Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – May 23, 2025 – Global 3D Printed Brain Model Market was valued at USD 42.8 million in 2024 and is anticipated to register substantial growth of USD 227.8 million by 2034, with 18.2% CAGR
The integration of 3D printing technology in medical training and research is gaining momentum with the increasing adoption of 3D printed brain models. These models, created using advanced biomedical imaging and additive manufacturing techniques, replicate human brain anatomy with remarkable accuracy, supporting both educational and clinical applications.
3D printed brain models are now widely used in medical schools, neurosurgical planning, and neurological disorder research. By translating MRI and CT scan data into tangible, anatomically precise replicas, these models enhance the understanding of complex brain structures, vascular networks, and pathological conditions such as tumors or aneurysms. Trainees and surgeons benefit from hands-on simulation opportunities, improving procedural outcomes and reducing the margin of error in high-risk surgeries.
Recent advancements have enabled the incorporation of varied textures and colors in the models to differentiate between gray matter, white matter, and lesions. Hospitals and academic institutions are increasingly adopting these tools for pre-surgical rehearsals and interdisciplinary communication.
As the demand for precision medicine and personalized treatment grows, 3D printed brain models are expected to play a vital role in advancing patient care and medical education. This innovation aligns with global trends in digitized healthcare and customized training methodologies, marking a significant step toward safer, more informed neurosurgical practices.
Key Takeaways
- The global 3D printed brain model market was valued at USD 42.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 227.8 million by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.2% during the forecast period.
- By material type, the plastic segment dominated the market in 2024, accounting for 42% of the total revenue share, driven by its cost-effectiveness and ease of fabrication.
- In terms of technology, fused deposition modeling (FDM) emerged as the leading segment, contributing 26% of the global market revenue in 2024, owing to its wide availability and user-friendly operation.
- North America remained the leading regional market, capturing over 34% of the global revenue share in 2024, supported by strong investments in healthcare innovation and widespread adoption of 3D printing in medical education and surgical planning.
Segmentation Analysis
- By Material Analysis: In 2024, the plastic segment accounted for 42% of the global 3D printed brain model market, driven by its affordability, versatility, and precision in replicating complex anatomical structures. Commonly used plastics such as PLA and ABS offer durability, lightweight properties, and high customizability, making them ideal for educational, surgical, and research applications. The broad availability of compatible 3D printers and growing use of additive manufacturing in healthcare further strengthen the segment’s dominance in the market.
- By Technology Analysis: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) led the technology segment in 2024, capturing a 26% market share due to its cost-efficiency, wide accessibility, and ability to produce detailed anatomical models. This extrusion-based method uses thermoplastics like PLA and ABS to build precise, layer-by-layer structures ideal for neurosurgical planning and medical training. FDM’s flexibility with materials and compatibility with various healthcare use cases make it a preferred choice for producing customizable and affordable brain models.
Market Segments
By Material
- Polymer
- Plastic
By Technology
- Stereolithography (SLA)
- ColorJet Printing (CJP)
- MultiJet/PolyJet Printing
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Others
Regional Analysis
- In 2024, North America accounted for 34% of the global 3D printed brain model market, driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure, strong investments in medical technologies, and increasing focus on personalized healthcare solutions. The United States and Canada have demonstrated rapid adoption of 3D printing across medical domains, particularly in developing brain models for education, research, and surgical planning.
- The region benefits from robust government and private sector funding supporting technological innovation. A notable example is the breakthrough in February 2024 by scientists at the University of Wisconsin, who successfully developed functional 3D printed brain tissue. This innovation significantly enhances the ability to study brain function and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- As the incidence of neurological disorders continues to rise, North America’s leadership in research and medical innovation is expected to sustain its dominant position in the global market, further boosting the adoption of 3D printed brain models.
Emerging Trends
- Democratization of Model Access: The availability of a government-sponsored repository has accelerated access to 3D brain models. The NIH 3D Print Exchange now hosts over 14 100 bioscientific and medical models, including detailed brain structures, which can be freely downloaded and printed.
- Patient-Specific Customization: Customized full-scale brain replicas are being fabricated directly from patient CT or MRI data. These models are increasingly used for pre-surgical rehearsal, enabling lesion-specific planning in tumor resections.
- Advanced Support-Bath Printing Strategies: Innovative 3D printing methods—such as stimuli-responsive yield-stress support baths and sacrificial “contour” inks—have been developed to create both realistic brain patches and intact full-scale models with minimal post-processing.
- Biomechanical Fidelity through Deformable Materials: Models that mimic the mechanical properties of actual brain tissue are now achievable. Printed constructs exhibiting a Young’s modulus of 25.29 ± 2.68 kPa have been reported, closely approximating the 2.64 ± 0.40 kPa stiffness of mammalian brain tissue.
- Integration with Organ-on-Chip Platforms: NIH-funded projects (e.g., a US$ 1.8 million award) are combining 3D printing with microfluidic technologies to recreate the blood–brain barrier in vitro, supporting drug permeability and toxicity testing under physiologically relevant flow conditions.
- Expanded Educational Use: Physical 3D brain models are being integrated into anatomy and neuroscience curricula. In one study, stereolithograph replicas enhanced surface visualization and were rated by 50 students as providing superior educational value compared to 2D images.
Use Cases
- Neurosurgical Training: Full-scale brain models have been employed to simulate tumor resections, with 95 % of surgeons in multicenter surveys rating the models as very useful for hands-on surgical training.
- Preoperative Planning: In pre-surgical workflows, 95 % of neurosurgeons reported that patient-specific models improved anatomical understanding and operative strategy development.
- Medical Education: Educational assessments indicated that 94.44 % of students found 3D-printed models highly valuable for teaching, and 100 % for self-directed learning, enhancing spatial comprehension of complex neuroanatomy.
- Patient Communication: Approximately 85 % of clinicians reported that tactile models facilitated clearer explanations of surgical procedures and risks to patients and families.
- Drug Testing and Research: Microfluidic brain-on-a-chip constructs are being used to assess drug transport across the blood–brain barrier under flow, reducing reliance on animal models and enabling early-stage compound screening.
- Neuroscience Mapping: Community-driven projects like the EyeWire Neuroscience collection have leveraged 3D printing to reconstruct neuronal circuits, supporting large-scale neuron mapping and network analysis.
Conclusion
The 3D printed brain model market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by advances in imaging, materials, and additive manufacturing. These models are revolutionizing neurosurgical training, medical education, and research by offering realistic, patient-specific, and anatomically accurate replicas of the brain.
With strong adoption in North America, growing support from institutions like the NIH, and innovations enhancing biomechanical fidelity and customization, these tools are improving clinical outcomes and educational effectiveness. As the demand for precision medicine and hands-on training rises, 3D printed brain models are poised to become essential components of modern healthcare and neuroscience research.
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