From X-Ray Tomography to 3D Printing: A Methodological Framework for Wood Microstructure Visualization

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Abstract

Advances in imaging and fabrication technologies offer new opportunities to develop tools that support the visualization and understanding of complex biological materials. This contribution presents a comprehensive methodological framework for generating anatomically representative, species-specific 3D models of wood microstructure, intended to enhance student comprehension in wood science and related fields. The workflow integrates micro-X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning, image segmentation, STL model preparation, and additive manufacturing. Using micro-CT, we captured high-resolution, non-destructive 3D datasets of four wood species—European beech (Fagus sylvatica), oak (Quercus robur L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies), and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). The resulting volumetric data were processed with dedicated software to isolate and reconstruct key anatomical features, which were subsequently converted into printable STL models. These models were fabricated at a 1:400 scale using filaments composed of 40% wood particles and 60% biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), underscoring the relevance of sustainable materials in educational tool development. The primary aim of this work is to document and justify each stage of the technological process, thereby providing a replicable pathway for producing detailed, pedagogically useful representations of wood microstructure. The resulting models are publicly available on the Sketchfab platform as part of the “3D Wood Micro Structure Collection.”

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