I am exploring different methods to 3D print a transparent human nasal cavity using additive manufacturing techniques? Now according to me, it can be done through rapid prototyping. However there are different methods of 3D printing such as:
1. Selective laser sintering
2. Selective laser melting
3. Fused deposition modelling
So, which is the best out of these three to print a transparent human nasal cavity? By transparent i mean in which inner structure of human nose are visible.
I want to know the exact technique and the raw materials, which will be required and will be most suitable for this job.
Dear Ajay,
In order to 3d print a transparent inner structure, I would recommend the SLA (Stereolithography Apparatus) technique using a suitable liquid material. The quality and transparency should be better than any other technique of Additive Manufacturing.
Many thanks Ahmed H. Maamoun for your prompt reply.
Can you please share/suggest some links of literature regarding that in which it is better explained how to print transparent structures using SLA.
The reason behind 3D printing of transparent nasal cavity is to visualize the airflow in that using PIV.
Ajay Bhandari , please check the following links:
- https://www.3dhubs.com/knowledge-base/introduction-sla-3d-printing/
Ajay Bhandari, The clarity of the transparent quality can be optimized, pls check the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goV4KOkt3I8
Ajay Bhandari, The FDM technique might be helpful for the transparent quality required, but a special post-processing would be needed. pls check the following link as well:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KesvLciE8rw
Here is another link that might help;
https://www.stratasys.com/explore/blog/2020/can-you-3d-print-plastic?returnUrl=%2Fexplore%3FPage%3D1%26Phrase%3D%26ResourceTypes%3D%257BF95BC16E-473D-4ED5-BD2F-FD4322C45EA6%257D&utm_source=TWITTER&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Global
SLA is interesting but it is important to pay attention to the post-processing. Enjoy! https://www.3dhubs.com/knowledge-base/post-processing-sla-printed-parts/
In general, photopolymer based 3DP technologies (SLA, DLP, LCD or photopolymer jetting/multijet) are recommended for transparent parts.
SLA or MJM would be best. As others have mentioned, support removal is a big issue. Another is that the walls of conchi are very thin, so FDM would likely fail. As mentioned in earlier comment, support removal is the biggest issue with SLA. One solution is print several parts to allow access for support removal. I think using MJM with water soluble supports (e.g. Stratasys Vero Clear) followed by dipped clear coating would give best results. Here are links to some examples we made a few years ago using SLA (before MJP water soluble supports were available):
https://www.biomodel.com/images/gallery_img/air/sinuses_split.jpg
https://www.biomodel.com/images/gallery_img/air/sinuses_profile.jpg
I would like to suggest the polyjet 3d printing machine. https://www.stratasysdirect.com/technologies/polyjet
Thanks to all for their suggestions. I recently read two papers in which transparent nasal cavities are being made. Please check the following links
1. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s003480050430.pdf
In this case, the flow passages in the human nasal cavity have been made of clear silicone using rapid prototyping and by pouring the silicone on cornstarch prototype. This prototype is then removed by treating it with cold water and the resulting nasal cavity is transparent.
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-57537-2
In this case, the plastic 3D prints are being made from fused deposition modeling (FDM) with the help of thermoplastic material known as Poly lactic acid.
Please suggest which will method will be better to do or if there is some other alternative.
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