Key result
Uncolored 3D-printed aortic models cured for 15 minutes yield optimal mechanical properties for surgical simulation.
Why the study?
To evaluate the mechanical properties of 3D-printed patient-specific aortic models for surgical simulation and analyze the effects of postcuring time and color pigments on biomechanical realism.
What are the optimal postcuring time and color pigment conditions to enhance the biomechanical realism of 3D-printed patient-specific aortic models for surgical simulation?
What are the optimal postcuring time and color pigment conditions to enhance the biomechanical realism of 3D-printed patient-specific aortic models for surgical simulation?
Uncolored 3D-printed aortic models with a 15-minute postcuring time provide optimal biomechanical properties for surgical simulation training.
Optimizes 3D-printed aortic models for realistic simulation training; leaves open need for clinical validation and outcome studies.
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the mechanical properties of 3-dimensional (3D)–printed patient-specific aortic models for surgical simulation. The objective was to analyze the effects of postcuring time and color pigments on material stiffness, flexibility, toughness, and durability and to identify the most suitable material and processing conditions to enhance the biomechanical realism of 3D-printed aortae. Methods: Direct 3D printing was used to fabricate patient-specific aortic models. Samples were prepared with different postcuring times (5, 10, 15, and 20 min) and with or without color pigments (pink and orange). Uniaxial tensile testing was conducted to analyze the mechanical properties, including tensile strength, stiffness, flexibility, and strain at failure, using stress–strain curves. Results: Uncolored samples with a postcuring time of 15 min demonstrated the best mechanical properties for simulation training, offering a balance between flexibility, stiffness, and toughness. Colored samples exhibited lower tensile strength, reduced toughness, and increased stiffness as compared with uncolored samples. Conclusions: Material selection and postprocessing play a crucial role in the biomechanical accuracy of 3D-printed patient-specific aortic models. Uncolored samples with a 15 min postcuring time are optimal for surgical simulation. Future research should focus on refining postprocessing techniques and directly comparing 3D-printed models with human aortic tissue to improve realism and validation.
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Sobbi et al. (2026) studied Patient-specific aortic models for surgical simulation. Direct 3D printing of aortic models vs. Different postcuring times (5, 10, 15, 20 min) and color pigments was evaluated on Mechanical properties (tensile strength, stiffness, flexibility, strain at failure). Uncolored 3D-printed aortic models with a 15-minute postcuring time demonstrated the best mechanical properties for surgical simulation compared to colored samples or other curing times.
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