skills learned by medical illustrators can be combined with new digital 3D modelling and printing techniques to create one of-a-kind educational trainers and simulators; describe at least 2 examples of combined techniques that were used by the speaker to create 3D simulation trainers

Keywords: simulation; 3D printing; special FX

About the Presenter
Christian Hanson is a simulation engineer at Mayo Clinic’s Anatomic Modeling Unit, specializing in the design and fabrication of highly realistic medical task trainers and patient education models. He has been fascinated by the art of special makeup effects since childhood, and has taken his interest in sculpture, painting, molding and fabrication into a variety of subjects. In addition to film effects, these include collectable models, Halloween masks and props, set building, animal sculptures, museum environments and his current field of medical simulation. Over the last few years, he has branched into digital sculpting and CAD design, creating new ways to merge his traditional art skills and effects techniques with the latest in 3D printing technology. Christian lives in Rochester, MN with his wife and daughter.