Enhancing Archaeological Research with 3D Printing
Virginia Commonwealth University's Virtual Curation Laboratory, utilizing 3D printing technology and conventional 3D digital data collection methods, has created an extensive catalog of American Indian artifacts and historical records.
This impressive project supports a wide range of research activities, involving new theories and cutting-edge technologies, making archaeological discoveries more accessible to educators and researchers worldwide.
Observing Artifacts - A Historical Problem
One of the key issues that often affects archaeologists is access to artifacts. When an object is stored for an extended period, observing its "interior" can become costly (time-consuming), which negatively impacts research.
Similarly, handling original artifacts is risky, as many items are easily damaged. 3D printing technology solves both of these problems.
Virtual artifacts provide researchers with digital data files that allow for comprehensive 3D observation and manipulation (as well as accurate measurements) without having to travel to specific storage facilities.
Furthermore, these files can be used to create models with desktop 3D printers. With 3D printed replicas of artifacts, researchers and students can freely handle and examine them, providing a more impactful and meaningful connection to the past.
This breaks the traditional museum mentality of "look, don't touch."
Developing the Virtual Curation Laboratory
Dr. Bernard K. Means received his BA in Anthropology and BS in Physics from Occidental College in Los Angeles, and his PhD in Anthropology from Arizona State University in Tempe.
He founded the Virtual Curation Laboratory (VCL) in August 2011 as part of a Department of Defense (DoD) Legacy Resource Management grant project, effectively testing the NextEngine Desktop 3D scanner in creating digital models of archaeological discoveries on DoD land.
To support the research of undergraduate anthropology students at Virginia Commonwealth University, VCL is primarily funded through internal and external grants, in addition to specialized projects typically undertaken by museums related to 3D printing. This not only makes artifacts more accessible to more people but also challenges the way people conduct archaeological research.
Bringing the Past to Life, Layer by Layer
The VCL team uses Ultimaker 3D printers to create their models, primarily because they appreciate the wide selection of printable materials. In addition to material choice, they also value "the reliability of operation and the ability to produce viable 3D printed models."
3D printed artifact replicas have a wide range of practical applications, including:
◎Demonstrations in classrooms or lectures
◎Student research projects
◎Public relations activities
◎Auxiliary research
Museums can provide tactile materials for the visually impaired to experience (allowing visitors who cannot participate in museum tours to feel history through touch).
By placing 3D prints in museums, visitors can not only view perfect replicas of important historical artifacts but also touch them, gaining a better understanding of their texture and shape. Teaching students artifact identification and analysis is also an important goal of their education.
Bernard tells us that he primarily uses 3D printed models for classroom use, although interns do a lot of the work, especially when mapping models. This has many benefits - most importantly:
◎Increased Reach Through 3D printing, people around the world can access artifacts more quickly and have the opportunity to enhance their understanding of history/archaeology. Even those who are not close to cultural heritage sites can enjoy the benefits of acquiring these items - location is no longer a limiting factor.
◎Shared Media Scanned files can be shared and manipulated across multiple devices, generating new interpretations and insights into archaeological remains.
◎More Detail Researchers and students can examine 3D scanned files in greater detail, from many different perspectives. Artifacts can be easily observed from all angles.
◎Flexibility 3D digital files can be 3D printed and scanned anywhere in the world.
◎Seamless Integration This technology can be easily integrated into traditional archaeological artifacts, reaching newer areas.
"I am also interested in making archaeology, history, and paleontology more accessible through 3D printing, allowing people with limited experiences, such as (for example, the visually impaired or those who need to use home care facilities) to experience them."
Creating 3D Printed Artifacts
Bernard uses portable equipment to create 3D replicas of artifacts, which allows him to scan and print almost anywhere in the country.
He outlines the steps required to create an artifact replica model.
◎3D Scanning The workflow for creating basic artifact replicas begins with 3D scanning. VCL primarily uses 3D scanning for artificial artifacts, rather than "born digital" (i.e., created on a computer) objects. Typically, the team travels to locations to scan archaeological finds, such as human or animal skeletal remains, historical relics, or increasingly, fossils, especially those of Ice Age animals. The most commonly used machine is the NextEngine desktop 3D scanner, which Bernard uses throughout the United States and has even taken to the Cayman Islands. The team also uses a Structure Sensor, connected to an iPad Mini 4. While it does not provide very high resolution, it is highly portable, making it more suitable for international travel.
◎Editing After scanning with the NextEngine, the team uses the 3D scanner's native software (ScanStudio) to edit the model and combine multiple scans into the same model. This process usually requires two scans in total.
If needed, they further refine the digital model in Meshmixer or Meshlab. For example, they may need to remove part of the object to flatten one side so that it can be pasted onto a research poster or display panel.
◎3D Printing Once the artifact has been scanned and edited, it is ready for 3D printing. The team uses PLA and then removes support structures with pliers and a rotary tool.
To create a more realistic appearance, models are often painted with acrylic paints that closely match the color of the original item.
◎Storage The 3D printed artifacts are then stored in boxes by relevant organizations for teaching or public outreach. If a commission is established, they are also sent to museums or other facilities.
Scanning takes approximately one hour (with the NextEngine scanner), editing takes approximately two hours, and 3D printing takes approximately four hours, but the precise time depends on the size and resolution. Below are some scanned cases, showing complexity and texture.
Looking Ahead
Bernard comments on their students' efforts to "preserve and bring the past back to life through collaboration with other staff."
VCL has opened up the back rooms and deep storage areas of its collection - finally allowing the public to enter.
This technology allows his team to scan areas and even combine 3D scans collected at VCL. Even if students cannot directly participate in 3D printing models, they can still access digital files and browse them on the website. It is easier to adapt to students' individual interests, while also making it easier to explore the past.
Bernard hopes to see more universities and experimental laboratories embrace 3D printing technology; using the final models to encourage original research, and even allowing educators to incorporate replicas into their presentations. He also hopes to establish a more collaborative network around the world, where researchers and 3D printing experts not only duplicate but also complement each other's abilities.
What's Next?
3D printing clearly demonstrates the extent to which technology has been implemented in the field of archaeology.
Bernard predicts that artifacts may be increasingly incorporated into virtual reality, allowing students or researchers to appreciate and feel objects in their own environment.
Bernard adds that he also believes 3D printing offers great opportunities for people with limitations, such as the visually impaired. 3D printed models may also be beneficial for homes or care facilities.
3D printing can be used in a variety of different applications, making education and research more accessible to more people.
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