Someone has printed in 3D its own brain to turn it into a lamp. The best thing is that you can do it too

We have encountered a user who I commented In Reddit how he has turned his magnetic resonance in a unique lamp: an exact replica of his 3D -printed brain with a LED bulb inside. The project, which according to the user was born after medical exams by migraines, is something that you can also embark if you have a 3D printer and the necessary requirements for it.

What he has done. Marc took advantage of the fact that he had a magnetic resonance for his migraines and asked his medical center for a copy of the digital files. With them created a 3D model of his brain At a real scale, he added a hole for an E14 bulb and mounted it on a base with the inscription “proof that Marc has brain.” The result is a lamp that can be disturbing at night, but that is still fascinating.

A process within the reach of anyone. Obtaining the digital files of a resonance is relatively simple. The medical centers are legally obliged to provide these data when the patient requests them, normally through a medical data request form. The files are delivered in DICOM format, the standard for medical images, usually on a DVD or from a web portal where we can proceed with the download.

Free software. The conversion of medical archives to an printable model requires three free programs: 3D SLICER To process medical images, Meshmixer To clean and sculpt the model, and Meshlab to reduce file size. The process includes segmenting the brain eliminating the skull and soft tissues, cleaning digital artifacts, softening surfaces and optimizing the print file. Marc A tutorial followed of YouTube that details each step of the procedure.

Some challenges in between. The complete model would require more than 24 hours of continuous printing, so Marc divided it into three sections that are printed separately and then bind with adhesive. He also created internal cavities to reduce printing time from 14 to 9 hours per section and save material. The final finish includes sanding, filling of imperfections, paint and a layer of transparent varnish.

A nice memory of his resonance. The project has impacted a good number of users. In addition, it is an initiative from which you can take advantage of, from unique decorative elements to educational tools. And it is that having an exact physical replica of your own brain raises unexpected creative uses. Although it requires a certain hand with the 3D printer and a lot of patience, it is not an extremely complex operation. So if you have nothing to do this weekend and you have a 3D printer, you know.

Cover image | U/soosbrecht

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