Click on links below to view 3D print images and jpeg files from which the 3D prints were made. The Histology images in this section as well as the Cell Biology and mitosis images were taken by Mike Kolitsky. The Astronomy images came from the NASA Hubble collection and the Geology 3D print was selected from the LandSat image collection.

The 3D image stereolithographic (stl) files for the sections below were made using the program "PhotoToMesh" published by Owen Ransen and can be obtained at http://www.ransen.com/. These stl files were then sent to i.Materialize in Belgium to be made into 3D prints. Turn-around time for 3D print production was around three weeks and each 3D print cost just under $17.00 to make. If the order was more than $100.00, shipping was free.

These 3D prints are the beginning of a growing database of 3D prints aimed at providing a tactile learning experience for blind or visually impaired students. They are considered to be the structural component for a more complete learning object designed especially for ease of use by the blind or visually impaired student. The learning objects will be designed for use by students who read Braille and also for student access to audio support using the LiveScribe pen. If you wish to be involved in the testing of these learning objects, please contact me at makolitsky@utep.edu.

3D prints of Histology - microscope slide images

3D prints of Cells in Mitosis - microscope slide images

3D prints of Astronomy - Hubble images

3D print of Geology - LandSat image