Table 4 Quantitative evaluations of 3DP models’ mechanical properties

2017

Favier V et al. [43]

Evaluation of several consumer-grade materials for creating patient-specific 3D-printed skull base model for anatomical learning and surgical training.

Four different materials were compared to fabricate the models

Force sensors were used to evaluate:

- Average force needed to break thin walls with the surgical suction tip

- Energy spent and reported instantaneous forces during a 6 mm depth drill

All materials displayed higher mechanical properties than human cadaver bone

Resin and PA were not adapted because forces exceeded to break thin walls were too high (200 N). Using “Multicolor” and PC, the forces applied were 1.6 to 2.5 / 3.5 times higher than bone. Energy spent during drilling was respectively 1.6 and 2.6 times higher on bone than on PC and Multicolor.

Finally, PC and Multicolor were the more adapted materials for this application.

2014

Hochman JB et al. [67]

To generate a rapid-prototyped temporal bone model from computed tomography (CT) data with a specific focus on internal anatomic fidelity.

Three point bending tests, using a Texture Analyzer® were performed to determine the elastic modulus and yield point.

Thanks to a 3-axis accelerometer the drill vibration during the drilling was evaluated on different materials.

The printed bone models were highly realistic. Void space representation was excellent with 88% concordance between cadaveric bone and the resultant rapid-prototyped temporal bone model. Ultimately, cyanoacrylate with hydroquinone was determined to be the most appropriate infiltrant for both cortical and trabecular simulation. The mechanical properties of all tested infiltrants were similar to real bone

2009

Radley GJ et al. [83]

To fabricate and characterize human sinus phantoms by 3D printing for surgery simulation

A modified surgical instrument was used to evaluate the necessary force to break thin walls made by test materials compared to cadaver bone.

The materials that could be successfully combined into a suitable fluid were polyurethanes, polishes, and suspended cellulose/polyesters (hardeners).