From 3D CAD to 3D printed model

Abstract

This paper aims to outline the general steps that must be considered to obtain a physical model, on the Prusa 3D printer, starting from the CAD model (e.g. STL files) or a set of images from medical imaging (e.g. DICOM files). There is a multitude of software that allows obtaining CAD models as there is, at present, a multitude of 3D printing that operates with a wide range of materials. Prusa 3D printers have proven to expand rapidly, especially during this period of the pandemic, internationally through practical contributions. This pandemic, initially, generated an important fusion from different fields trying to solve important issues in a very short time. It was found that 3D printers play an important role nowadays. This paper is aiming, also, at identifying sources of 3D CAD and medical imaging models that can be used with 3D printers to aid or better understand different objects. Currently, 3D printing has a strong development in all scientific and non-scientific fields by contributing to the conversion of digital models into physical, tangible models. For this, it is necessary to understand the general stages that assist this process.