Case Study: University of Iowa achieves rapid, high‑resolution surgical models and faster prototyping with Stratasys

Pursuing possibilitywith the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa faced slow, costly barriers to rapid prototyping for medical models, surgical tools and student entrepreneurship—local capabilities were insufficient and outsourcing often took about two years and many thousands of dollars. To accelerate research and economic development through its new Protostudios at MERGE, the University deployed Stratasys 3D printing technology, including the J750 PolyJet and F370 FDM printers, to support surgeons, students and local entrepreneurs.

Using Stratasys printers, Protostudios now produces high-resolution anatomical models, surgical guides and multi-material prototypes (including four-material prototypes in a single build) that let clinicians and students iterate designs quickly. Stratasys-enabled prototyping cut development time from years to weeks for proof-of-concept work (for example, iterative Caroline Guide models printed on the F370 before final metal fabrication), increased surgeon adoption due to superior resolution and consistency, and expanded hands-on learning and commercialization opportunities for students and local startups.

University of Iowa

Charles Romans

Prototyping Director