NIH 3D Print Exchange for Health Science Applications

Author: National Institutes of Health
Published: 2014/06/19 - Updated: 2026/02/13
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: Medical 3D Printing - Related Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This report from the National Institutes of Health announces a public resource platform that provides free access to shareable 3D print files specifically designed for health and science applications. The NIH 3D Print Exchange represents an authoritative source backed by federal research institutions, offering validated digital models for printing custom laboratory equipment, human anatomy models, and pathogen structures. The platform proves particularly valuable for researchers working with limited budgets, students pursuing STEM education, and scientists developing adaptive laboratory tools - areas that directly benefit individuals with disabilities who may require customized medical devices, accessible lab equipment, or educational models that accommodate different learning styles and physical needs - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

3D Printing for Researchers and Students to Promote Health and Science Applications

NIH uses 3D printing, or the creation of a physical object from a digital model, to study viruses, repair and enhance lab apparatus, and help plan medical procedures. The 3D Print Exchange makes these types of files freely available, along with video tutorials for new users and a discussion forum to promote collaboration.

Main Content

These files can be used, for example, to print custom laboratory equipment and models of bacteria and human anatomy. Today's launch coincides with the first White House Maker Faire, an event designed to celebrate U.S. innovation in science, technology, engineering and math.

"3D printing is a potential game changer for medical research," said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. "At NIH, we have seen an incredible return on investment; pennies' worth of plastic have helped investigators address important scientific questions while saving time and money. We hope that the 3D Print Exchange will expand interest and participation in this new and exciting field among scientists, educators and students."

The site also features tools that convert scientific and clinical data into ready-to-print 3D files.

The 3D Print Exchange is a collaborative effort led by NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

"3D printing is helping to advance science at NIAID and beyond," said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. "The ability to design and print tangible models of pathogens, for example, can give researchers a fresh perspective on the diseases they study and open new and promising lines of investigation."

Additional support is provided by other NIH components, including the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Library of Medicine.

The 3D Print Exchange is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its Ignite and Ventures programs, which help support innovation within the agency.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The NIH 3D Print Exchange stands as a turning point in democratizing medical research tools, particularly for institutions and individuals who historically faced barriers due to equipment costs. By converting complex scientific data into tangible models for just pennies worth of material, this platform doesn't simply reduce expenses - it fundamentally reshapes who can participate in advanced research. For disability researchers, this means the ability to rapidly prototype assistive devices, test surgical approaches on patient-specific anatomy models, and create accessible teaching materials without waiting months for specialized manufacturers. The collaborative forum and conversion tools suggest that NIH recognizes 3D printing not as a novelty, but as essential infrastructure for 21st-century science - Disabled World (DW).