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Pakhomova, et al.
Figure 4 [128] . Software tools utilizes this approach Summarizing all the above, the overview
are Hyperfun, FRepCAM, nTop, and Uformia that of properties of the leading software tools and
were mentioned above. There is also software applications are listed in Table 1. The current most
such as Curv [133] and libfive [134] , but not noticeable popular software for the model generation in the
in the field of bioprinting and biofabrication yet. field of bioprinting is CAD-based software. Usually,

in this kind of software, users can generate STL-file
models only and then slice them. This approach
is the most common approach, but it is slightly
outdated. STL files allow us to work exclusively
with surfaces that are good for homogeneous
models but are not suitable for heterogeneous
models. In addition, using the STL file format
Figure 4. Digitally fabricated non-uniform leads to some problems. This file format does not
microstructure developed with the help of the allow us to use any colors and textures because
function representation approach [128] . these options are not a part of the STL standard.

Table 1. An overview of the software tools and applications for bioprinting.
The software name Supported file formats Distribution Purpose References
GeSim STL Commercial Control [43]
Novogen STL Commercial Control [43]
BIOCAD (RegenHU) STL Commercial 3D models design [44]
BIOCUT DICOM, STL Commercial Convert DICOM data to STL, [44]
make slices
BIOCAM STL Commercial Generate the STL and slice it [44]
No name software Bitmap Commercial Control [43]
from Fujifilm
Holdings Corporation
Ltd.
Axsys Graphical formats Commercial Allows a user to program [43]
printing protocols
CATIA IGES, DXF, DWG, STEP, Commercial CAD-based [43]
STL, CATPart, CATProduct,
CATDrawing, cgr, 3dxml
NX STL, CATIA, STEP, Parasolid, Commercial CAD-based [43]
DXF, DWG, 3MF, IGES,
ACIS formats, PLY (export
only), image, VRML data
SolidWorks STL and general solid Commercial CAD-based [43]
modeling formats
Pro/Engineer STL and neutral formats Commercial CAD-based [43]
CASTS DICOM to IGES to STL Commercial Based on Pro/Engineer for tissue [46,48]
scaffolds
MIMICS DICOM to STL Commercial Translate medical data from [43,74]
MRI and CT output files to
SolidWorks files + slicer
Biocad (Biomedical DICOM, SolidWorks files Commercial Translate DICOM to [75]
Modeling Inc.) SolidWorks files, allows a user
to work with the mesh and
generates CAD models
(Contd...)
International Journal of Bioprinting (2020)–Volume 6, Issue 3 53