Using MCAD Files in 3DICOM EDU
Visualizing 3D Models Alongside Medical Scans
3DICOM EDU’s MCAD (Mechanical Computer-Aided Design) file functionality allows educators, students, and researchers to place and position external 3D .stl models within the same 3D viewport as patient-derived medical scans. This enables comparative visualization, demonstration of prosthetic or device concepts, and interactive teaching.
3DICOM EDU is not a certified medical device. All actions performed within it are for educational, research, and illustrative purposes only.Uploading an MCAD File
Étapes pour y arriver :
1. Navigate to the Design tab in the Graphical Viewer. MCAD tools are exclusively available in the Graphical Viewer for 3DICOM EDU subscribers.
2. Choose one of two upload options:- Upload button: Select your
.stlfile from your computer. - Drag and drop: Drop the file directly into the upload area.
3. Wait for the upload to complete.
Once uploaded, the file’s name will appear in the filtering panel, and the 3D object will be displayed within the scan viewport.Management and Positioning of MCAD Files
Once uploaded, the MCAD layer can be adjusted to align with your imaging data or hidden to emphasize anatomical structures.
Étapes pour y arriver :
1. Select the three-dot icon 
next to the layer name to open the options menu. From this menu, you can perform the following actions:
- Edit: Modify file properties such as color or opacity.
- Move: Reposition the MCAD model relative to the anatomy.
- Rotate: Adjust the model’s orientation for accurate overlay.
- Show/Hide: Toggle visibility during demonstrations.
- Lock/Unlock: Fix the model in place to avoid unintentional movement.
- Download: Download the .stl file.
- Delete: Remove the file when it’s no longer required.
Educational Applications
In 3DICOM EDU, MCAD overlays are an effective teaching and exploration tool.
They can illustrate:
- The conceptual fit of implants, surgical guides, or anatomical models.
- Engineering designs alongside biological data for interdisciplinary projects.
- Comparative anatomy or pathology visualization in classroom or research settings.
CONCLUSION
3DICOM EDU’s MCAD functionality expands learning possibilities by combining mechanical models with real patient imaging in a single interactive environment. By uploading and manipulating MCAD files, educators and students can visualize complex relationships between designed objects and anatomy — enhancing understanding.
Uploading an MCAD Tool
Navigate to the Design tab in the 3DICOM Online Viewer.In this tab, you have two options to upload an MCAD tool: Click the Upload button and select your MCAD file.
Drag and drop your MCAD file directly into the upload area.
Wait for the upload to complete. Once uploaded, the MCAD tool’s name will appear under the filtering section, and the tool itself will be displayed on your medical scan. Managing Your MCAD Tool
Once the MCAD tool is uploaded, you have several options to modify and control its visibility and positioning:
Lock the Tool: Click the lock symbol next to the MCAD tool’s name to fix it in place, preventing accidental movement. Lock the Tool: Click the lock symbol next to the MCAD tool’s name to fix it in place, preventing accidental movement.
Access More Options: Click the three dots next to the tool’s name to open a menu with the following functions:
Edit – Modify the MCAD tool’s properties.
Déplacer – Adjust the position of the tool on your scan.
Rotate – Change the angle of the tool for better alignment.
Hide – Temporarily remove the tool from view.
Lock – Secure the tool in its current position.
Delete – Remove the tool from the scan if it’s no longer neede
CONCLUSION
MCAD tools in 3DICOM offer a powerful way to enhance medical imaging, enabling better planning and precision for surgical and diagnostic applications. By uploading and customizing these tools, you can improve analysis and decision-making. Try using different MCAD tools to optimize your workflow and patient care.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team.
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