Case Study: The Franklin Institute achieves a stunning, large-scale 3D-printed brain exhibit with 3D Systems

The Franklin Institute - Customer Case Study

The Franklin Institute commissioned a large-scale centerpiece for its new Your Brain exhibit: an intricate 3D-printed sculpture of the brain’s white-matter fiber tracts derived from diffusion-tensor MRI. The raw data was enormous and highly complex—about 2,000 delicate “strands”—and multiple 3D-printing providers rejected the job because it was too fragile, large and difficult to process within budget and build-volume limits.

Direct Dimensions prepared and re-engineered the file and partnered with American Precision Printing to print the model using 3D Systems’ SLS technology, slicing the fused brain into printable sections, producing them on an sProHD 60 and assembling the pieces onto a custom mount with lighting. The finished piece became a stunning, scientifically authentic focal point of the exhibit that exceeded expectations and now serves as an iconic draw for visitors.

The Franklin Institute

Jayatri Das

Chief Bioscientist