I got my hands on a fantastic full color, transparent 3D print from Mixed Dimensions and it’s worth discussing.
The California-based company has several different 3D print-related operations under their portfolio, including the popular MakePrintable online 3D model repair service, as well as a series of custom color 3D print services. Mixed Dimensions recently received a significant investment to boost their operations.
Currently you can purchase from Mixed Dimensions full color 3D prints of Star Trek spaceships, items from EVE Online, and a number of creature, warrior and bot characters.
One of their color print services is highly detailed human anatomical models. This “Visible Man” service offers the ability to receive a detailed 3D print with a transparent outer layer. Through the transparent layer you can view the internals, just as you might with a normal physical model some of us had as children.
Mixed Dimensions graciously provided us with a “MALE CAUCASIAN ANATOMY” 3D print and we took a very close look at the print.
By the way, Mixed Dimensions has partnered with Mimaki, one of the few producers of very high quality color 3D printers. While there are a few styles of color 3D printing, only Stratasys and Mimaki can achieve the detail seen in this type of print.
The full color 3D print is visually striking, and draws the eye to examine it further. That’s because the perfectly transparent outer layer easily reveals inner details. You can clearly see bones and most organs, although they are tucked in place as they should be. The model appears to be bones and organs, with muscles removed and a transparent layer added.
If you’re not familiar with these body parts, the model is accompanied with a very detailed chart, shown here:
I’m not sure how these prints are post-processed, but the result is an incredibly smooth exterior surface that lends well to the ability to see through the transparent layer. It is exceedingly difficult to see any layer lines on this print.
This model is 250mm tall, so it’s not by any means small. It’s quite heavy as well, weighing in at 162g. One great feature is an included stand that grabs the figure by the neck and holds it upright. There’s also a nameplate at the bottom to explain what it’s all about.
Mixed Dimensions offers a few customization knobs on their anatomical offerings. You can select from either a Caucasian Male or Asian Female base model, and then customize several aspects.
There are several finishing modes, including: full skin, full muscle, or full skeleton, which seems to be the version we’re inspecting here. And, like pizza, you can request a “half and half” version that splits two modes in one model. Finally, you can also specify whether you require genitals or not, which may be useful for some requestors.
Models can be requested in different sizes, ranging from five to twelve inches (45 – 305 mm). It seems I have the nine-inch (250mm) size.
Due to the number of possible combinations and sizes, the price varies considerably for this 3D model. The item shown here is priced at US$150, but other combinations can go as low as US$40 or as high as US$399.
While this fascinating 3D model might not be for everyone, I have a suspicion it might be quite useful in educational settings or even doctors’ offices.
Via Mixed Dimensions
