These anatomically correct lumbar vertebrae use precisely positioned ball-and-socket joints to mimic joint kinematics. They feel very realistic to hol...d and move.
The movements of flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion at the lumbar spine occur as complicated combinations of rotation and translation in the 3 planes of motion: sagittal, coronal and horizontal. This model provides a hands-on learning tool to understand how the interverbal discs and facet joints work to permit or limit these movements in different directions and in different positions.
These are challenging files to print and require a lot of post-print cleaning, but the finished product is worth it!
The files provided are oriented with the socket directly upwards to provide the cleanest print of the socket, which is critical for the joints to connect and move properly. Changing the orientation may result in a weak or malformed print of the socket.
You will need to select a support type that can support the large flat sections of the vertebral body, as well as the thinner sections of the laminae and spinous and transverse processes. In Cura, the “grid” option at 20% works well.
For infill in Cura, the “lines” option at 20% works well.
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