One Anatomy. Multiple Materials.
Purpose-Built Simulation Options.
New for 2026, we now offer an extended line of 4 purpose-built model options for prototyping, design refinement, flow visualization, validation workflows, physician training, and commercialization support.
United Biologics helps MedTech teams select the right physical model strategy based on anatomy, geometry, material behavior, visualization needs, production timeline, and intended application.
4 Distinct Material Options
Every Build Has Unique Demands.
We Deliver the Solutions & Materials to Match.
Material Comparison Chart
| Material | Core Strength | Best For | Typical Lead-Time Note | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Highest tactile fidelity and realistic device interaction | Training, procedural simulation, simulated use, commercialization | Longer timeline after design approval | Higher cost, tooling/design changes affect schedule |
| Glass | Best optical clarity for visualization and flow studies | Particle testing, flow analysis, validation workflows | Similar longer timeline after design approval | Fragile, rigid, no compliance/flexibility |
| Flexible 3D Printed | Faster iteration with limited flexibility | KOL feedback, prototype evaluation, early simulation | Typically faster than silicone/glass | Lower durability and tactile fidelity than silicone |
| Rigid 3D Printed | Fastest low-cost engineering review option | Fit checks, proof-of-concept, dimensional validation | Typically faster than silicone/glass | No compliance/flexibility; limited tactile realism |
Choosing the Correct Material for Your Project
From custom needs to complex specs, we supply the right materials and solutions for the job.
Silicone Models
Silicone models using AngioClear Silicone with True Tactile Feedback™ are designed for applications that require high-fidelity tactile feel, elastic vessel behavior, durable reusable construction, optical transparency, and realistic device interaction.
Best For
- Physician training
- Procedural simulation
- Simulated use testing
- Device demonstrations
- Commercialization and sales enablement
- Procedural rehearsal
Key Benefits
- Closest physical-model approximation to procedural feel and device interaction
- High-fidelity tactile response for physician engagement
- Durable elastic construction for repeated use environments
- Customizable anatomies and broad geometry support
- Inner diameter dimensional tolerance defined and controlled by ID specifications
- Supports a wide range of inner diameters, including small ID applications where feasible
- Longer manufacturing timelines compared to 3D printed options
- Higher production cost compared to 3D printed models
- Design changes may require additional updates, review, and/or re-tooling
- Small inner diameters with highly tortuous geometries may be limited
- Wall thickness may vary due to the proprietary manufacturing process
- Wall thickness is proportional to inner diameter, helping create a visually balanced vascular model
Typical Use Cases
- Physician training programs
- Simulated use studies
- Procedural demonstrations
- Device interaction evaluation
- Commercial launch and sales demonstration environments
Ideal for teams prioritizing realistic tactile interaction, physician engagement, and high-fidelity procedural simulation.
Glass Flow & Validation Models
Glass models provide transparent anatomy with dimensional stability under flow and pulsatile conditions, enabling high-definition camera focus and enhanced visualization of flow dynamics, device behavior, and particulate movement.
Best For
- Flow analysis
- Particle testing
- Visualization studies
- Specialized validation workflows
- Benchtop fluid testing
Key Benefits
- Direct visualization of device behavior and flow dynamics
- High optical clarity for camera-based observation
- Smooth internal lumen
- High chemical resistance
- Dimensionally stable under flow conditions
- Useful for validation workflows that require visual access
- Brittle material requiring careful handling
- No inherent flexibility or elastic vessel behavior
- Less anatomically realistic tactile interaction compared to silicone
- Limited to rigid geometry
- Dimensional tolerances and wall thickness may be larger due to the hand-blown manufacturing process
- Larger models may require increased fabrication labor and may be more expensive than smaller geometries
- Lead time is generally closer to silicone than 3D printed options
Typical Use Cases
- Particle image velocimetry
- Flow visualization
- Specialized validation workflows
- Flow analysis applications
- Benchtop fluid testing
Ideal for teams that need optical clarity, visualization access, and flow/particle analysis rather than tactile realism.
Flexible 3D Printed Models
Flexible 3D printed models support rapid iteration, early-stage simulation, and targeted engineering review using elastomeric resin materials. They provide faster production timelines than silicone or glass options while offering limited flexibility compared to rigid printed models.
Best For
- Rapid prototyping
- KOL feedback
- Early-stage procedural simulation
- Device fit/function assessment
- Prototype evaluation
- Design refinement
Key Benefits
- Faster iteration cycles
- Lower cost per unit compared to silicone
- Repeatable geometry
- Relatively quick turnaround
- Flexible material behavior compared to rigid 3D printed models
- Even/consistent wall thickness enabled by the printing process
- Does not fully match the durability or tactile fidelity of silicone-based models
- Limited elasticity compared to silicone
- May exhibit anisotropic mechanical behavior
- Reduced long-term durability may impact realistic catheter-device interaction
- Size constraints are dictated by printer build volume and manufacturing process limitations
- Complex or highly tortuous geometries may be challenging
- Narrow inner lumens may be difficult to clear during post-processing
- Flexible structures may deform, collapse, or retain residual support material that affects patency and final anatomy accuracy
- Finalized STL files that meet design specifications can significantly reduce lead time
Typical Use Cases
- KOL feedback
- Early-stage procedural simulation
- Device fit/function assessment
- Prototype evaluation
- Design refinement
- Targeted training environments where speed is a higher priority
Ideal for teams that need faster iteration and early functional feedback before finalizing a higher-fidelity model strategy.
Rigid 3D Printed Models
Rigid 3D printed models provide fast-turn manufacturing, structural accuracy, customizable geometry, and cost-effective iteration for early engineering review, proof-of-concept studies, fit checks, and dimensional validation.
Best For
- Proof-of-concept studies
- Dimensional validation
- Fit checks
- Early-stage evaluation
- Engineering reviews
- Design refinement
Key Benefits
- Excellent for fit checks
- Cost-effective iteration
- Repeatable geometry
- Relatively quick turnaround
- Rigid structural accuracy
- Even/consistent wall thickness enabled by the printing process
- No compliance or flexibility
- Lower tactile fidelity than silicone
- Limited durability compared to silicone-based models
- Less suitable for realistic catheter-device interaction
- Model size is constrained by 3D printer build volume
- Certain levels of vessel tortuosity and complex geometry may not be manufacturable
- Narrow or highly intricate inner lumens may be difficult or impossible to clear during post-processing
- Finalized STL files that meet design specifications can significantly reduce lead time
Typical Use Cases
- Engineering evaluation
- Proof-of-concept studies
- Dimensional validation
- Fit testing
- Design reviews where speed is a higher priority
- Model refinement after KOL feedback
Ideal for teams that need quick, cost-effective geometry review before moving into more realistic simulation or validation workflows.
Planning Considerations That Help Maintain Project Timelines
Design change requests can introduce additional design iterations and may affect delivery timelines. To support an efficient development process, United Biologics recommends clearly defining project requirements, design specifications, stakeholder inputs, and approval responsibilities at the beginning of the project.
Confirm intended use case and model material early
Align internal stakeholders before design approval
Provide finalized STL files when available and applicable
Identify a designated point of contact for approvals
Confirm anatomy, dimensions, geometry, and performance needs before production begins
Note: Material availability may vary depending on anatomy, dimensions, geometry, and intended application.
Need Help Selecting the Right Material Strategy?
Each material option supports different priorities, including tactile fidelity, visualization, dimensional review, speed, cost, durability, and manufacturing feasibility. Our team can help evaluate your anatomy, geometry, intended use, timeline, and project requirements to recommend the best-fit model approach.
For faster review, include available drawings, STL files, imaging data, intended use case, target anatomy, timeline, and key testing requirements.
* Large programs or enterprise projects?
Call our team directly.
