3D printing in archaeology and museums

3D printing technology is now used in many areas. For example, it is increasingly used in aerospace, automotive, healthcare, toys, and product design, among others. But also in archaeology one would not like to do without this procedure any more. What it is used for here and in which museum areas 3D printing or 3D scans are used. We cover these topics and more in this post.

Possible applications of 3D technology

Both 3D printing and 3D scanning are used to preserve cultural treasures. They serve as a tool for museum curators, scientists and archaeologists to capture and, if necessary, reproduce ancient objects, individual artifacts or even recent works of art in 3D. For example, figures have already been reprinted that can be touched by museum visitors. This is a great advantage especially for the visually impaired. The original figures are mostly behind glass, are on loan to other museums, or are kept protected in the museum archives most of the time.

At the same time, this technology allows to complete any missing or damaged parts of objects. Archaeological sites can be fully recorded as 3D mapping in a short time with 3D scanners. Among other things, this is done using drones on which the scanner is mounted and which fly over the area. The data obtained is transmitted to a mobile computer.

Examples of the use of 3D scanners and 3D printers

In 2016, for example, scientists from the Institute for Digital Archaeology worked with UNESCO staff to produce a replica of a triumphal arch from Palmyra, which was then presented to the public in London, New York and Dubai, among other places. The following year, experts used 3D printers to repair two busts from the ancient Syrian city, which was almost completely destroyed by IS.

What are the advantages of 3D scanning for museums and archaeologists?

3D scanners in the professional field work with a very high accuracy. At the same time, they capture much more detail of the individual objects. Museums can now also record their exhibits digitally and no longer have to rely solely on photos for computer-assisted archiving.

3D scanning also contributes to the preservation of historic sites. Many sites are at risk of collapse, damaged by natural disasters or armed conflict. The 3D scanner can be used to create so-called 3D mappings of these locations, which can later be used for reconstruction.

The 3D scan also provides better access to museums worldwide. Thus, from Berlin, but also from smaller towns and villages, one can virtually visit museums in New York, Tokyo, Paris, St. Petersburg and many other cities without being directly on site.

Many historical exhibits can be seen in museums. More and more often, 3D scanners and 3D printers are being used for restoration work to fill in missing individual parts. At the same time it is also possible to make a complete copy of the object. This can then be touched and closely inspected by students, for example. Manipulation of the figure is also conceivable. Such work makes a visit to the museum much more interesting for children and enhances the learning effect. If damage occurs to the replica, it can be printed again. This is a very big advantage, especially for delicate exhibits.

Imaging archaeological sites with 3D scanners

Often archaeological sites are discovered only during the excavation of construction pits. There is then usually only a limited amount of time available for exploration and excavation. With large-area 3D scanners, some of which are also equipped with GPS, archaeologists can record a complete area as a 3D file and thus create a 3D model. This allows for better interpretation of archaeological remains while improving the search for successful excavation sites. The manufactured models are often characterized by a high level of detail. Often details invisible to the human eye become apparent when a figure or fragment has been replicated enlarged. At the same time, the 3D models can still be worked on later. Light-sensitive original pieces are thus protected.

International cooperation of researchers

Researchers, engineers and even private individuals worldwide can access data from models captured with a 3D scanner. For example, archaeological artifacts from museums and other scientific institutions no longer have to be mailed, but the scanned data is sent online or retrieved from a website. Scientists can then share the data and their findings over the Internet, enabling them to network more effectively and build on the research findings of others.

The company Arskan 3D, for example, not only develops portable 3D scanners, but also used them to scan some pieces from the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts in 2015, among other things. In all likelihood, the Lyon facility may have been the first 3D museum in the world to be viewed virtually. The Quai Branly Museum, located in the French capital Paris, also uses 3D scanners. Here, visitors have the opportunity to view the contents of ancient artifact-filled coffins using a 3D scanner. These coffins could not be opened because of the risk of damaging the items inside the coffin.

Protect collectibles with the help of 3D scanners and 3D printers

Not only for repair, but also for the production of duplicates 3D scanners and 3D printers can be used. The usually contactless scan itself usually takes only a few minutes – depending on the size. The file thus created can then be both edited, saved, archived and printed. Transmission of the file to other users is also possible. Provided they have their own 3D printer, they can then print out the desired object themselves. One such opportunity is offered to visitors by the Art Institute of Chicago.

Among the best-known evidence from recent history are probably the papier-mâché heads of the escapees from Alcatraz prison island in the 1960s. Since the material is decomposing more and more, but the prisoners have not yet been caught, the heads are to be preserved as evidence. That's why the FBI 3D scanned the heads.

In the future, it is expected that 3D scanning and 3D printing technology will continue to be used more and more in archaeology and museum facilities. Especially the youngest visitors are thus introduced to history with modern media. In archaeology, the use of 3D scanners is also very promising. Thus, 3D scans can be made at the beginning of the excavation, but also during individual work steps. The data thus obtained can contribute to more targeted excavations, but can also be revisited at a later date.

Further reading/sources:

  • https://3dprint.com/179081/palmyra-arch-in-italy/
  • https://arskan.com/
  • https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/sanfrancisco/news/press-releases/fbi-presents-national-park-service-with-3d-printed-copies-of-escape-from-alcatraz-decoy-heads