3D printing of MRI compatible components: Why every MRI research group should have a low-budget 3D printer

AbstractPurpose luate low budget 3D printing technology to create MRI compatible components. al and methods rinter is used to create customized MRI compatible components, a loop-coil platform and a multipart mouse fixation. The mouse fixation is custom fit for a dedicated coil and facilitates head fixation with bite bar, anesthetic gas supply and biomonitoring sensors. The mouse fixation was tested in a clinical 3T scanner. s rts were successfully printed and proved MR compatible. Both design and printing were accomplished within a few days and the final print results were functional with well defined details and accurate dimensions (Δ < 0.4 mm). MR images of the mouse head clearly showed reduced motion artifacts, ghosting and signal loss when using the fixation. sions e demonstrated that a low budget 3D printer can be used to quickly progress from a concept to a functional device at very low production cost. While 3D printing technology does impose some restrictions on model geometry, additive printing technology can create objects with complex internal structures that can otherwise not be created by using lathe technology. Thus, we consider a 3D printer a valuable asset for MRI research groups.