Operating system: Windows 10 Pro
Slicer version: 4.8.1
Hi, I am a new users of 3D Slicers. I have to use it to extract a geometry from a CT-Angiography. This geometry has to be as simple as possible because I should modify it on a CAD software (Solidworks).
My idea was to extract only the contour of each slice (like polylines) with the segmentation tool of 3D Slicer. However, with this tool I can only export mesh objects that are more difficult to modify in Solidworks. There is a way to extract only the contours of the segmentation like an .iges file for example?
In general, you cannot edit arbitrary shapes in generic CAD software. Tools that import surface meshes into solid objects in CAD software are usually intended for reconstructing relatively simple shapes.
One of the main reasons we developed Slicer’s Segment Editor module was to allow editing of arbitrary anatomical shapes (in accordance with the original image data) and combine them with CAD models. There are some nice tutorials on how to do this and we are happy to help with any specific questions that you may have.
Thank you Andras.
I extracted a 3D model of the system subclavian vein-superior vena cava-right atrium and I want to modifiy it through a CAD software in order to have a smoother and more regular geometry.
You can use Smoothing effect in Segment editor module (and experiment with different methods and parameters in it) to make the geometry more regular. You can also further smooth the mesh and reduce number of polygons when you create the 3D closed surface representation (by adjusting parameters in Segmentations module, Representations section, Closed surface row, Update button).
You can also generate tetrahedral mesh of the vasculature directly from the segmentation, using Segment Mesher extension (that uses Cleaver2 or TetGen internally).
What is your end goal? Finite-element analysis, direct 3D printing, 3D printing of mold, …?
