3D Replicas Research Articles

Comparative Micro-CT Analysis of Minimally Invasive Endodontic Systems Using 3D-Printed Replicas and Natural Teeth.

(1) Background: This study aimed to compare the shaping abilities of modern minimally invasive endodontic systems using natural teeth and 3D-printed resin replicas. These replicas offer a standardized approach for studying root canal preparation while eliminating the variability and scarcity of natural teeth. (2) Methods: Eleven mandibular molars with Vertucci class IV anatomy and their 3D-printed replicas (n = 132 canals) were scanned using micro-CT before and after preparation with six rotary systems. Shaping abilities were assessed by comparing volume, surface area, and unprepared areas between natural teeth and their 3D replicas, focusing on the apical third. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess data normality and ANOVA and t-tests to compare different endodontic systems. (3) Results: Both qualitative and quantitative analyses revealed high similarity between natural teeth and 3D replicas. No significant differences in volume or surface area were found except in the apical third, where 3D replicas showed slightly larger increases in volume. (4) Conclusions: 3D resin replicas closely mimic natural teeth and provide a practical tool for assessing the shaping abilities of endodontic systems. This study demonstrates that 3D-printed models are suitable for endodontic research, offering a standardized and accessible alternative to natural teeth.

Replacement Implant-Retained Ear Prosthesis Using Semi-Digital Workflow: A Case Report.

Defects in the facial region can be treated by maxillofacial prostheses however, fabrication of the prosthesis is a time-consuming process. The short lifetime of silicone material due to inherent deterioration has stimulated a search for more practical methods. This case report involves a semi-digital workflow for replacement of an ear prosthesis. The existing contralateral intact ear and retentive bar of the existing prosthesis were scanned using an intraoral scanner. Resin models of the bar and the mirror image of the ear were fabricated using a 3D printer and wax replicas were obtained using silicone impression material. This method was successful, time-saving, and comfortable for the clinician and patient.

In vitro evaluation of intersubject variability in pediatric intranasal drug delivery using nasal spray suspension products

Evaluation of the regional intranasal delivery of locally acting drugs in children is challenging. Anatomical nasal airway replicas potentially can provide a robust pre-clinical tool to test the performance of devices and formulations. However, there is often a challenge in identifying the nasal geometries that can reasonably be indicative of in vivo regional mass distribution of administered drug. This in vitro study was designed to investigate the regional intranasal drug delivery in 20 children, 2–11 years old (50% 2–6 years old and 50% female), using two commercially available suspension nasal spray products with different nozzle designs, plume characteristics, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. High-resolution computed tomography scans of the sinonasal region of pediatric human subjects with healthy nasal airways, reviewed and scored by a head and neck surgeon, were used to develop 20 three-dimensional (3D) replicas of the nasal airways. The 3D replicas were segmented into the two regions: anterior and posterior to the internal nasal valve (INV). They were then rapid prototyped in high clarity rigid plastic (Accura ClearVue). Each side of the septum of the 20 subjects was examined separately, resulting in 40 singular nasal cavities. A nozzle-specific spray tip holder was designed for each case to ensure consistent administration (insertion length, sagittal angle, and coronal angle) in all replicates. The wide range of posterior drug delivery observed in the forty geometries indicated significant intersubject variability in pediatric intranasal drug delivery. Three nasal geometries representing low, medium, and high levels of drug delivery to the target region, posterior to the INV, were chosen from the 40 nasal cavities. Our vision is that these three nasal geometries can potentially be beneficial in determining whether performance differences between test and reference nasal spray products are present that may affect their bioequivalence in children. They also may be useful when applied in parallel with similar adult nasal geometries, previously developed following a similar procedure, to provide additional insights into pediatric nasal drug delivery with innovator products in children in lieu of extending clinical studies to include pediatric subjects.

Geometric Morphometric Shape Analysis of Mandibular Post-Canine Dentition

Background: Genetic and epigenetic alterations have significant impacts on the morphology of permanent mandibular premolars and molars. Geometric morphometry is a powerful technique, which can be utilized to identify specific landmarks that exhibit variation and that are associated with ancestry and dimorphism. Methods: The geometric and anatomic landmarks of mandibular premolars and molars were extracted from 3D digital replicas of diagnostic dental casts prepared for model analysis (n = 160). Tooth shape analysis was conducted using various techniques, including Procrustes superimposition, Procrustes ANOVA, discriminant function analysis, and the regression of shape over the centroid size. Results: Procrustes ANOVA showed that centroid size was not significantly different between the two sexes, but shape was significantly different in the two-cusp-type second premolars (p = 0.0035) and in the first/second molars (p < 0.001). The three-cusp type of the second premolars showed the highest degree of allometry, with 3.35%, followed by the mandibular second molars, with 3%, indicating that distal class types have a tendency to exhibit allometry. The distal and lingual components of the tooth showed more variability, and females tended to have sharper cusp configurations. Conclusions: This study shows how landmarks vary in permanent human post-canine dentition, a crucial finding for anatomic reconstruction and restorative dentistry. In particular, the molars and premolars of the mandible post-canine teeth are critical for achieving optimal masticatory efficiency and overall health. Additionally, a higher degree of allometry and the later formation of cusps correlate with greater shape variation, particularly on the distal and lingual sides. For precise restorative procedures, a thorough understanding of the anatomy of these teeth is required.

Dental Auto Transplantation Success Rate Increases by Utilizing 3D Replicas.

Dental autotransplantation is an effective alternative to conventional dental treatment, and it involves removing a tooth and repositioning it in a new position within the same patient. Although this procedure might pose more intraoperative challenges, it provides a great solution for replacing missing teeth or aiding difficult eruption in young patients. This prospective method is also advocated as a use of treatment for unrestorable teeth. The success rates of autotransplantation cases with and without replicas were compared in a retrospective analysis of the data. By reducing donor tooth manipulation and ensuring a proper fit and positioning in the recipient socket, replicas significantly increased success rates of the procedure. CBCT scans were used to collect data. Data exported to the Mimics system were then processed in order to achieve a model of the donor tooth. Additive manufacturing technology was used to create the replicas. Specialized biocompatible material was used. Details of the replantation site and the donor tooth requirements were described, as well as the step-by-step surgical technique. For the best results, variables, like patient selection, surgical technique, and long-term monitoring, were found to be essential. The study highlights the significance of dental professionals and biomedical engineering staff working together to develop standard operating procedures and achieve predictable outcomes in autotransplantation procedures. The results suggest that 3D printed replicas could be a useful tool for improving the effectiveness and success of dental autotransplantation.

Developing Biomimetic Hydrogels of the Arterial Wall as a Prothrombotic Substrate for In Vitro Human Thrombosis Models.

Current in vitro thrombosis models utilise simplistic 2D surfaces coated with purified components of the subendothelial matrix. The lack of a realistic humanised model has led to greater study of thrombus formation in in vivo tests in animals. Here we aimed to develop 3D hydrogel-based replicas of the medial and adventitial layers of the human artery to produce a surface that can optimally support thrombus formation under physiological flow conditions. These tissue-engineered medial- (TEML) and adventitial-layer (TEAL) hydrogels were developed by culturing human coronary artery smooth muscle cells and human aortic adventitial fibroblasts within collagen hydrogels, both individually and in co-culture. Platelet aggregation upon these hydrogels was studied using a custom-made parallel flow chamber. When cultured in the presence of ascorbic acid, the medial-layer hydrogels were able to produce sufficient neo-collagen to support effective platelet aggregation under arterial flow conditions. Both TEML and TEAL hydrogels possessed measurable tissue factor activity and could trigger coagulation of platelet-poor plasma in a factor VII-dependent manner. Biomimetic hydrogel replicas of the subendothelial layers of the human artery are effective substrates for a humanised in vitro thrombosis model that could reduce animal experimentation by replacing current in vivo models.

Challenges in the Development and Application of Organ-on-Chips for Intranasal Drug Delivery Studies.

With the growing demand for the development of intranasal (IN) products, such as nasal vaccines, which has been especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of novel technologies to accurately test the safety and effectiveness of IN products in vitro so that they can be delivered promptly to the market is critically acknowledged. There have been attempts to manufacture anatomically relevant 3D replicas of the human nasal cavity for in vitro IN drug tests, and a couple of organ-on-chip (OoC) models, which mimic some key features of the nasal mucosa, have been proposed. However, these models are still in their infancy, and have not completely recapitulated the critical characteristics of the human nasal mucosa, including its biological interactions with other organs, to provide a reliable platform for preclinical IN drug tests. While the promising potential of OoCs for drug testing and development is being extensively investigated in recent research, the applicability of this technology for IN drug tests has barely been explored. This review aims to highlight the importance of using OoC models for in vitro IN drug tests and their potential applications in IN drug development by covering the background information on the wide usage of IN drugs and their common side effects where some classical examples of each area are pointed out. Specifically, this review focuses on the major challenges of developing advanced OoC technology and discusses the need to mimic the physiological and anatomical features of the nasal cavity and nasal mucosa, the performance of relevant drug safety assays, as well as the fabrication and operational aspects, with the ultimate goal to highlight the much-needed consensus, to converge the effort of the research community in this area of work.

The Drone, the Snake, and the Crystal: Manifesting Potency in 3D Digital Replicas of Living Heritage and Archaeological Places

Creating and sharing 3D digital replicas of archaeological sites online has become increasingly common. They are being integrated in excavation workflows, used to foster public engagement with the site, and provide communication and outreach of research, which now happen on digital media platforms. However, there has been little introspection by the community involved in the 3D documentation field, which has resulted in problematic practices. We critique the western paradigm of archaeological visualisation and propose recommendations for inclusive, decolonised visualisations of living heritage and archaeological places. To begin, we define in broad terms what an archaeological site is, and then we describe how these sites have been recorded and represented using the latest technology for digital re-production, namely laser scanning and photogrammetry. Following that we provide a critical analysis of current 3D visualisations of archaeological sites and develop an approach to ensure that the significance, meaning, and potency of archaeological and living heritage places are transferred to their digital replicas. Our case study at Ga-Mohana Hill in South Africa then offers practical approaches and methodologies that the fields of cultural heritage documentation and archaeological visualisation can employ to address their recurring issues as identified in the critical analysis. We present an online, interactive 3D digital replica of a living heritage and archaeological place that we believe responds appropriately to its political, cultural, and social context along with communicating its archaeological significance.

Impact of Location, Gender and Previous Experience on User Evaluation of Augmented Reality in Cultural Heritage: The Mjällby Crucifix Case Study

In recent decades, a growing number of museums have adopted digital media, both as an enhancement of exhibitions of real artifacts and as an alternative to traditional display methods. The digital acquisition of artifacts generates accurate 3D replicas that can be displayed via different digital media. With an increase in immersive technologies in the cultural heritage (CH) domain, it is common to see digital artifacts presented in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). This paper presents two user studies conducted in different locations evaluating the use of an AR application in the portrayal of the Mjällby Crucifix artifact. This paper presents the overall results from both user studies evaluating and discussing the AR application on a number of different aspects on a 7-point Likert scale: (1) understanding the artifact, (2) ease of use, (3) object feeling part of reality, (4) perceived visual quality of the object, (5) overall satisfaction experience, and (6) willingness to download the AR application. The results have been compared between genders, age groups, and previous experience with AR. Potential benefits and disadvantages of AR experiences in the context of a museum exhibition were also gathered in free text from the visitors.

Digital Twin for Xiegong’s Architectural Archaeological Research: A Case Study of Xuanluo Hall, Sichuan, China

Xiegong is a unique element of Chinese historic buildings that could date the heritage dynasty. It is more complicated than the Dougong and represents a high level of artistic and structural achievement. Archaeological research on Xiegong is urgent due to the fast rate of erosion rate and the official record of only Dougong without Xiegong. With 3D survey technology, researchers can use 3D digital replicas to record and survey heritage buildings. However, the methodology of applying digital reproductions to facilitate archaeological research is unclear. A comprehensive approach to merging the digital twin into the chronology of forms was proposed based on a literature review of archaeological theory. This multi-methodological approach, including laser scanning, oblique photogrammetry, and BIM, was adopted to develop Xiegong’s architectural archaeology dating research. Using Xuanluo Hall, Sichuan, China, as an example, the site study verified the approach to ensure consistency between 2D and 3D expressions with geometry and semantics. The results indicate that, on the one hand, the digital twin process can help archaeologists recognize historical information. On the other hand, the results of their discrimination can be effectively recorded and easily queried, avoiding the shortcomings of traditional methods of information loss and dispersion.

To Replicate, or Not to Replicate? The Creation, Use, and Dissemination of 3D Models of Human Remains: A Case Study from Portugal

Advancements in digital technology have conquered a place in cultural heritage. The widespread use of three-dimensional scanners in bioanthropology have increased the production of 3D digital replicas of human bones that are freely distributed online. However, ethical considerations about such 3D models have not reached Portuguese society, making it impossible to assess their societal impact and people’s perception of how these models are created and used. Therefore, Portuguese residents were asked to take part in an online survey. The ratio of male to female participants was 0.5:1 in 312 contributors. The age ranged between 18 and 69 years. The majority had a higher education degree. Only 43% had seen a 3D model, and 43% considered the 3D replicas the same as real bone. Also, 87% would be willing to allow their skeleton and family members to be digitalized after death, and 64% advocated the controlled dissemination of replicas through registration and login and context description association (84%). Overall, the results suggest agreement in disseminating 3D digital replicas of human bones. On a final note, the limited number of participants may be interpreted as a lack of interest in the topic or, more importantly, a low self-assessment of their opinion on the subject.

Three-Dimensional (3D) Stereolithographic Tooth Replicas Accuracy Evaluation: In Vitro Pilot Study for Dental Auto-Transplant Surgical Procedures.

After immediate tooth extraction or after alveolar socket healing, tooth transplants are increasingly used for functional restoration of edentulous maxillary areas. Recent studies have shown the periodontal ligament (PDL) viability and the tooth housing time in the adapted neo-alveolus as key factors for transplantation success. During surgical time, 3D stereolithographic replicas are used for fitting test procedures. In this paper, the accuracy of 3D dental replicas, compared with the corresponding natural teeth, is assessed in surgical transplantation. Lamb skulls were selected and submitted to Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT). Scanning information, converted into Standard Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) and Standard Triangulation Language (STL), was sent to the Volux X-ray Centre for 3D replica printing. After the tooth extractions, all lambs’ incisors were measured with a digital caliber and compared with the 3D replicas. Volume and dimensional error values were evaluated. All replicas showed macroscopically smaller volume (45.54%). Root replicas showed higher variations compared with the crown areas, with several unreplicated apical root areas. The cement–enamel junction tooth area was replicated quite faithfully, and the base area relative error showed 9.8% mean value. Even further studies with a larger number of replicas are needed. Data obtained confirmed high volumes of macroscopic discrepancies with several unreproduced apical root sites. The achieved accuracy (90.2%) confirmed that the 3D replicas cannot be used to reduce the surgical time during transplantation predictable procedures.

A Proposal in Creating a Semantic Repository for Digital 3D Replicas: The Case of Modernist Sculptures in Public Spaces of Rio De Janeiro

The demand for integrating and sharing heterogeneous data online has attracted the interest of cultural institutions in making information access and retrieval more effective via Semantic Web technologies. The present study proposes a digital repository for 3D scans of modernist sculptures in public spaces in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a view to ensuring access, use, reuse and preservation of this information. This is a qualitative exploratory experimental study based on the scientific literature and specific empirical material. It presents the analysis results of vocabularies for physical artifact documents and their digital counterparts on the Semantic Web and a discussion on how these align with the nature of the metadata determined here, as well as a metadata modeling prototype implemented on the Tainacan platform and aimed at cataloging digital 3D replicas. We claim that the proposed model for documenting cultural heritage assets on Tainacan is easy to implement, in that it uses accessible technology with a wide internet user base, highly expressive in its descriptions of 3D and multimedia content and based on well-established metadata and ontology standards recommended by regulatory bodies and communities such as the World Wide Web Consortium and International Organization for Standardization. Keywords: networked heritage documents, digital repositories, 3D digitization, semantic annotation

Exploring photogrammetry as an indirect route in additive manufacturing: A case study to print bio-metric splint

Some of the most common medical cases medical professionals see every day are bone fractures. If not treated properly, it may lead to other severe situations like non-union or exceedingly delayed union of bone fragments. The most common treatment for bone fractures incorporates orthopedic casts, traditionally made of Plaster of Paris. But these traditional casts have drawbacks like high maintenance due to the material used, prone to spontaneous disintegration and most importantly, they are a generalized solution, meaning they cannot adapt to differences that varies from person to person. To solve this problem, one innovative solution is using splint which has specialized core material and outer fabric making it optimal for sufficient support and comfort. It is engineered to be easily removed by just unstrapping and takes a shorter time to be made. The downside to this is the splints are not custom-designed to fit different individuals. To overcome this, reverse engineering techniques can be used to create 3D replicas of a person’s limb which, requires a splint and then use it to speed up the splint manufacturing process using additive manufacturing. Close range photogrammetry is a reverse engineering technique where 2D images of an object are clicked at multiple angles, and these images are combined using standard software to render a 3D model. The significance and purpose of this paper are to provide user-friendly, customized and more reliable splints that can be easily and time-efficiently manufactured.

3D-Printed Replica and Porcine Explants for Pre-Clinical Optimization of Endoscopic Tumor Treatment by Magnetic Targeting.

Simple SummaryAnimal models are often needed in cancer research but some research questions may be answered with other models, e.g., 3D replicas of patient-specific data, as these mirror the anatomy in more detail. We, therefore, developed a simple eight-step process to fabricate a 3D replica from computer tomography (CT) data using solely open access software and described the method in detail. For evaluation, we performed experiments regarding endoscopic tumor treatment with magnetic nanoparticles by magnetic hyperthermia and local drug release. For this, the magnetic nanoparticles need to be accumulated at the tumor site via a magnetic field trap. Using the developed eight-step process, we printed a replica of a locally advanced pancreatic cancer and used it to find the best position for the magnetic field trap. In addition, we described a method to hold these magnetic field traps stably in place. The results are highly important for the development of endoscopic tumor treatment with magnetic nanoparticles as the handling and the stable positioning of the magnetic field trap at the stomach wall in close proximity to the pancreatic tumor could be defined and practiced. Finally, the detailed description of the workflow and use of open access software allows for a wide range of possible uses.Background: Animal models have limitations in cancer research, especially regarding anatomy-specific questions. An example is the exact endoscopic placement of magnetic field traps for the targeting of therapeutic nanoparticles. Three-dimensional-printed human replicas may be used to overcome these pitfalls. Methods: We developed a transparent method to fabricate a patient-specific replica, allowing for a broad scope of application. As an example, we then additively manufactured the relevant organs of a patient with locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We performed experimental design investigations for a magnetic field trap and explored the best fixation methods on an explanted porcine stomach wall. Results: We describe in detail the eight-step development of a 3D replica from CT data. To guide further users in their decisions, a morphologic box was created. Endoscopies were performed on the replica and the resulting magnetic field was investigated. The best fixation method to hold the magnetic field traps stably in place was the fixation of loops at the stomach wall with endoscopic single-use clips. Conclusions: Using only open access software, the developed method may be used for a variety of cancer-related research questions. A detailed description of the workflow allows one to produce a 3D replica for research or training purposes at low costs.

Adaptive phase-retrieval stochastic reconstruction with correlation functions: Three-dimensional images from two-dimensional cuts.

Precise characterization of three-dimensional (3D) heterogeneous media is indispensable in finding the relationships between structure and macroscopic physical properties (permeability, conductivity, and others). The most widely used experimental methods (electronic and optical microscopy) provide high-resolution bidimensional images of the samples of interest. However, 3D material inner microstructure registration is needed to apply numerous modeling tools. Numerous research areas search for cheap and robust methods to obtain the full 3D information about the structure of the studied sample from its 2D cuts. In this work, we develop an adaptive phase-retrieval stochastic reconstruction algorithm that can create 3D replicas from 2D original images, APR. The APR is free of artifacts characteristic of previously proposed phase-retrieval techniques. While based on a two-point S_{2} correlation function, any correlation function or other morphological metrics can be accounted for during the reconstruction, thus, paving the way to the hybridization of different reconstruction techniques. In this work, we use two-point probability and surface-surface functions for optimization. To test APR, we performed reconstructions for three binary porous media samples of different genesis: sandstone, carbonate, and ceramic. Based on computed permeability and connectivity (C_{2} and L_{2} correlation functions), we have shown that the proposed technique in terms of accuracy is comparable to the classic simulated annealing-based reconstruction method but is computationally very effective. Our findings open the possibility of utilizing APR to produce fast or crude replicas further polished by other reconstruction techniques such as simulated annealing or process-based methods. Improving the quality of reconstructions based on phase retrieval by adding additional metrics into the reconstruction procedure is possible for future work.

Suitability of 3D printing cranial trauma: Prospective novel applications and limitations of 3D replicas

3D printed reconstructions of skeletal material offer a novel, interactive and increasingly used tool to support courtroom testimony and aid juror interpretation of expert testimony. While research has begun to address the accuracy of 3D printed skeletal material, there has been little consideration of the diverse applications of prints to support trauma demonstrations, particularly in relation to gunshot trauma. This study explored the suitability of three printed human crania replicas exhibiting either gunshot trauma or blunt force trauma for identifying whether the prints were sufficiently accurate for the presentation of trauma wounds. The data indicate that metric measurement and qualitative assessment of trauma macromorphology was possible from the 3D printed reconstructions. The findings also offer an indication that it is possible to obtain data around the accuracy of 3D printing bullet wounds and for establishing a bullet path. However, some limitations of prints reconstructed from post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) data were identified including the observation that not all fracture lines were successfully replicated which indicates that at present virtual models should be used concurrently with 3D prints in court.

Comparison of the CBCT, CT, 3D Printing, and CAD-CAM Milling Options for the Most Accurate Root Form Duplication Required for the Root Analogue Implant (RAI) Protocol

Background: A computerized tomography (CT) scan or a cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) imaging techniques can be used for tooth segmentation and acquisition of a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction using CADCAM milling and 3D printing methods. Aim: This experimental study was done to assess the accuracy of CBCT, CT, CAD-CAM milling, and 3D printing for acquiring the most accurate duplication for root analog implant (RAI). Materials and Methods: The study was an ex-vivo feasibility study comparing CBCT, CT, CAD-CAM milling, and 3D printing methods for acquiring the most accurate duplication for root analog implant (RAI). Informed consent was obtained from patients for the study purpose for recording CT and CBCT scans and to utilize the extracted teeth for research purpose. The teeth were segmented from the DICOM files of CBCT and CT scans of the patients and Standard Tessellation Language files (STL) were obtained for individual teeth. The STL files of the individual teeth obtained were printed and milled in polymethylmethacrylate material (PMMA). The study thus consisted of 5 groups—Natural teeth as control, CBCT milled group, CT milled group, CBCT printed group and CT printed group of 16 samples each. Morphological differences in the three dimensions namely apico-coronal, bucco-lingual, and mesio-distal between the natural tooth and the 3D replicas were assessed using the one-way ANOVA test using the statistical software. Results: There was no statistically significant difference among the dimensions between the CBCT, CT, CAD-CAM milling, and 3D printing groups with respect to the most accurate duplication for root analog implant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the CBCT segmentation and the Milling technique produce the least distortion for fabricating the root analog implant.

The patient-specific anatomical articulator

Currently available dental articulators have limitations for reproducing human mandibular movements. The present article describes an innovative device that is a true patient-specific anatomical articulator that accurately simulates patient anatomy and eliminates all technique-sensitive mounting procedures, thus substantially diminishing potential errors in mounting and articulator settings. By using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, patient cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data are used to print 3D replicas of the condylar fossae, as well as the actual condyles, at the correct intercondylar distance. The maxilla (maxillary teeth and edentulous ridge) is printed with the correct spatial relationship to the condylar complexes and the Frankfort horizontal plane (FHP). Those printed structures are then premounted onto a modified articulator frame to render it “anatomic.” This new custom anatomical articulator, which accurately mimics patient anatomical movements rather than relying on average values, represents the first truly fully adjustable articulator that is more precise than can be generated by a pantographic tracing. It saves money, time, and effort by eliminating earbow transfers and mounting errors in complex prosthodontic treatment.

The Methodology to produce Rhodnius prolixus head structures made by 3D printing using Synchrotron Radiation Microtomography

3D printing technology has an important role at the study animal anatomy, and, for a long time, scientists have been searched for techniques that allow to create accurate 3D replicas of plants and animal specimens. In this work it was developed a methodology to print insects 3D replicas using X-Ray synchrotron microtomography. The insect chosen was Rhodnius prolixus, a hematophagous Hemiptera traditionally used as a model for studies of insect physiology, vector control strategies and parasite-vector interactions. The results obtained from this work showed that combining microtomography with 3D printing could be a powerful tool to obtain accurate 3D replicas of insects, allowing anatomical studies without the necessity of sacrificing the animal for dissection.