The NIH 3D Print Exchange: Web-based, automated generation of biomedical 3D structure files

Wednesday, September 24, 2014 — Poster Session IV
10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.	FAES Academic Center	NIAID	STRUCTBIO-5

Authors

• D Hurt
• A Vsevelod
• M Coakley
• M Mtingwa
• M Gizaw
• A Yun
• E Fincher
• J Swan
• D Chen
• N Weber
• C Sastry
• T Yoo
• J Croghan
• Y Huyen

Abstract

​In an online sea of 3D-printable gadgets and widgets numbering into the thousands, there are few models relevant to biomedical research or education, and designing such models can be difficult or time-consuming. In answer to this, the NIH is making high-quality, scientifically accurate, 3D-printable files available through an online portal. The NIH 3D Print Exchange (3Dprint.nih.gov) allows users to discover bioscientific and biomedical 3D models that are ready to download and print in 3D. Users can upload their own 3D files, exchange tips and tricks with the community in our discussion forum, and learn from our video tutorials. Most importantly, users can create their own 3D models through our web-based tools. These automated pipelines use Chimera, Blender, MeshLab, and other modeling software to generate printable models from scientific structure data and medical image stacks to help researchers, physicians and patients to visualize scientific concepts and disease processes and treatments. Above all, the NIH 3D Print Exchange is dedicated to advancing the use of 3D printing in scientific learning and discovery, and is leading the charge among government agencies to support the Maker Movement, and to share scientific work in an open source, open access platform.

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