Although it is nowadays common for expectant parents to receive a copy of one or more images of their prenatal ultrasound scans, Fasotec, a Japanese company which normally creates 3D models for healthcare education and industry, is taking this concept to a whole new level. The company has recently launched their “mother” service in which they print 3D models of unborn fetuses based on clinical scan data of the pregnant mother.
Their technique, called Bio-Texture Modeling, uses CT or MRI to obtain 3D data, which is processed and printed in 3D. The 3D printer sprays two resins simultaneously, transparent for the mother’s body and white for the baby, creating a transparent replica of the mother’s belly with the fetus visible inside.
The standard service costs 100,000 yen (about $1250/€1000), not including the cost of imaging. This will get you a sculpture with a size of 40 x 60 x 90mm, weighing about 200 grams. If you lay down more cash, customized sizes and shapes are also available, making it possible to create accessories such as pendants, fetus keychains and cellphone dongles. In the future Fasotec plans to expand the standard range of model sizes and shapes with corresponding price options.
Press release: here (in Japanese)
Product page: Biotexture Mother…
More at: DigInfo TV