Stratasys introduces Digital Anatomy 3D printer, enabling live-tissue feel and biomechanical realism

In the medical sector, professionals have trained on cadavres, animals, and traditional or virtual models to prepare for surgery, all of which have significant limitations. Additive manufacturing has been changing the way medical professionals prepare for an important operation, avoiding mistakes at the time of an important surgery is key. Instead of using models that just approximate human anatomy, they can now use 3D printed alternatives that are far more accurate. One of the leaders in the 3D printing market, Stratasys is actually further expanding its commitment to this segment of the medical field by introducing a new solution that is even more responsive.

In fact, the manufacturer’s newest solutions enables the creation of designs that replicate the feel, responsiveness and biomechanics of human anatomy in medical models. Called J750 Digital Anatomy, this 3D printer can for example recreate actual tissue response, letting the user focus on specific pathologies. Stratasys Healthcare Business Unit Head, Eyal Miller comments: “We’re giving surgeons a more realistic training environment in no-risk settings. We also anticipate this will enable medical device makers to improve how they bring products to market by performing design verification, validation, usability studies and failure analysis with these new models.”

The J750 Digital Anatomy 3D Printer defines colors, transparencies, textures and finishes, it is possible to create an anatomical model that’s as close to the real thing as possible | Image via Stratasys

In addition to the 3D printer itself, the company is launching three new materials. The TissueMatrix™, GelMatrix™, and BoneMatrix™ can be used to create cardiac, vascular, and orthopedic 3D printing applications. Moreover, a blood vessel cleaning station that removes support material from inside 3D printed blood vessels is also being released.