On February 28, staff from the IU School of Medicine Makerspace participated in the annual Carmel Clay Public Library 3D Printing Expo, sharing how emerging technologies are supporting teaching and learning across all nine campuses. The event welcomed 1,992 attendees, offering community members an opportunity to explore innovations in additive manufacturing.
During the expo, Makerspace staff demonstrated how 3D printing is being used to enhance medical education at the IU School of Medicine. The team displayed a variety of anatomical 3D prints, including skulls, a brachial plexus model, heart, and brain structures. These models are used by medical students as hands-on learning tools, helping them better understand complex anatomical relationships that can be difficult to visualize in traditional textbooks.
3D anatomical models and silicone suture pads.
In addition to anatomical models, staff also showcased custom silicone suture pads created in the Makerspace. These pads are designed to give medical students practical experience with suturing techniques in a realistic training environment. By combining 3D printing with other fabrication methods, the Makerspace is helping students develop critical clinical skills before entering real-world medical settings.
To give attendees a closer look at the production process, Makerspace staff brought a Prusa Core One 3D printer to the event and conducted a live demonstration. Throughout the expo, the printer produced several copies of the C1 (Atlas) vertebra, allowing visitors to observe how a digital model is gradually built layer by layer into a physical object.
Makerspace table with 3D models and Prusa Core One 3D printer.
The Carmel Clay Public Library’s 3D Printing Expo is held annually and continues to grow as a hub for community engagement with emerging technologies. For the IU School of Medicine Makerspace team, the event provided a valuable opportunity to highlight how campus resources are supporting innovation in fields such as medicine, engineering, and design.
