Changes in the online availability of 3D models of skeletal elements and 3D printer technology have made it feasible to develop a fossil or osteological collection from scratch. Many online sites have models that can be freely downloaded and 3D printed. Other sites have CT-scan movies online—which can be downloaded and turned into printable 3D models by using the free software suite SPIERS. Post-processing of the printed models (sanding, painting, etc.) can make them almost visually indistinguishable from real specimens.