The Best 3D Printers for Printing Patient-Specific Medical Training Models in 2023
3D Printing in Progress: Printers like the Artillery Sidewinder are the best way to enter into medical 3D printing.
Introduction
In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, a groundbreaking transformation is underway, powered by the integration of modern 3D printing technology. While this technology may have seemed like science fiction not long ago, it is now paving the way for incredible advancements in patient care and medical education. Imagine a world where medical professionals can hold in their hands precise replicas of patient anatomies, replicating complex surgical scenarios before they even enter the operating room.
Working with healthcare professionals for over a decade now, I know how challenging it can be to decide on the right 3D printer to start with. Especially when working long shifts in the hospital, no one would like to spend another one or two hours (or even more) diving into deep research for the right machine. In this article, I will show the top three 3D printers that I think are the best choice for producing high-quality patient-specific medical training models in 2023. As this will be a series of three articles in total, I will start with 3D printers that are best for printing rigid models, like bone structures or simple models. The next article will focus on the best 3D printers to print flexible models like vessels or heart models. In the last article, I will have a look at the solutions used widely in the industry but may also be of interest to your facilities.
Requirements on the 3D printer when it comes to printing medical training models
Patient-specific medical training models represent a paradigm shift that promises to redefine medical education, surgical practice, and patient care. These models, meticulously crafted using 3D printing technology, transcend the conventional teaching methods. They offer an unparalleled level of detail and accuracy, empowering medical professionals to immerse themselves in lifelike scenarios that closely mirror real-world patient cases. It's a leap forward that bridges the gap between theory and practice, where medical students and seasoned professionals alike can gain invaluable hands-on experience without risking patient safety.
When it comes to 3D print those anatomical models, the requirements are slightly different from those used in architecture, aerospace or automotive industries. Based on medical images from CT or MRI with a resolution of 0.5mm or less, it is not especially necessary to have a machine that provides an accuracy of 0.01mm or more. Also, there is no need to have a very low layer height or to end up with a model that does look like casted because you are not able to see any of the lines typical for 3D printed models. And it is also not necessary to be able to print with a high variety of different materials. No, the requirements for 3D printers used for producing medical models are different:
Easy to set up and use
Reliability regarding print times of 15 hours and more
Silent
High print speed to deliver a model in a short amount of time
Medium size build volume of at least 20x20x20 cm
Following these criteria, we have set up our top three entry-level 3D printers. As the focus of this first article lies on printing rigid models, the following printers are best for using stiff basic materials like PLA. Each printer uses fused deposition modeling (FDM) or fused filament fabrication (FFF) to produce the model layer by layer. The principle behind FDM is quite simple: A thin string of the used material ("Filament") is heated up, melted and placed with a hot glue gun-like nozzle on a building surface. Once a layer is finished, the nozzle is moved up a little bit (or the building plate moves down) and the next layer is going to be printed.
Our Top 3D Printers for Patient-Specific Medical Training Models
1. Artillery Sidewinder X2
The Artillery Sidewinder was introduced into the market in 2019. Since that time it has become one of our all-time favorites because it fulfills all the requirements mentioned above. By today, many of our clients use this printer based on our recommendation. The latest version, the Artillery Sidewinder X2 is even better when it comes to setting up and running the printer. There are only four screws to tighten after unpacking and the printer is almost ready to print. The auto bed leveling works pretty well and ensures a perfect first-layer adhesion.
When printing, the noise produced by the system is very low and suitable for nearly every office. The Artillery Sidewinder X2 also stands out as a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality. With its large build volume of approximately 300mm x 300mm x 400mm, this printer enables the creation of larger patient-specific medical training models. The dual Z-axis design ensures stable and accurate prints.
Comparing the price with the other two printers in this list, it is the cheapest one. But that does not mean it lacks any performance or necessary features.
Key Features and Specifications:
Direct Drive Extruder: The advanced Titan extruder solves filament clogging and uneven extrusion issues, resulting in high-precision printing.
Maximum Printing Speed: Achieve high-efficiency printing with a maximum speed of 150 mm/s.
Dual Z-Axis Synchronization System: The double screw drive and dual Z-axis design ensure that the X-axis moves parallel to the lattice glass build platform, improving overall printing quality.
Automatic Leveling: The intelligent auto bed leveling design allows the printer to automatically adjust the hot bed before each printing session. The hot bed can reach 110°C within just 2 minutes.
Resume Printing Function: In case of filament exhaustion or power failure, the Sidewinder X2 detects the issue and resumes printing from the last stopped position after recovery.
Ultra-Silent Printing: Equipped with a 32-bit silent motherboard and exclusive ultra-quiet stepper driver, the printer significantly reduces working noise. It operates in a low-decibel printing mode, ensuring minimal disruption even during nighttime operation.
Large Build Volume: Offering a build volume of approximately 300mm x 300mm x 400mm it even fits a model of a complete skull or femur in 1 by 1 scale
Printer Dimensions: with only 550mm x 410mm x 640mm this really could be named a “desktop printer”
The Sidewinder X2 offers excellent value for medical professionals seeking a balance between affordability and printing capability. The easiest way to buy one is via Amazon using the link below.
2. AnkerMake M5
The AnkerMake M5 has hit the market in early 2023. It is our recommendation for users who would need their models printed in a pretty short amount of time. With a maximum print speed of 500mm per second, it is nearly twice as fast as the Artillery Sidewinder X2. On the downside of that high print speed, the noise produced by the printer while working is quite loud (due to the cooling fans). Keep this in mind when you don't have a separate room to place the printer in.
The build volume is a little bit smaller than the one of the Artillery. According to our experience, at least 90% of the medical models will fit the build volume. But that makes the machine itself a little bit more compact and suitable to a normal office desk.
Setting up the printer is straightforward and comparable to the Artillery Sidewinder X2. If you are someone with an eye for beautiful designs, this printer will be the one for you - all is covered and smooth without any open wiring or bearing.
Key Features and Specifications:
500 mm/s Speed
Precise 0.1 mm Detail: Achieve precise prints with the ultra-direct extruder and integrated die-cast aluminum alloy structure. Even at high speeds, the printer maintains stability and quality.
Error Detection System: The M5 employs an error detection system that calculates and sticks to a printing plan using an integrated intelligent camera. Real-time notifications pause prints upon detecting errors like print bed detachment, extruder jams, or other issues, saving time and filament.
Integrated Die-Cast Aluminum Alloy: The integrated die-cast aluminum alloy structure and Z-axis design improve base stability and reduce the center of gravity, resulting in stable, fast-speed printing with reduced installation errors and improved accuracy.
Remote Control via WiFi: Access your prints from anywhere using the AnkerMake app, AnkerMake Slicer, or even Alexa, providing the flexibility to control and monitor prints remotely.
7x7 Auto-Leveling: Enhance print accuracy with 7x7 auto-leveling. Advanced algorithms create a virtual height map, ensuring accurate print starts.
Medium Build Volume: Offering a build volume of approximately 235mm x 235mm x 250mm
Despite a price that is significantly higher than that of the Artillery, the Anker Make M5 is a clear recommendation from us. Print speed, Wi-Fi connection and camera monitoring are clear advantages and allow reliable use of the printer 24/7. The easiest way to buy one is via Amazon using the link below.
3. Bambu Lab X1 Carbon AMS
If you are in need of multi-color or multi-material models, we suggest choosing the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon with its additional Automatic Material System (AMS). This Printer allows printing with up to 16 different materials when using 4 AMS units. Besides this great benefit, the Bambu Lab X1 carbon features the same print speed as the Anker Make M5 (up to 500 mm/s), WiFi capability, camera monitoring, and even a lidar scanner for leveling and monitoring the print bed. The build volume lies between the ones of the Artillery and the Anker Make. The completely enclosed build chamber gives the printer a very professional look.
Setting up the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon is as easy as the Artillery or the Anker Make. For newbies to 3D printing, it takes around 60 Minutes to unpack and first start the machine, especially when integrating the AMS. For those who are more familiar with the quirks of consumer 3D printers, it might take less than 30 Minutes. But thanks to many video tutorials, it is a solvable task for everyone.
Key Features and Specifications:
Multi-Color & Multi-Material Capability: The Bambu Lab X1 offers the ability to print in multiple colors and materials, enabling the creation of highly detailed and visually realistic medical training models.
High-Speed CoreXY with 20000 mm/s² Acceleration: The CoreXY motion system with high acceleration capabilities enables fast and efficient printing.
Dual Auto Bed Leveling: The printer features dual auto bed leveling, ensuring a consistent and level printing surface.
All-Metal Hot End with Abrasive-Resistant Nozzle: The all-metal hot end can reach temperatures up to 300 °C and includes an abrasive-resistant nozzle and extruder for handling challenging filaments like carbon and glass-filled materials.
Onboard Lidar for Error Detection: The X1 Carbon utilizes onboard Lidar to scan the print bed and first print layer. If issues are detected, it alerts users via the Bambu Handy app or computer to address the problem promptly.
Wi-Fi Connectivity and Touchscreen Display: The printer offers solid Wi-Fi connectivity and a responsive touchscreen display for convenient control and monitoring.
Optional AMS (Automatic Material System): An optional upgrade, the AMS supports multi-material printing with the ability to use up to four different filaments. Multiple AMS units can be chained for intricate sixteen-filament prints.
With the ability to print in multiple colors and materials, the Bambu Lab X1 unlocks a new level of versatility for creating lifelike patient-specific models. This printer is ideal for educators and institutions looking to enhance the visual impact of their medical training programs. All this (unfortunately) comes with the highest price in comparison to the Artillery and the Anker Make. But we think it is 100% worth it.
Conclusion
As technology continues to evolve, the future of 3D printing in medical applications holds exciting possibilities. From advancements in materials to enhanced printing techniques, the field is poised for continued growth and innovation. Entering the world of medical 3D printing has become increasingly easy in recent years thanks to the development of reliable and affordable 3D printers. Today, you no longer need to be an engineer to operate the equipment; all you need is a little technical interest and a place to set it up. Especially if you only want to create rigid models (dental, orthopedics, etc.) it is definitely a good idea to take a look at the printers listed above.