A California-based startup company is creating 3D models of babies in the womb with the help of 3D/4D ultrasound images.
3D printing technology is rewriting the future of printing and manufacturing. The technology has proved to be a boon in various fields including medicine, science, tech and more. Popular organizations like NASA have shown interest in 3D printing to make pizzas for astronauts in space and a new 3D printer called Foodini was also developed by a Spanish start-up to print a variety of foods. Going beyond food items and other scientific products, a California based startup, 3D Babies, has found a unique way of bringing the 3D printing technology into use.
The company produces 3D models of unborn babies using ultrasound images and even that of newborns using pictures. 3D Babies offers baby models in different sizes, Lifesize 3D Baby (8 inches crown to rump), a Halfsize 3D Baby (4 inches crown to rump) and a Mini 3D Baby (2 inches crown to rump) and lets parents decide if they want the gender of the baby to be visible or not. The baby models come in three skin tones - light, medium and dark.
"We create an adorable baby figurine resembling your baby's facial features and body position," the company said on Indiegogo. "We use your 3D/4D ultrasound or newborn baby pictures to create a unique artistic representation of your baby using the latest computer graphics and 3D printing technology. This is a great way to share the excitement of your new baby with family and friends. Your 3D Baby will be a treasured family remembrance of your pregnancy and new baby."
The project was started October 1, 2013, through Indiegogo crowd funding site, but it failed to achieve the pledged goal of $15,000 in two months. The printed dolls start from $200 for the smallest size and go up to $600 for the Lifesize 3D baby.
The company does not limit itself to printing your baby's 3D, one can also place an order for the 3D figurines of celebrity children. To give a hint of what it would look like, the company showed a 3D model of Baby North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, for $250.
3D printing technology has been used to print guns, sand grain-sized batteries, phone covers, jewelry and more. Scientists have also promised to introduce the world's first 3D printed liver this year. With the advancement, it is clear that the technology is here to stay.
