R_Bibb_Medical_Modelling_The_Application_of_Adv.pdf

202 Medical modelling
6.68 Colouring the mould surface.
6.69 a and b The fi nal prosthetic result.
prosthesis in situ on the anatomy from angles not physically possible when
observing the patient enables greater accuracy when positioning visually
sensitive prostheses, particularly in ocular cases. In addition, the ability to
introduce three-dimensional reference planes and markers allows relative
positions to be ascertained that would typically prove problematic in the
clinic. The FreeForm ® CAD environment and user interface proved readily
accessible to the prosthetist and exploits their existing visual and tactile
skills making the software easy to learn and use.
Manufacture
Various RP technologies have been explored to assist the manufacture of
prostheses (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), but ThermoJet ® 3D printing was the obvious
choice for this application. Parts are produced in a wax material that is
directly compatible with those used in a prosthetics laboratory, thus inte-