Our prototype will be a downscaled, 3D printed model of the musculoskeletal system in the anatomical position. There will be one deep side and one superficial side for better representation of muscles, bones and ligaments. Visible muscles are labeled in text by TA(Terminologia Anatomica) naming standards.
Next Steps:
- [ ] Redesign model w/ recessed text:
- same method as before, instead:
- solidify offset: 0, depth: 0.8mm, boolean difference muscle & text tgt
- [ ] Research oil painting methods:
- look at possible color themes(oil paint & resin colors, maybe clear resin?)
- look at oil painting process regarding the model
- [ ] Reprint model & oil paint:
- Maybe find some way to reduce supports(probably far future)
Project To-Do List
- [x] Finalize muscle list Feb 27
- [x] Research resin printing cost & constraints Mar 5
- [x] Remove omitted muscles Mar 11
- [x] Name muscles & ligaments(remember TA) Apr 15
- [x] Make model printable Apr 17
- [x] Test print on school resin printer/FDM Apr 18
- [x] Revisions and refinements Apr 22
- [x] Final print(maybe PCBway or resin printing service) or just school printer Apr 27
- [x] Research on mass production(consider constraints of size, multi-color, assembly etc.)
- [x] Project documentation / Last revised print if needed May 1
- Fonts:****Roboto Mono
- Mass Production:IF resin:
- First print: 291mL, 1L → $62.27 per print
- Change the model to have recessed text & apply oil paint over whole area, leaving it in recessed areas
- Post-processing may take around 2 hours instead of 4 on the first print
- Labor pricing is up to me (e.g. 15/hr)
- Other costs like alcohol, resin tank, electricity etc. add a few dollars per print.
- Omitted Muscles(Both Sides):
- [x] Platysma(maybe only shaded attachments)
- [x] Multifidus
- [x] Semispinalis
- [x] Intertransversarii
- [x] Transversus Thoracis(i want to include this but probably won’t)
- [x] Levatores Costarum
- [x] Innermost Intercostals
- [x] Subcostales
- [x] Helicis Maj & Min
- [x] Tragicus
- [x] Antitragicus
- [x] Auriculars
- [x] Transversus Auriculae
- [x] Obliquus Auriculae
- [x] Stapedius
- [x] Tensor Tympani
- Removed Superficial Muscles(Left Side):
- [x] Orbicularis Oculi
- [x] Orbicularis Oris
- [x] Temporoparietalis
- [x] Masseter Superficial
- [x] Frontalis
- [x] Occipitalis
- [x] Zygomaticus Major
- [x] Zygomaticus Minor
- [x] Levator Anguli Oris
- [x] Depressor Anguli Oris
- [x] Depressor Labii Inferioris
- [x] Risorius
- [x] Mentalis
- [x] Nasalis
- [x] Pec Major
- [x] Deltoid
- [x] Serratus Anterior
- [x] Triceps Brachii Long & Lateral Head
- [x] Biceps Brachii
- [x] Brachioradialis
- [x] Pronator Teres
- [x] Flexor Digitorum Superficialis
- [x] Flexor Carpi Radialis
- [x] Palmaris Longus
- [x] Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
- [x] Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
- [x] Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis & Longus
- [x] Extensor Digitorum
- [x] Extensor Digiti Minimi
- [x] Anconeus
- [x] Abductor Pollicis Brevis
- [x] Abductor Digiti Minimi
- [x] Dorsal Interossei
- [x] Sternohyoid
- [x] SCM
- [x] Trapezius
- [x] Infraspinatus
- [x] Rectus Abdominis
- [x] External Oblique
- [x] Latissimus Dorsi
- [x] Gluteus Maximus
- [x] Gluteus Medius
- [x] TFL
- [x] Sartorius
- [x] Semitendinosus
- [x] BFLH
- [x] Rectus Femoris
- [x] Vastus Medialis
- [x] Vastus Lateralis
- [x] Adductor Longus
- [x] Adductor Magnus
- [x] Gracilis
- [x] Pectineus
- [x] Tibialis Anterior
- [x] Gastrocnemius
- [x] Soleus
- [x] Fibularis Longus
- [x] Abductor Digiti Minimi
- [x] Abductor Hallucis
- [x] Extensor Digitorum Brevis
- [x] Extensor Digitorum Longus
- Labeling Progress:all done(first prototype)
- Dimensions:Connector dimensions:
- Resin Printing Research:Need a cleaning solution + UV cureWhat printer does the school have?Formlabs Form 4What is the minimum reliable thickness for parts?Part AspectDimensionMinimum supported wall thickness0.2mmMinimum unsupported wall thickness0.2mmMaximum unsupported overhang length5.0mmMinimum unsupported overhang angle10° from levelMaximum horizontal support span (distance from 2 supports)29mmMinimum vertical wire diameter7mm tall— 0.3mm, 30mm tall— 0.6mmMinimum embossed detail (like text)0.1mmMinimum engraved detail0.15mmMinimum clearance (not needed for us)0.4mmMinimum hole diameter (maybe needed)0.5mmMinimum drain hole diameter0.75mmWhat is the XY & Z resolution?0.05mm, 0.025-0.3mm(min max)What is the maximum build volume(W * D * H)?20.0 * 12.5 * 21.0cm
- Resin Printing Services Research(not needed):
- Protolabs (protolabs.com/services/3d-printing/resin) Accura Extreme Gray ABS-Like ✅ Estimated shipping time: 3-14 business days
- Weerg (weerg.com/3d-printing-service) Many gray resins Estimated shipping time: 3-10 business days
- Xometry (xometry.com) Estimated shipping time: 5-12 business days Multi color printing wow(PolyJet) Formlabs Gray V5(https://xometry-marketing.cdn.prismic.io/xometry-marketing/aBFDOPIqRLdaBukE_FormlabsGreyResinV5Datasheet.pdf) Accura Xtreme Gray(https://xometry-marketing.cdn.prismic.io/xometry-marketing/aBFDOPIqRLdaBukE_FormlabsGreyResinV5Datasheet.pdf)
- Protolabs(hubs.com/3d-printing) Estimated shipping time: 4-10 business days Formlabs Grey Pro Resin Formlabs Standard Resin
ME: where do i find terminologia anatomica naming for muscles and ligaments and fascia etc
GROK:
The official international standard for anatomical terminology, including names for muscles (systema musculare), ligaments (ligamenta), fascia (fasciae), and related structures, is Terminologia Anatomica (TA), maintained by the Federative International Programme for Anatomical Terminology (FIPAT) under the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA).
The most up-to-date and authoritative version is the second edition (TA2, 2019), which includes expanded and updated terms (notably improvements to fascia terminology, among others).
Primary Official Sources (Free Online Access)
- Main official publication site: Hosted by Dalhousie University Libraries on behalf of FIPAT. Visit: https://fipat.library.dal.ca/TA2/ Here you’ll find the full Terminologia Anatomica (second edition), including searchable/browseable sections, a user guide, and a downloadable PDF of the entire terminology (under Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 license—free to copy/distribute unaltered).
- Interactive searchable viewer (recommended for quick lookups of specific muscles, ligaments, fascia, etc.): TA2 Viewer at https://ta2viewer.openanatomy.org/ This is an official collaboration between IFAA/FIPAT and the Open Anatomy Project. It’s dynamic, allows searching by Latin/English terms, and links to related resources.
Key Sections for Your Query
In TA (both editions), these structures are primarily covered in:
- Part 2: Musculoskeletal system (systema skeletale and systema musculare) — includes bones, joints, muscles, and associated ligaments.
- Muscular system (systema musculare): All skeletal muscles with official Latin names and English equivalents.
- Articular system (systema articulare): Joints and ligaments.
- General anatomy / Connective tissue: Fasciae (e.g., fascia propria, investing fascia, etc.) — TA2 has notable updates and expansions here compared to the 1998 edition.
- Fascia terms are grouped under connective tissue/fascia categories, with specific named fasciae (e.g., thoracolumbar fascia, fascia lata) listed appropriately.
You can navigate to these via the chapter/part structure on the sites above.
Other Useful Resources
- Older first edition (1998) is still referenced sometimes but has been superseded by TA2.
- Some third-party sites (e.g., http://terminologia-anatomica.org/en) offer searchable TA terms with images/videos, but stick to the official FIPAT/Dalhousie or TA2 Viewer links for the authoritative version.
If you’re looking for a specific muscle, ligament, or fascia name, feel free to provide it and I can help look up the official TA term!
ME: what are some online resin printing services
GROK:
Here are some popular and reliable online resin 3D printing services (focusing on SLA, DLP, MSLA/LCD, or similar vat polymerization technologies for high-detail, smooth-finish parts like prototypes, miniatures, jewelry, or functional components). These are on-demand platforms where you upload your STL/OBJ file, get instant quotes, and order custom prints.
Many users and reviews (from sources like All3DP’s 2025 comparisons) highlight these for quality, pricing, material variety, and ease of use.
Top Recommended Services
- Craftcloud (craftcloud3d.com) Often ranked as one of the most affordable and user-friendly options. It compares real-time quotes from 150+ global manufacturers, offering a wide range of resins (standard, transparent, engineering-grade), SLA/DLP/LCD tech, no minimum orders, and competitive pricing. Great for hobbyists and pros seeking the best deal without sacrificing quality.
- JLC3DP (jlc3dp.com) A cost-effective Chinese-based service with strong SLA resin options (including transparent, black, and multiple colors). Known for precision (±0.2mm tolerance), fast delivery (including to North America), and low starting prices. Popular for detailed parts and prototypes.
- Protolabs (protolabs.com/services/3d-printing/resin) Professional-grade with a variety of thermoset resins (white, black, clear, etc.), multiple resolutions (normal/high/micro), and post-processing like finishing for cosmetics. Ideal for engineering prototypes or functional parts needing tight tolerances.
- Sculpteo (sculpteo.com) A well-established European service offering SLA and DLP resins for high-detail prototypes with smooth, injection-mold-like finishes. Supports various materials (prototyping resin, engineering resins like Ultracur3D), instant quotes, and quick turnaround.
- Weerg (weerg.com/3d-printing-service) Italy-based with in-house production for high-quality SLA resin prints (high resolution, watertight, precise). Good for rapid prototyping to small production runs (up to thousands of units), with fast lead times (parts in days).
- Shapeways (shapeways.com) Long-standing platform for industrial additive manufacturing, including resin options for detailed, high-performance models. Suitable for testing, meetings, or end-use parts.
- Xometry (xometry.com) or Protolabs Network (formerly Hubs) (hubs.com/3d-printing) Both are large networks connecting you to vetted manufacturers worldwide. They support resin/SLA with instant quotes, a broad selection of materials, and good for scaling from prototypes to production.
Other Options
- For miniatures/hobby-focused: Check Etsy sellers or specialized services (many offer custom resin printing for figures, with quotes starting low).
- Niche/local: Platforms like Treatstock or PrintAWorld for on-demand high-res prints, or regional ones if shipping costs matter (you’re in Vancouver, so North American or fast international shipping from the above works well).
Tips: Always upload your file for an instant quote—prices vary by part size, complexity, material (e.g., clear vs. tough resin), finish, and quantity. Check reviews for your specific use case (e.g., miniatures vs. functional parts). Lead times range from days to weeks, with faster options often available for extra cost.
If you share more details (e.g., part size, material needs, or budget), I can help narrow it down further!
ME:
- Protolabs (protolabs.com/services/3d-printing/resin) Accura Extreme Gray ABS-Like ✅
- Weerg (weerg.com/3d-printing-service) Many gray resins
- Xometry (xometry.com) Multi color printing wow(PolyJet) Formlabs Gray V5(https://xometry-marketing.cdn.prismic.io/xometry-marketing/aBFDOPIqRLdaBukE_FormlabsGreyResinV5Datasheet.pdf) Accura Xtreme Gray(https://xometry-marketing.cdn.prismic.io/xometry-marketing/aBFDOPIqRLdaBukE_FormlabsGreyResinV5Datasheet.pdf)
- Protolabs(hubs.com/3d-printing) Formlabs Grey Pro Resin Formlabs Standard Resin
- PCBWay(https://www.pcbway.com/rapid-prototyping/manufacture/?type=2&reffercode=TOP) Has dark grays but idk
what are the estimated shipping times for each
GROK:
Here are the estimated shipping times (including production/lead time + transit to Vancouver, BC, Canada) for the resin 3D printing services you mentioned, based on their typical offerings for resin/SLA/PolyJet parts. These are approximate ranges as of 2026—actual times depend on part complexity, material availability, order volume, chosen expedited options, and current conditions (e.g., customs for international shipments). Always get an instant quote on their site by uploading your file and entering your Vancouver address for precise lead times and costs (including any duties/taxes for non-Canadian sources).
- Xometry (xometry.com — PolyJet multi-color resin like VeroWhitePlus + VeroBlackPlus): Production lead times vary by speed: Expedite (fastest, domestic US network) often 3–7 business days total to ship; Standard 7–14+ days; Economy longer for lower cost (international options available but slower/cheaper). Shipping to Canada (Vancouver): Typically 2–7 business days transit (e.g., 2-day for standard, ground longer), via carriers like UPS/FedEx. International orders incur charges (no free domestic-style shipping to Canada), and you may need to provide a shipping account or pay at checkout. Total from order to delivery: 5–14+ business days commonly, faster with expedite. PolyJet (multi-color) may add slight time due to setup.
- Protolabs (protolabs.com/services/3d-printing/resin — e.g., Accura Xtreme Gray, Accura Extreme Gray ABS-like): Very fast in-house US/Europe production. Standard lead times for resin 3D printing often as fast as 1–3 business days for eligible parts; expedited same-day/1–2 days possible. Economy options 7–12+ days. Shipping to Canada: Quick via FedEx/UPS (often 2–5 business days transit). Total to Vancouver: 3–10 business days typically, with many users seeing 4–7 days for standard orders. Strong for gray resins with tight tolerances.
- Weerg (weerg.com/3d-printing-service — many gray resins, in-house Italy-based): Production often starts quickly; parts can ship in as little as 2–3 days after order for fast options. Shipping worldwide via DHL/FedEx: Standard 3–6 days transit; Express 1–3 days (depending on destination). Free standard shipping possible for larger EU orders, but Canada incurs costs + potential duties/customs. Total to Vancouver: 5–12 business days commonly (faster with express). Good for high-detail gray SLA.
- Protolabs Network (hubs.com/3d-printing — formerly Hubs, now part of Protolabs; e.g., Formlabs Grey Pro, Standard Resin): Network of global manufacturers; lead times from 1–4 business days for many processes (e.g., SLA from 3 days). Pricing often inclusive of shipping/duties to Canada. Shipping to Vancouver: Often 4 business days total (production + transit) advertised for Canada deliveries. Total: 4–10 business days depending on supplier location (many North American/European for faster times).
- PCBWay (pcbway.com/rapid-prototyping — dark grays available in SLA resin): China-based; production quick (often 2–5 days after files approved). Shipping to Canada (Vancouver): International Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS) 3–7 business days transit; Economy longer (5–20 days). Total from order: 7–14+ business days typically (faster with express, but add potential customs delays/duties). Affordable for basic gray parts, but longer than North American/European services.
Quick Vancouver-Specific Notes:
- North American/US-based (Xometry, Protolabs, Protolabs Network/Hubs) usually fastest overall (less customs hassle, 3–10 days common).
- European (Weerg) mid-range.
- China (PCBWay) cheapest but slowest/most variable due to international transit/customs.
- Duties/taxes: Expect possible brokerage fees (~$10–50 CAD) + GST/PST on imports over ~$20–150 CAD value (varies by service/carrier).
For the most accurate/current estimates (especially for your specific gray primary + black secondary PolyJet needs), upload your model to each site and check the quote—times/prices update in real-time. If you share part details (e.g., size, urgency), I can help prioritize!
ME: what type of font should i use for labeling give me some keywords
GROK:
For 3D printed labels on an anatomical model, look for fonts described as: ∙ Sans-serif — clean, no decorative strokes, reads well at small sizes ∙ Condensed — narrow letterforms save horizontal space on tight surfaces ∙ Medium or Regular weight — bold can fill in/blur when printed small, thin strokes may disappear ∙ High x-height — larger lowercase letters improve readability at small scales ∙ Geometric or Grotesque — clean uniform strokes that hold up when extruded/embossed Specific fonts worth trying: Futura Condensed, DIN, Helvetica Neue Condensed, Barlow Condensed, Roboto Condensed Avoid anything described as: serif, script, decorative, ultra-light, or display.