Case Study: University of Zurich achieves breakthrough Neanderthal insights with Stratasys' Objet Eden250 3D Printer

Objet 3D printing helps shed light on ancient human evolution

The University of Zurich needed exact, non‑invasive reproductions of fragile, fragmentary Neanderthal fossils to study infant brain development and obstetrics. To achieve high‑accuracy models from micro‑CT scans, the team brought an Objet Eden250 3D Printer from Stratasys into their lab.

Using the Stratasys Objet Eden250, researchers printed CT‑imaged parts for reconstruction, quality control and silicone molding, making assembly of skeletal parts easier and faster. The Stratasys solution revealed features previously invisible to the eye (tooth roots, inner ear cavities), produced museum‑quality replicas, and directly enabled new insights into Neanderthal brain size evolution and pelvic/obstetric anatomy.

University of Zurich

Christoph P. E. Zollikofer

Professor