Human CAD Models Help with Medical Device Design

Zygote models have appeared in movies such as Hollow Man, in television shows and commercials, and in a variety of textbooks, training videos, and other materials. To meet the needs of these industries, most of the company’s models are provided in formats such as 3ds (3ds max), maya, Cinema 4D, and Lightwave.

Demand from medical device manufacturers who wanted to use anatomically accurate models in their design processes prompted Zygote to add SolidWorks and other CAD formats to its library. The company used SolidWorks to develop its Zygote Human Anatomy and Skeletal Data products. A medical device manufacturer, for example, might use a heart model to develop stents for damaged arteries, or a skeletal model to design a brace. Access to a ready-made human model saves the cost and time of developing one from scratch and can also cut the number of rapid prototypes needed.

“Biomedical research and development is a fast-growing market, and SolidWorks is clearly the 3D CAD software our customers use the most,” said David Dunston, Zygote executive partner and designer. “The software allows us to apply detailed MRI and CT scan data we’ve generated to create extremely precise solid models. Its surfacing capabilities are crucial when dealing with complex forms such as the heart muscle.”

Canadian medical device manufacturer Pega Medical uses Zygote tibia and femur models to develop orthopedic pins and other devices used to treat brittle bone disease. “We immediately experienced a decrease in the amount of time it took to design and develop our products,” said Enrique Garcia, Pega Medical’s director of engineering. “The Zygote models worked exceptionally well within SolidWorks software, and we were able to easily scale the models for product development. The Zygote solid models took weeks off of our development time and helped us design better products.”

Other Zygote customers develop shin guards for children, athletic shoes, and walkers. One customer used models of human ribs to design the fork for a custom-built motorcycle.

Podcast! Hear Zygote Executive Partner and Designer David Dunston discuss the company’s evolution and the different markets that take advantage of its models right here.

3D solid models of the heart ($2,200), skeleton ($6,200), and spine (now on sale for $2,300) are available by clicking here.

Zygote also offers custom 3D modeling services. Current Zygote solid models exhibit only one morphologic example, but anatomic variations can be derived via parametric or nonparametric model or surface adjustments. Besides SolidWorks format, models are available in Pro/ENGINEER, Unigraphics, and IGES formats. Free test files are available for download.  

http://www.zygote.com/

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Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company website.