CAD modelling and rapid prototyping as tools in medical applications

摘要

The manufacturing world is actually the main field for the application of CAD methods and Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology, but these are more and more widely used in medicine too. The development of appliances is chiefly related to producing either models for inspection use or prosthesis, directly or by a mould casting process. This paper describes the procedure followed to design and build a model of a cranial prosthesis, aimed to remedy a large defect due to a trauma. The reduced manufacturing times and good results obtained in terms of precision of the model are the basis to develop further procedures towards the construction of a real prosthesis for direct use.