A pocket-sized brain with detachable sections, a life-sized hand with complete blood vessels and ligaments, and a sectioned kidney showing intricate vessels and structures within. These were just some of the 3D-printed objects on display during the 3D Printing and Prototyping lab’s Open House on 25 September. 

“Through this event, we hope to increase awareness of 3D printing technology within the School, and encourage more people to explore its potential,” said Associate Dean Professor Fernando Bello, who leads the Duke-NUS Technology Enhanced Learning and Innovation (TELI) department in the Office of Education. 

In addition to the mesmerising anatomical displays, visitors saw one of the printers in action. The fully customisable printing process can be completed in as little as an hour and users can specify the texture, elasticity, colour and material used for the project, explained Mr Dennis Ong, Senior Education Associate in 3D Printing with the Duke-NUS TELI department, who was on hand along with other members of the Printing and Prototyping team, manager Mr Johan Susanto, and assistant manager, Mr Tan Kai Lee, to talk about the power of 3D printing, the available resources and the workshops on offer.

After touring the facility, first-year MD student Ms Liu Miao Xian left with a better appreciation of the role technology plays in medical education. “I learnt how technology was integrated into our learning,” she said.

And while standard anatomical models can be downloaded from online catalogues, users can also create their own models by scanning a real-life sample that they would like to replicate or by adapting existing templates to meet their needs.