PET is a functional imaging modality that, when combined with other imaging techniques such as CT or MRI, generates a functional anatomical image with improved accuracy [1]. PET acquisitions can also be used to generate attenuation map for correction of PET images. To ensure that this hybrid imaging modality maintains quality within acceptable standards, it is essential to perform periodic quality control according to current regulations [2,3,4]. These controls often require phantoms that, due to their specificity and lack of national production, are often quite expensive. The objective of this work is to develop a low-cost customizable phantom, analogous to the Jaszczak [5,6,7], to be produced by addictive manufacture (AM). Specifically, the modular internal parts will be modeled with CAD software and 3D printed. This phantom will be used in the evaluation of image contrast and spatial resolution. The dimensions and the geometry of the Jaszczak phantom were used as a reference to model a cylindrical prototype with the FreeCAD^® software [5,8]. The prototype was divided into six equal dockable parts that can be exchanged according the scanner resolution. In each of these parts, solid rods with diameters of 11 mm, 9.5 mm, 8 mm, 6.5 mm, 5 mm, and 3 mm were inserted. The location and spacing between the rods were calculated in advance so that the minimum space between the cylinders is equal to their respective diameter. Connectors were placed between each part, allowing for future customization of rod diameters and personalized construction according to the specificities of each piece of equipment. The printer used for constructing the model was the Creality 5 Plus, and the filament was the PLA. Each part corresponding to the previously established diameters was modeled and printed separately, taking approximately 13 to 15 hours to complete. Subsequently, these parts were assembled together to form the entire internal section of the Phantom. The result of this study supports the possibility of creating a phantom that analyzes various factors of PET scanners, such as image quality and contrast, at a much lower cost compared to commercially available options and constructed using a 3D printer. Additionally, the ability to customize the phantom according to the specific requirements of each piece of equipment enhances the versatility of the simulator. Therefore, experimental tests are necessary to validate this simulator, ensuring its reliability in clinical practice.

Acknowledgement: This work was supported by the Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear - CDTN and by Brazilian Institute of Science and Technology for Nuclear Instrumentation and Applications to Industry and Health (INCT/INAIS), CNPq project 406303/2022-3.