Color Enhancement Strategies for 3D Printing of X-ray Computed Tomography Bone Data for Advanced Anatomy Teaching Models

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printed anatomical models are valuable visual aids that are widely used in clinical and academic settings to teach complex anatomy. Procedures for converting human biomedical image datasets, like X-ray computed tomography (CT), to prinTable 3D files were explored, allowing easy reproduction of highly accurate models; however, these largely remain monochrome. While multi-color 3D printing is available in two accessible modalities (binder-jetting and poly-jet/multi-jet systems), studies embracing the viability of these technologies in the production of anatomical teaching models are relatively sparse, especially for sub-structures within a segmentation of homogeneous tissue density. Here, we outline a strategy to manually highlight anatomical subregions of a given structure and multi-color 3D print the resultant models in a cost-effective manner. Readily available high-resolution 3D reconstructed models are accessible to the public in online libraries. From these databases, four representative files (of a femur, lumbar vertebra, scapula, and innominate bone) were selected and digitally color enhanced with one of two strategies (painting or splitting) guided by Feneis and Dauber’s Pocket Atlas of Human Anatomy. Resulting models were created via 3D printing with binder-jet and/or poly-jet machines with important features, such as muscle origin and insertion points, highlighted using multiple colors. The resulting multi-color, physical models are promising teaching tools that will enhance the anatomical learning experience.

The effects of color and saturation on the enjoyment of real-life images

“…In contrast, in educational or entertainment settings involving positive valence, color may be utilized to enhance the enjoyment of the content and better engage the viewer. For instance, the practice of color enhancement has been observed in classrooms to improve acquisition of textual information (Hall & Sidio-Hall, 1994 ) and anatomical learning experience (Inoue et al, 2020 ).…”

The State of the Art of Material Jetting—A Critical Review

“…In the biomedical industry, MJ is exploited for printing hand protheses by using FullCure 720 material [ 99 ]. Manufacturing surgical training models [ 100 ] and printing multi-color bone models can also be achieved, which can potentially be used as anatomy teaching tools for specific diseases [ 101 ]. For example, printing human nasal sinus anatomy was demonstrated to teach different patients about their medical conditions and surgical treatment options ( Figure 4 ) [ 102 ].…”

The Influence of Wedge Angle, Feedstock Color, and Infill Density on the Color Difference of FDM Objects

“…Color 3D printing is gaining increasing popularity in recent years, as it enables customized production in various industrial applications based on different substrates, including plastic [3][4][5][6][7], powder [8,9], paper [10][11][12][13][14], metal [15,16], glass [17], food [18], and organism [19]. While the seven categories of applications for color 3D printing techniques range from processes to coloring materials in 3D printing, they follow the same subtractive color theory standardized by the CIE (Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage) and the ICC (International Color Consortium) for 2D printing.…”

“…FDM is the most economical technique among other AM methods due to its advantages such as the high strength of its materials, cost-effectiveness, ease of printing, multicolor and glossiness appearance, and environmentally friendly nature [25,26]. In this regard, FDM is an excellent candidate for biomedical, marine, and aerospace applications such as mechanical housings, antennas, satellites, thermal management components, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) [4][5][6].…”