Characterization of 3-Dimensional Printing and Casting Materials for use in Computed Tomography and X-ray Imaging Phantoms

Published

September 15, 2020

Author(s)

Bryan E. Yunker, Andrew Holmgren, Karl Stupic, J. L. Wagner, S Huddle, R Shandas, R. F. Weir, Katy Keenan, Edward Garboczi, Stephen E. Russek

Abstract

Imaging phantoms are used to calibrate and validate the performance of medical computed tomography (CT) systems. Many new materials developed for three-dimensional (3D) printing processes may be useful in the direct printing or casting of biomimetic and geometrically accurate CT and X-ray phantoms. The X-ray linear attenuation coefficients of polymer samples were measured to discover materials for use as tissue mimics in phantoms. This study included a cohort of polymer compounds that were tested in cured form. The cohort consisted of 101 standardized polymer samples fabricated from: two-part silicones and polyurethanes used in commercial casting processes; one-part optically cured polyurethanes used in 3D printing; and fused deposition thermoplastics used in 3D printing. The testing was performed with a commercial micro-CT imaging system from 40 kVp to 140 kVp. The X-ray linear coefficients of the samples and human tissues were plotted with error bars to allow the reader to identify suitable mimics. The X-ray linear attenuation coefficients of the tested material samples spanned a wide range of values, with a small number of them overlapping established human tissue mimic values. Twenty 3D printer materials and one castable polyurethane tracked nylon and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as established X-ray mimics for fat. Five 3D printer materials tracked water as an established X- ray mimic for muscle.

Citation

Journal of Research (NIST JRES) -

Volume

125

NIST Pub Series

Journal of Research (NIST JRES)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/jres.125.029

Local Download

Keywords

3D printing, computed tomography, CT, medical imaging, phantom, polymer, X-ray

Citation

Yunker, B. , Holmgren, A. , Stupic, K. , Wagner, J. , Huddle, S. , Shandas, R. , Weir, R. , Keenan, K. , Garboczi, E. and Russek, S. (2020), Characterization of 3-Dimensional Printing and Casting Materials for use in Computed Tomography and X-ray Imaging Phantoms, Journal of Research (NIST JRES), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/jres.125.029, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=925510 (Accessed July 27, 2025)