Commercial medical 3D printing software often includes a hefty upfront licensing fee along with additional fees for training and support. For novice users or organizations just learning medical 3D printing such a high cost can make bioprinting inaccessible. Not to mention the time needed to learn the software.

Another option is to download and install open source software. We have several tutorials posted on embodi3D.com which guide you through the steps of converting a DICOM file into a file ready for 3D printing using open source software. While the dollar cost is low, a large amount of time must be devoted to master open source methods. We now use democratiz3D for our DICOM to STL conversions. It saves us time and we believe you will find it very helpful as well.

democratiz3D is the best DICOM to STL conversion software tool available online. It is free, easy to use and most files are automatically processed in under 20 minutes. The alternatives are costly, take weeks or months to learn and even then, converting a file still takes several hours. With democratiz3D you can complete other tasks while you wait for the DICOM file processing to complete.

Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine, also known as DICOM, is a standard format which allows the easy transfer, processing and sharing of medical image information. This standard format provides a protocol for sharing across many different medical devices and systems. DICOM is widely used in hospitals and outpatient imaging facilities. Your dentist is probably using DICOM as well. Many different medical imaging services including MRI, ultra sound, x-rays and CT scans use DICOM.

democratiz3D is an easy and free online service that converts a medical CAT scan into an STL file and optimizes it for 3D printing. democratiz3D is develop by embodi3D, the leading online resource for medical 3D printing. Once DICOM processing is complete you can download your STL file, share it with the embodi3D community, or sell it in the Marketplace.

To use democratiz3D, your medical image file must be in the proper DICOM file format (dcm). CAT Scan to STL conversion is a multi-step process in medical 3D printing and converting to NRRD format file format is the first step. democratiz3D processing converts an NRRD file to a file with the .stl extension. The STL file is then used with a 3D printer to make the anatomical model. democratiz3D is currently optimized to automatically process DICOM files derived from CT scans. The ability to convert DICOM files from MRI and other modalities is planned for a future release.

There is an endless number of ways democratiz3D is used for 3d printing medical organs. Essentially you convert medical images into 3D printable files. Dicom to STL. democratiz3D quickly makes 3D printable bone models and requires no prior knowledge of medical imaging or 3D printing software. Your first model can be completed in 10 minutes. Skin models show an exact replica of the skin surface. The finest details are captured, including wrinkles and veins underneath the skin. Create accurate anatomic muscle 3D printable models. Muscle models show the detailed musculature by subtracting away the skin and fat. Specialized dental models are realized when converting a dental CT into a high resolution STL file by using the democratiz3D premium dental operation. Vascular 3D printed anatomic models are possible as well.