Validation of a solvent-based process for the smoothing of additively manufactured 3D models of nasal cavities

In order to improve the reliability of diagnosis of nasal breathing disorders, aerodynamic properties have to be analyzed through experiments based on 3D models. The surface properties of the prepared respective 3D models using fused deposition modeling (FDM) should match those of native nasal cavities, thus representing their normal state and typical pathologies. In this work, we validated the smoothing of dual extruded 3D printed samples of PLA (polylactide) and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) using the solvent TFE (trifluoroethanol). The smoothing was conducted in vapour and liquid phases of TFE. Before and after treatment of the samples in liquid and vapour phases of TFE, mass and surface roughness analysis were performed. The results of this work will help to produce and process a representative model of the human paranasal sinuses, which can be created using CT data from a patient.