Developed as a foundation for mass personalization in the orthopedic and CMF markets, engineering software can be used as an alternative to complex and time-consuming methods for processing medical imaging data. Dubbed 3-matic anatomical CAD by maker Materialise Group, Leuven, Belgium,  the software can perform design operations directly on anatomical geometries, allowing for the design of patient-specific implants or surgical guides.

Traditionally, medical imaging data, such as CT or MRI scans, are segmented to create accurate, 3-D models realistic for patient needs. These models, however, are generated in the STL file format, which is not compatible with CAD software. Some programs can import the anatomical STL files, but design operations can be performed on them. In order to counter these limitations and combine accurate anatomical data with CAD, the company has developed an anatomical reverse engineering module for its 3-matic product suite.

The anatomical reverse engineering module can automatically create solid (C0-continuity) IGES files from anatomical models. Using this module in the Mimics product suite, designers can segment DICOM data and create an accurate 3-D model of a selected anatomy. Once the 3-D is defeatured using a wrapping tool and smoothed, it can be converted to IGES. Then the designer can define a patch density and save the patient-realistic IGES file to be opened in any CAD package within 30 seconds. The entire process, from segmenting the DICOM to saving the patient-realistic IGES for CAD, takes 3 to 5 minutes depending on image data quality and worker skill level. A part comparison analysis offered by the developer demonstrates that 96% of the surface of the IGES file is within ±0.03mm of the smooth anatomical model with a maximum deviation of 0.15mm.