The 3D Printing and Imaging Laboratory (3DPIL) was founded in 2017 as a collaborative research group within the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Minnesota. The group is comprised of specialists across multiple disciplines, including medical physics, clinical radiation oncology, and veterinary medicine. Together, the 3DPIL group members have a broad range of expertise, including the use of advanced imaging, computational modeling, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing.

The Radiation Oncology 3D Printing & Imaging Lab at the University of Minnesota has developed a custom materials test designed to simulate the densities of real human tissues when exposed to megavoltage (MV) radiation. This innovative testing method is used to support radiation therapy research to create more accurate, tissue-equivalent materials for dose verification and treatment planning studies. 

This 3D printed Lung Equivalent Phantom uses materials with corresponding density to real lungs to simulate patient anatomy. This innovative testing method provides accurate, tissue-equivalent materials for dose verification and treatment planning studies for the lungs specifically. It enables researchers to better understand radiation interactions with different tissue types, ultimately contributing to more precise and effective cancer treatment.