3D printing in X-ray and gamma-ray imaging: A novel method for fabricating high-density imaging apertures
Brian W. Millera, , , Jared W. Moorea, Harrison H. Barretta, Teresa Fryéb, Steven Adlerc, Joe Seryd, Lars R. Furenlida
a Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging,1 The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA
b TechForm Advanced Casting Technology, LLC, Portland, Oregon 97222, USA
c A3DM, Portland, Oregon 97222, USA
d Tungsten Heavy Powder, San Diego, California 92121, USA
Abstract
Advances in 3D rapid-prototyping printers, 3D modeling software, and casting techniques allow for cost-effective fabrication of custom components in gamma-ray and X-ray imaging systems. Applications extend to new fabrication methods for custom collimators, pinholes, calibration and resolution phantoms, mounting and shielding components, and imaging apertures. Details of the fabrication process for these components, specifically the 3D printing process, cold casting with a tungsten epoxy, and lost-wax casting in platinum are presented.
Keywords
SPECT aperture fabrication; 3D rapid prototyping; 3D printing; Tungsten powder casting; Lost-wax pinhole casting
Full text is available at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168900211017116