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Download the White Paper

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Bridging the Gap Between Simulation and Surgery

The gap between simulation and the operating room is often defined by tactile feedback. This white paper presents the mechanical validation of Digital Anatomy™ Skin Presets, conducted by researchers at the University of Pavia.



The Challenge: Replicating Tissue Mechanics

Synthetic models have historically struggled to reproduce the complex, multilayered structure of human skin.

  • Limitation - Conventional materials fail to capture key tactile properties such as compliance, resistance, and drag during incision and suturing.
  • Objective - Develop a reproducible model that reflects the mechanical response of human skin under procedural conditions.

Method: Mechanical Testing Against Ex-Vivo Human Skin

Researchers at the University of Pavia conducted controlled mechanical testing, directly comparing 3D-printed skin presets to ex-vivo human skin under standardized conditions.

The evaluation focused on:

  • Tactile Force Profiles
    Measurement of force response during cutting, suturing, and needle insertion
  • Directional Behavior (Anisotropy)
    Assessment of how mechanical response varies with incision direction
  • Repeatability
    Consistency of mechanical performance across multiple prints using the same preset

Results: Implications for Training and Testing

The validated performance of the skin presets enables:

  • Transferable Skill Development
    Force-matched interaction supports more realistic procedural training
  • Standardization
    Reduced variability compared to cadaver-based models
  • Immediate Usability
    Presets can be used without iterative material tuning

Access the Full Validation Study

Download the complete report to review the experimental methodology, quantitative results, and benchmarking approach. The validated skin presets support a transition from variable, resource-intensive cadaver models to a scalable, reproducible digital-to-physical workflow.

 

 

The Challenge:
  • Skin is multilayered, anisotropic, and age-dependent—making it one of the most complex and variable human tissues
  • Traditional models lack realism or repeatability

The Method:
  • Anatomical benchmarking based on literature review
  • Ex-vivo human skin testing
  • Multi-material PolyJet™ printing
  • Digital Anatomy™ Creator skin preset fine-tuning

The Results:
  • Realistic suturing, cutting, and puncture response
  • Matches human tissue force profiles
  • Preserves age and orientation effects
  • Highly repeatable performance

The Impact:
  • Better surgical training
  • Consistent device testing
  • Reduced dependence on cadavers
  • Scalable, high-fidelity simulation