R_Bibb_Medical_Modelling_The_Application_of_Adv.pdf

246 Medical modelling
these RP technologies can be found in Chapter 5. For a general description
of the SLC, STL and SLI data formats see Chapter 4.
6.15.5 Single human bone sample (approximately
45 mm cube)
Due to initial problems with the SLC data fi les the fi rst single model was
built from an STL fi le, see Fig. 6.93. This was attempted to test the general
capability of stereolithography to manufacture these forms. Although the
STL fi le was much larger than the equivalent SLC fi le, as the model was
small it was still a feasible option. However, the standard procedures for
generating supports were simply not suitable as the software automatically
attempts to support all of the down-facing areas of the model. This resulted
in over long processing times and a vast number of supports with a correspondingly
large support STL fi le. In addition, the nature of the structure
would make it extremely diffi cult to remove supports from the innermost
areas of the model. (Note: This model was constructed before fi ne-point
6.93 STL fi le of the fi rst sample.