Acousim by Defensible Ballistics is our medical specific models and products. These consist of ultrasound, x-ray and MRI phantoms as well as suturing models. As our products are used extensively for custom phantoms we also have guides on making your own using our products.
Phantom Models
In medical and veterinary schools gaining practical experience in ultrasonography can be challenging due to practical and ethical concerns surrounding the use of live models.
While other commercial synthetic phantoms are available they are often very costly and cannot be customised easily.
To address this, creating synthetic ultrasound phantoms using our ballistic gel can be an economic alternative allowing students to simulate ultrasound scans and procedures, enhancing their learning.
“Cheap and effective”
Research within British universities using our gel found that the use of ballistic gel phantom models from Defensible Ballistics resulted in “improved practical skill” compared to students who did not train with them when compared to traditional teaching tools.
Features:
Low Cost
Easy to Create
Easily Customisable
Variable Echogenicity
Reusable
Quality Images
Ballistic Gel Liver Parenchyma scan
Ballistic Gel Vascular scan
Ballistic Gel Bladder scan
As part of our Acousim range, the Phantom Block provides a reliable and repeatable medium for ultrasound imaging applications.
Manufactured from our high-quality synthetic ballistic gel base, this phantom replicates consistent acoustic and mechanical properties while offering the durability and stability required for repeated use. The integrated skin-tone colouring enhances visual realism, making it suitable for both clinical-style training environments and controlled testing scenarios.
Key Features:
Calibrated Medium
Produced to a 10% (Forensic) standard, ensuring consistent and predictable performance across applications.Embedded Reference Targets
Contains 4 × 3.5 mm ceramic spheres, precisely positioned within the block to provide clear, repeatable ultrasound targets for alignment, accuracy verification, and system calibration.Medical Imaging Compatible
X-ray and MRI safe, allowing the phantom to be used across multiple imaging modalities without interference or safety concerns.Realistic Appearance
Skin-tone pigmentation improves visual interpretation and enhances training realism without affecting performance.Durable & Reusable
Synthetic formulation resists dehydration and maintains structural integrity over multiple uses.
Specifications:
Dimensions: 30 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm
Weight: 3 kg
Material: Synthetic Ballistic Gel
Calibration: 10% (Forensic)
Embedded Targets: 4 × 3.5 mm ceramic spheres
Applications:
Ultrasound training and education
Probe calibration and alignment checks
Imaging system validation
Multi-modality imaging environments (Ultrasound, X-ray, MRI)
Procedure rehearsal and targeting exercises
Buy Our Phantoms
This is a new range of products that is currently being released. For more information on this product range, please contact us.
Common Inserts
Silicone or latex tubing → simulate blood vessels
Ball bearings / plastic fragments → foreign bodies
Foam layers → tissue differentiation
Fluid-filled channels → realistic vascular imaging
Placement Tips
To suspend targets during pouring for precise positioning use thin supports (removed after setting if needed) such is fine fishing line (1-2lb).
Layer pours for complex anatomical simulation and for putting heavier targets within the phantom model.
10% density gel is the recommended for normal ultrasound testing. 20% density gel is recommended for inserts (e.g. tumor simulation).
Synthetic Ballistic gel can be used in within natural ballistic gel phantoms as inserts.
Make Your Own Phantoms
The below products are best suited for creating your own phantoms. For more information on creating phantoms, please feel free to contact us.
Natural
Natural gel phantoms are the cheapest option for any organisation of person. They also offer the most versatility in terms of customisation as you can cast the ballistic gel to any density you want. This also allows you to easily embed water based objects such as balloons for allowing for aspiration training. This gel is most commonly mixed to a 10% density for phantoms.
Key Points:
Derived from organic gelatine
Highly realistic acoustic properties
Excellent ultrasound transmission
Biodegradable
Highly customisable
For more instructions on using natural ballistic gel please see: Instructions.
The gold standard in terminal ballistics.
Ballistic gel powder (natural) is used to create ballistic gel blocks - a technical gelatine which when mixed to a specific density creates an analogue for human tissue. This is used by various industries and law enforcement agencies around the world to test bullet penetration and medical procedures amongst many other things.
This is the only gelatine material that is accepted as evidence in courts all around the world.
Specification
Type: 250-260
Dry Weight: 1.00kg
Cast Weight: 1kg = 10.00kg (@ 10%)
Instructions
10% (Standard)
The standard 10% mixture/density is used to mimic the properties of human tissue, allowing forensic experts to accurately analyse the effects of various projectiles or penetrating objects. Its composition ensures a consistent density and elasticity, closely resembling the characteristics of human flesh.
To create the standard mixture, precise measurements are taken to ensure the correct ratio of gel powder to water. The gel powder, a specialised substance with similar properties to human tissue, is carefully weighed and mixed with water, either by weight or volume, depending on the laboratory's preference.
The standard mixture is prepared using the following proportions:
Gel Powder: 10% by weight
Water: 90% by weight or volume
To create the standard mixture, you can use the following example measurements:
Gel Powder: 100 grams
Water: 900 grams (or millilitres)
The standard 10% mixture serves as a crucial reference point for forensic investigations worldwide. It provides a consistent and calibrated medium for testing the effects of projectiles or penetrating objects, enabling forensic experts to determine factors such as penetration depth, wound characteristics, and potential damage caused by different types of weapons.
By using the standard 10% mixture, forensic scientists can compare the results obtained from various tests and accurately interpret the findings. This standardised approach enhances the reliability and validity of forensic analysis, enabling investigators to draw more accurate conclusions and present robust evidence in court.
The standard mixture's versatility is another reason for its widespread use. It can be employed in a wide range of forensic scenarios, including gunshot wound analysis, knife wound simulations, and even the study of blunt force trauma. Its adaptability makes it an invaluable tool for forensic laboratories worldwide, ensuring consistent and accurate results across different types of investigations.
20% (NATO)
The NATO mixture/density is specifically designed for high-velocity projectiles that are intended for armor-penetrating purposes. It offers enhanced strength and reduced sensitivity to temperature changes, making it suitable for rigorous testing scenarios. The NATO mixture is prepared using the following proportions:
Gel Powder: 20% by weight
Water: 80% by weight or volume
To create the NATO mixture, you can use the following example measurements:
Gel Powder: 200 grams
Water: 800 grams (or millilitres)
Please note that these measurements are provided as an example and can be adjusted based on your specific requirements. It is crucial to maintain the 20% ratio of gel powder to water to ensure the desired properties and performance of the NATO mixture.
By following this mixture ratio, you can create a gel block that is specifically tailored for testing high-velocity armor-penetrating projectiles. This mixture provides the necessary strength and stability to accurately simulate the impact and penetration of such projectiles.
Always ensure proper safety measures and follow any additional guidelines or recommendations provided by your team or relevant authorities when working with the NATO mixture or conducting ballistic testing.
Storage
To ensure the longevity and quality of your gel, it is important to follow proper storage guidelines:
1. Keep it Dry: Store the gel powder in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption, which can affect its performance. Moisture can cause clumping or degradation of the powder.
2. Seal it: Ensure that the container or packaging of the gel powder is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure and potential contamination.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Store the gel powder away from direct sunlight or any other sources of excessive heat. Exposure to sunlight or high temperatures can degrade the powder and affect its properties.
By adhering to these storage guidelines, your gel powder can last up to a year, maintaining its quality and effectiveness for future use.
After casting your gel, it is recommended to keep it refrigerated until it is ready for use. Refrigeration helps preserve the gel's integrity and prevents spoilage.
Without any treatment, cast gel (gel powder added to water) typically has a shelf life of 3 days. However, if you choose to use our preservative called "Extender" it can increase the shelf life of the cast gel substantially. For more information on the Extender and its benefits, please refer to the specific section dedicated to it.
For further details and specific instructions on storage and usage, we recommend referring to the product documentation or contacting our team for comprehensive guidance.
More Information
Synthetic
Synthetic ballistic gel phantoms provides reusability. Unlike natural ballistic gel our synthetic ballistic gel has no shelf-life once cast and can be remelted when you need to change your model type. Voids can be cast into the gel to mimic veins and arteries. The 10% option is the most commonly used for phantoms.
Key Points:
Good acoustic transmission
Slightly less tissue-realistic than natural gel, but highly consistent
Ideal for Repeat training scenarios
Field use (no refrigeration)
Durable teaching environments
For more instructions on using synthetic ballistic gel please see: Instructions.
This product can be coloured to look like skin. More information on colouring can be found here: Instructions.
Synthetic ballistic gel is a new gel that is transparent and can be reused multiple times retaining its calibration. It is calibrated to a 10% forensic/FBI or 20% NATO density out of the bag (see product variant).
This specific product is provided as “chips” and can be melted and cast into a mould of your choice.
Transparent
Calibrated
Reusable
With its advanced formulation and ease of use, Synthetic ballistic gel can be used by professionals and casual users in various fields including law enforcement, military, medical and academic research.
Weight: 1kg
Calibration: 10% Forensic, 20% NATO
Storage: Store at room temperature in a dry location.
Re-usability: This product can be reused by melting and re-casting the gel into a mould. See products instructions for details.
See Synthetic Ballistic Gel Information for more details on how to use this product.
Synthetic Gel Colour is a specially designed colorant paste for Synthetic Ballistic Gel to make the gel look like human skin without changing the density of the gel.
30ml will treat up to 7kg of Synthetic Ballistic Gel of either 10% or 20% density.
Instructions: Add a small amount of paste to your gel when it is hot and mix in well. Add more as required to attain the level of colour that you require. Approximately 4ml will colour 1kg of gel.
Size: 30ml
Detailed instructions for this product can be found here: Synthetic Ballistic Gel Instructions