ScanIP

Import formats

Export formats

Background image export

Segmented image

Surface model (triangles)

Animations

2D and 3D screenshot

+FE: Volume and surface mesh generation

+FE generates volume meshes with conforming multi-parts for FEA and CFD. Finite element contacts, node sets and shell elements can be defined, as can boundary conditions for computational fluid dynamics. Material properties can be assigned based on greyscale values or pre-set values. Users can decide between a grid-based or a free meshing approach. Meshes can be exported directly into leading Computer-aided engineering solvers without the need for further processing.

Export formats: ABAQUS (*.inp), ANSYS (*.ans), COMSOL Multiphysics (*.mphtxt), I-DEAS (*.unv), LS-DYNA (*.dyn), MSC (*.out), FLUENT (*.msh)

+CAD: Integration of CAD Models within Image Data

+CAD allows for the import and interactive positioning of CAD models within image data. The resulting combined models can then be exported as multi-part STLs or, using +FE, converted automatically into multi-part Finite Element or CFD meshes. Internal structures can also be added to data to reduce weight whilst maintaining mechanical strength. With +CAD, users can avoid having to work with image-based files in CAD-based software.

Import formats: Image data from ScanIP, IGES (*.iges, *.igs), STEP (*.step, *.stp), STL (*.stl)

Export formats: ScanIP files (for further processing), STL (*.stl)

+NURBS: Generation of CAD ready NURBS models

+NURBS allows segmented 3D image data to be fitted with Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines using automated patch fitting techniques for export as IGES files. Autosurface algorithms provide a straightforward route from image data to CAD-ready NURBS models, with options available for contour and curvature detection. CAD geometries can also be inspected prior to export to remove spurious features.

Export formats: IGES (*.iges)

+SOLID: Calculates effective material properties

+SOLID calculates the effective stiffness tensor and individual elastic moduli of material samples. Perform numerical homogenisation with a built-in FE solver or derive quick semi-analytical estimates from segmented images.

+FLOW: Calculates effective material properties

+FLOW calculates the absolute permeability tensor of porous material samples. Numerical homogenisation is performed using a built-in Stokes solver.

+LAPLACE: Calculates effective material properties

+LAPLACE calculates the effective electrical, thermal and molecular properties of materials whose behaviour is governed by the Laplace equation. Perform numerical homogenisation with a built-in FE solver or derive quick semi-analytical estimates from segmented images.

Application Areas

ScanIP is used to generate high-quality 3D models from image data suitable for a wide range of design and simulation applications related to the Life Sciences. Image data from sources like MRI and CT can be visualised, analysed, segmented and quantified, before being exported as CAD, CAE and 3D printing models. Different tissues, bones and other parts of the body can be identified using a wide range of segmentation and processing tools in the software. Options are also available for integrating CAD and image data, enabling medical device research to be conducted into how CAD-designed implants interact with the human body. High-quality CAE models can similarly be used in biomechanics research to simulate movement and the effect of different forces on anatomies. An example of this is the US Naval Research Laboratory/Simpleware head model, generated from high-resolution MRI scans and segmented to create data that can be easily meshed to suit specific Finite Element applications, such as head impact and concussion.

Applications for the software have included: researching implant position in patient-specific data, statistical shape analysis. and computational fluid dynamics analysis of blood flow in vascular networks. With Simpleware's scripting tools, researchers have also explored the best positioning for hip implants. Research has also used 3D models to analyse patellofemoral kinematics. Researchers have used Simpleware-generated human body models to simulate the effect of electromagnetic radiation in MRI scanners. Other recent application areas for models created within Simpleware's software environment include simulating transcranial direct current stimulation, and testing electrode placements for treating epilepsy. In terms of dental research, evaluations of dental implants have been made by integrating CAD objects with patient data and exporting for simulation. ScanIP has 510(k) market clearance from the FDA as a Class II Medical Device.

ScanIP has applications to reconstructing anatomies from scan data for the investigation of different biological and other organic processes within the Natural Sciences. Paleontological uses of ScanIP include the reconstruction of dinosaur skeletons, while the software has notably been used to generate a model of a shark head suitable for rapid prototyping and testing of how sharks smell, and for generating STL models of a pseudomorph suitable for 3D printing. ScanIP has also been used for biomimicry projects for the Eden Project, and for producing artworks inspired by morphology. Researchers have used ScanIP to reverse engineer ant necks to improve understanding of their mechanics.

ScanIP has extensive applications to different materials science where researchers want to investigate the properties of scanned samples. Scans of composites and other samples can be easily visualised and processed in ScanIP, enabling multiple phases and porous networks to be explored and analysed. Measurements can be taken, for example, of fractures and cracks, and statistics generated for porosity distribution and other features. ScanIP can be combined with +FE to generate volume meshes for FE and CFD characterisation of stress/strain distribution, permeability and other material properties. Example applications include fuel cell characterisation, and modelling the effect of porosity on the elastic properties of synthetic graphite.

ScanIP is used in the Oil and Gas industry for generating 3D models from scans of core samples and rocks. Image data taken from CT, micro-CT, FIB-SEM and other imaging modalities can be imported and visualised, enabling exploration of pore networks, segmentation of regions of interest, and measurement and quantification of features. Processed data can be exported using module +FE as volume meshes for FEA and CFD in solvers, allowing for insights into fluid-structure-analysis and other geomechanical properties.

ScanIP can be used to create computational models suitable for detailed visualisation, analysis and export for simulation in CAE solvers. Scanned image data can be easily processed to identify regions of interest, measure defects, quantify statistics such as porosity, and generate CAD and CAE models. Example applications include research into characterising composites, foams, and food.

With ScanIP, it is possible to reverse engineer legacy parts and other geometries that cannot be accurately created in CAD. Scans of objects can be visualised and processed in ScanIP to learn more about their original design, and exported as FE and CFD models for simulation of physical properties. The software has many benefits for researchers in aerospace, automotive and other fields needing to generate accurate 3D models from scans. Other applications include being able to reverse engineer consumer products in order to analyse their properties, or study how they interact with the human body without the need for invasive testing.

ScanIP is capable of generating robust STL files for 3D printing applications. Files created using ScanIP feature guaranteed watertight triangulations and correct norms, as well as options for volume and topology preserving smoothing. STLs are generated with conforming interfaces, enabling multi-material printing. Internal structures, otherwise known as lattices, can also be added to 3D models of parts in order to reduce weight prior to Additive Manufacturing. Example applications include the development of patient-specific implants, lattice support structure generation, and 3D organ printing. More recently, ScanIP was used to generate STL files of a man's kidney to aid in a procedure at Southampton General Hospital. Lattice techniques have also been used for developing new parts in aerospace, automotive and other industries.