We have developed a streamlined, cost-effective process for 3D printing brain and skull models. Printing a matching portion of a skull costs $1–5 in consumable plastic filament and takes less than 14 hr, in total. Each brain hemisphere costs approximately $3–4 in consumable plastic filament as described, and the total process takes 14–17 hours, almost all of which is unsupervised (preprocessing = 4–6 hr printing = 9–11 hr, post-processing = <30 min).

We have successfully printed over 19 patient brain hemispheres from 7 patients on two different open-source desktop 3D printers. We additionally share how to convert these STL files to machine instruction gcode files, for reliable in-house printing on desktop, open-source 3D printers. We describe how to convert clinical neuroimaging Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images to stereolithography (STL) files, a common 3D object file format that can be sent to 3D printing services. We have integrated a standardized, primarily open-source process for 3D printing brains and skulls. We describe our process for reliably generating life-sized 3D brain prints from MRIs and 3D skull prints from CTs. Desktop 3D printers can now produce relatively inexpensive, good quality prints.

Actual 3D models, however, allow interaction with real objects such as implantable electrode grids, potentially improving patient specific neurosurgical planning and personalized clinical education. This collection was created by selecting the best free 3D models from Cults 3D object library.Neuroimaging technologies such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) collect three-dimensional data (3D) that is typically viewed on two-dimensional (2D) screens. All these STL files are 3D printable, so just download them, heat up your 3D printer. We hope you enjoyed our selection of the best free 3D files to print for skull.

Build everything you need with 3D printing, a technology that is part of the maker and DIY movement. No need to go to the store or order on the Internet. You can also customize the skulls to make them unique and to your taste. Thanks to 3D printers, it is now possible to design your interior and create objects from home. Then all you have to do is find the ideal place to display your 3D sculpture. In any case, do not hesitate to spend time on finishes thanks to sanding and painting. The 3D printable skulls are very varied and correspond to many styles. Some files are printable at once, others will require assembly with adhesive dots and some will require combining them with other elements and materials (glass, wood, etc.). These 3D models are all 100% printable in 3D, via personal 3D printing (FDM) or via professional 3D printing. You will be able to download in this selection several 3D plans of skulls.

Stl files for 3d printing skulls