“To talk about the past, if you can tie it to an object, it becomes people, who lived maybe 4,000 years ago, as opposed to just simply very distant information.”

Dr. Wren Stevens Madison Art Collection Director James Madison University

Digital preservation provides a gateway into the past. 3D scanning captures highly accurate, full-color digital twins of ancient artifacts. This revolutionary approach redefines how history is documented, offering researchers new perspectives on studying and understanding past lives.

This Egyptian Sarcophagus Fragment is part of the Madison Art Collection, a repository of over 10,000 artifacts—from sculptures and coins to icons and other artworks. The collection is cared for by James Madison University. Through the organization’s efforts to digitize the collection with 3D scanning technology, visitors can now explore highly detailed 3D models online—some dating back to before the construction of the pyramids. These ancient artifacts are accessible to anyone without the need to view them in person, making them available to a wider audience.

Three Major Areas Where 3D Scanning Supports Heritage Preservation

Education and Research:
New Way to Study the Past

Professional 3D scanners create high-resolution models that reveal more detail than photographs (2D images). 3D models of historical structures, architectural features, and artifacts provide accurate digital representations.

Digital Archive:
Accessibility and Sharing

3D models can be shared with researchers, educators, and the public—broadening access to cultural heritage. These models are a part of virtual museum exhibits, online collections, and educational archives, making heritage sites and artifacts available to a global audience.

Conservation:
Restoration Efforts

3D models capture millions of surface points, allowing architects and conservators to anticipate and plan repairs with precision while preserving structural integrity.

Want to see how 3D scanning is transforming heritage preservation with real-life examples?

Follow this in-depth guide to explore common questions and topics. You can skip ahead to the section that interests you most.

Chapter #1

Why Use 3D Scanning for Heritage Preservation?

Heritage preservation involves the protection, conservation, and maintenance of cultural elements passed down over time—such as historic buildings, monuments, artifacts, clothing, tools, cultural landscapes, and traditional practices. It’s a way to safeguard history and culture, detailing how people lived and the traditions that shaped their lives.

Traditionally, heritage preservation relied heavily on paper archives—such as sketches, drawings, photographs, and written records. 3D scanning is emerging as a powerful tool for documenting artifacts, introducing new possibilities for observing, studying, and analyzing the past like never before.

How do 3D scanners work?

A 3D scanner captures a physical object into a realistic 3D representation on the computer—known as a 3D model or a digital twin. This technology enables the creation of accurate digital records, ensuring our cultural heritage remains accessible and preserved for future generations to study and learn—anytime, anywhere.

1. Acquiring Data from Real-Life Objects

A 3D scanner captures detailed images of an artifact’s surface to measure its dimensions and shape. This data is processed by a 3D scanning software (using advanced algorithms) to create a digital 3D model of the artifact.

2. Capturing the True Representation

A 3D model digitally replicates a real object, preserving its exact form, geometry, surface measurements, and even color. It allows for closer examination and offers deeper insights into the artifact.

3. Digital Library

Regardless of the size of the collection, artifacts are now more accessible than ever thanks to digital storage. Once digitized, there’s no need to handle the physical objects, which may be rare or fragile.

4. 3D Printing

With 3D scanning, artifacts can be easily replicated using 3D printing, allowing people to touch and handle the replicas without disturbing the originals.

Chapter #2

Benefits of Using a High-Accuracy 3D Scanner for Heritage Preservation

Museums, cultural institutions, and university departments are increasingly adopting professional 3D scanners to document and preserve culturally significant landmarks and archaeological sites.

Main Benefits of Using a Professional 3D Scanner

• 

  Accuracy and Completeness

  3D scanners provide highly repeatable measurements of an object’s geometry and surface details. This reliable data that can be used for detailed study, sharing, and analysis.

• 

  Fast, Reliable Documentation

  3D scanners enable fast, accurate capture of artifacts and heritage sites compared to traditional methods. Document detailed records in minimal time.

• 

  Capture Objects in High-Resolution

  Digital 3D models let researchers examine fine details, from fingerprints on handmade artifacts to cut marks on bones. They are often difficult to see with the naked eye.

• 

  Ease of Use: Simple and Intuitive

  Professional 3D scanners like Artec are easy to use—simply point and shoot. Paired with intuitive software, it’s easy to capture 3D models with minimal training.

• 

  Portability

  Certain 3D scanners are designed for remote, on-site use. The handheld, battery-powered, wireless Artec Leo has a touchscreen and built-in processing, so you can capture data without a computer.

• 

  Non-Contact

  Professional scanners can capture objects without physical contact, eliminating the risk of damage to fragile or irreplaceable artifacts during the documentation process.

• 

  True Color Likeness

  3D scanning preserves the shape of cultural artifacts along with true-to-life colors and textures, providing a more authentic digital record for research, education, and heritage preservation.

• 

  Flexibility and Versatility

  You can digitize artifacts of various sizes, ranging from small objects to large monuments. Some 3D scanners are adaptable for scanning objects in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Chapter #3

What Objects Can a Professional 3D Scanner Scan? Types, Sizes, and Examples

Professional 3D scanners capture digital 3D models that accurately preserve an artifact’s form and texture at sub-millimeter precision. They can scan everything from small artifacts to entire buildings and environments. Some also capture challenging surfaces such as fabric, hair, shiny materials, and dark objects.

It’s important to note that different scanners are optimized for different object sizes and applications. The following examples highlight what 3D scanning can achieve.

Extra-Small Object Example – Coin

How fast can a 3D scanner digitize a physical object?

Scanning time: 2 minutes
Processing time: 8 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Scanned with Artec Space Spider 3D scanner

Small Object Example – Flask

Medium Object Example – Armor

Large Objects – Buildings

Large-Scale Historical Structures – Ancient Assyrian Reliefs

The Assyrian reliefs and sculptures have been part of the British Museum’s collection for 160 years. However, traditional photographs and videos have limitations in conveying the actual scale and detail of the narrative scenes. To address this issue, the museum partnered with CyArk to create detailed 3D scans of the reliefs.

CyArk is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using emerging technologies, like 3D scanning, to build a 3D digital archive of cultural heritage sites at risk of being lost to natural disasters, human conflict, or the effects of time. They digitally document more than 200 square meters of ancient Assyrian reliefs, a massive undertaking to preserve history under the museum’s care.

Why is it important to digitally preserve physical history?

In 612 BCE, Nineveh—the capital of the Assyrian Empire—fell to the Babylonians. As in many conquests, the faces of kings and monuments were deliberately defaced to erase them from history. This pattern of destruction, repeated across centuries and still occurring today, underscores the need to safeguard material heritage. Digital preservation protects history from physical destruction by natural decay, conflict, and attempts to erase cultural memory. (Source: CyArk website: Assyrian Collection of the British Museum)

These 3D models illustrate how 3D scanning can capture artifacts from tiny, intricate pieces to massive, monumental works, ensuring cultural heritage is accurately documented, protected, and remains accessible over time.

Chapter #4

3D Scanning and Printing: A New Way to Study History

It is in our human nature to enjoy the tactile experience of touching and feeling objects. With 3D scanning, once an artifact has been digitized, this data can be used to create highly accurate 3D printed replicas using a 3D printer that resembles close to the original.

In most cases, artifacts are too rare and fragile to handle regularly without risking damage. 3D printing preserves the originals while producing detailed replicas that a wider audience can touch and handle. By combining 3D scanning and 3D printing, institutions can:

• Support hands-on learning
• Enhance the experience of museum and exhibit visitors with 3D printed models of artifacts

How 3D Printing Works

This video demonstrates the process of taking an original artifact through the scan to print.

Using 3D Printing in an Innovative Way

The synergy between 3D scanning and 3D printing provides a fresh perspective on studying the past that cannot be accomplished in any other way. A notable example of this is Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation (JRF), an organization dedicated to the preservation, education, and archaeological investigation of the first permanent English settlement in America more than 400 years ago.

Over the years, the organization has recovered European pottery alongside Virginia Indian ceramics. The archeology team was able to recover one-sixth of the pot in the form of fragments, with the texture of a negative impression of a Virginia Indian thrush basket on the ceramic pot. The vessel was made by pressing clay against the interior of a woven basket made by Native Indians, leaving the basket’s impression on the pot.

The artifacts provided historical evidence of how English settlers integrated aspects of Virginia Indian culture, adapting indigenous objects and technologies for their own use.

To enhance the visualization of this particular artifact further, the 3D technology team recreated the basket from the negative impressions left by the pot by 3D printing the positive impression. The exhibition provided the opportunity for the public to see what an actual Virginia Indian basket would have looked like for the first time.

“Through this [imaging and printing] process here, we’re going to end up creating a positive of the only Virginia Indian basket that’s ever been seen.”

David Givens Senior Staff Archaeologist Jamestown Rediscovery

Chapter #5

Facilitating Sharing and Collaboration: Digital Libraries and Virtual Exhibits

Digitizing artifacts and making them accessible online empowers researchers, educators, and students to explore, examine, and interact with them, broadening access to rare objects. This digital access not only enables scholars and institutions to collaborate, share discoveries, and conduct comparative studies, but also engages the public with cultural heritage. Below are a few examples of digital libraries and virtual exhibits you can explore online.

MorphoSource – 3D Data Repository

MorphoSource serves the academic community as an online repository for 3D and 2D digital models of biological specimens, paleontological finds, and cultural heritage objects. Users can access over 100,000 models—including CT scans, photogrammetry datasets, and 3D meshes—directly in a web browser, with detailed metadata to support discovery and research.

Sketchfab – Online Platform for Publishing, Sharing, and Discovering 3D Content

Sketchfab, the world’s largest online platform for publishing and exploring 3D, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) content, offers a dedicated section for Cultural Heritage. This platform allows museums, cultural institutions, and researchers to share high-quality 3D models of artifacts and historical sites, making cultural heritage accessible to audiences worldwide.

Tapestry – Web-Based Storytelling Platform

If you are looking for an immersive experience, Tapestry brings historic places to life through immersive 3D storytelling available online. Tapestry makes cultural heritage accessible by offering virtual experiences that allow anyone to visit historical sites and discover their stories. The organization has created 100+ experiences with 2.5 million virtual visitors coming to learn about cultural heritage sites from around the world.

Using advanced 3D technologies like LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry, CyArk builds high-resolution 3D models that form the foundation of each story. These digital reconstructions go beyond visual detail—they’re enriched with narration, ambient sound, archival imagery, and personal stories from people connected to the site. The result is an interactive tour that lets you explore different cultural experiences from every angle, whether on your desktop or phone, in a way that feels deeply engaging.

What’s truly impressive is that you can go through an immersive experience of historical sites anywhere in the world, from the Forgotten Ship of the USS Utah Memorial at Pearl Harbor to the Tombs of Sudan’s ancient rulers.

To go one step further, CyArk uses VR to create immersive experiences that allow people to explore heritage sites as if they were there. Virtual reality (VR) places users inside a site rather than simply showing it on a screen. Users perceive scale, depth, and spatial relationships that photos or videos often lose, making monuments and landscapes feel more lifelike. VR surrounds the viewer with 360° visuals and sound and often enables interactive exploration, creating the sensation of being there. This deeper engagement makes the experience more memorable and builds a stronger emotional connection to the site and its history.

Chapter #6

Restoration and Conservation

Many precious artifacts and historical buildings that tell our story are at risk of damage or loss over time. To protect them for future generations and to preserve an accurate record of the past, 3D scanning creates lasting digital versions of these physical objects.

Conservation Efforts

The war in Ukraine has destroyed countless historical sites and artifacts, many of which are irreplaceable cultural treasures. To protect what remains, Skeiron has dedicated its work to safeguarding Ukraine’s rich heritage by 3D scanning as much of its physical history as possible and making it digitally accessible to the world. These digital archives will also enable museums to create accurate replicas in the future, ensuring that even when tangible history is lost, cultural identity can still be preserved through digitization.

Following the launch of #SaveUkrainianHeritage campaign to protect endangered architectural monuments, Skeiron—supported by Artec 3D—introduced Museum in 3D. Now featured on Google Arts & Culture, the project features over 200 museum artifacts captured with the Artec Leo, all of which can be explored online.

Repairing Artifacts and Historical Sites

As a proactive step to safeguard cultural heritage, conservators can build a comprehensive digital library of 3D models of artifacts and heritage sites. These models capture their current condition, record architectural details, and assess structural integrity. Documentation makes it easier to monitor changes over time and identify areas needing repair or restoration in the future. With accurate 3D data, conservators can plan restoration work with precision while preserving the authenticity of the original structure.

Conclusion

“Why is it important to preserve cultural heritage? Because culture defines who we are in principle. Culture is what makes us unique. It’s material culture, living culture, languages, writing—is what we are. Only by preserving this culture would we preserve ourselves and our identity.”

Iryna Lutsyk PhD, Junior Researcher of the Archaeology Department of the I. Krypaikevych Institute of Ukrainian Studies Quote taken from video, Digitizing Ukrainian heritage with Artec 3D

We hope this article provides a clearer understanding of the significant role 3D scanners play in preserving cultural heritage. By capturing precise, high-resolution digital replicas of artifacts, structures, and historical sites, 3D scanning allows researchers, educators, and the public to study and experience these treasures without risking damage to the originals. The true value lies in its ability to objectively document history and share accurate records with the world, making cultural heritage more accessible, engaging, and protected for future generations.

Got Questions?

Do you still have questions about how 3D scanning can transform your heritage preservation efforts? Please feel free to contact us with your questions.

As a Specialist

The post Digitizing the Past: How 3D Scanning Adds A New Dimension to Heritage Preservation appeared first on GoMeasure3D.

“QUICKSURFACE for SOLIDWORKS® significantly improves our design and product development workflow, particularly in terms of accuracy and efficiency. Thanks to this Scan to CAD solution, we now have more time to focus on our core designs and create the best high-performance automotive racing products for our valued customers.”

Richard Schonberger Co-owner and CEO Philadelphia Racing Products

Expanding the Business

Philadelphia Racing Products (PRP) has been in business for more than 30 years. Growing a company year over year, as well as producing all of its products in-house in the USA, is no small feat. PRP continues to expand its operations by designing and manufacturing more high-performance automotive racing parts, along with a thriving custom work division. In response to the increasing demand for custom projects, Richard Schonberger, Co-owner and CEO of PRP, recognized the necessity for improving the efficiency of the company’s product design workflow.

Schonberger explained, “For our reverse engineering projects, our engineering team used to take part measurements by hand with tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and gauge blocks. Then, they verified the measurements by printing out paper templates. This method was both a time-consuming and tedious process. To keep up with the growing demands from our customers, we need to find a better solution.”

PRP’s product design work is split between reverse engineering existing parts and designing products from mating parts, such as a valve cover, where achieving a precise fit is essential.

Some of the challenges PRP’s team faced with the conventional method include:

• Difficulty in accurately measuring moderate to extremely complicated parts.
• Accurately assessing clearances.
• Ensuring proper fitment and mating of assemblies and other components.

“Nowadays, whenever the subject of reverse engineering or design is brought up, you’re more than likely to talk about 3D scanning as well,” said Schonberger. “Exploring the Scan to CAD approach for product design and development seemed like a promising route for our business to scale.”

Scan to CAD For Better and Faster Product Design

Scan to CAD involves using mesh data from a 3D scanner, then importing the information into reverse engineering software or a plugin to guide the creation of a professional CAD model.

The ‘Scan to CAD’ approach to product design starts with a high-quality 3D scanner swiftly capturing millions of surface measurements from a physical object. The resulting 3D mesh is then imported into a 3D reverse engineering software, or a design software like SOLIDWORKS® with the help of a dedicated Scan to CAD solution. This 3D mesh serves as a reference for extracting and creating primitives, planes, or cylinders for designing the new part. The result is a comprehensive 3D CAD model suitable for any production needs.

“Our engineering team consists of Chase Evans, our Lead Engineer, and Guy Porter, our Design Engineer, who are both experienced users of SOLIDWORKS®. We were looking for a reverse engineering software that would act as the bridge between our 3D scanner and our preferred CAD software,” said Schonberger.

After reaching out to 3D scanning technology supplier GoMeasure3D about their needs, the PRP team got a demonstration of QUICKSURFACE for SOLIDWORKS® (previously called Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS®), developed by KVS. As QUICKSURFACE’s authorized reseller in the United States, GoMeasure3D offered the PRP team insights into how this Scan to CAD solution could benefit its product design and development workflow. From that moment on, everything fell into place. Since then, the PRP team has been using QUICKSURFACE for SOLIDWORKS® regularly for over a year.

“QUICKSURFACE has been instrumental in helping our team overcome many challenges,” said Chase. “Previously, we had to first model the existing component before we could even create the mating part, which ultimately is the product we want to design and manufacture.”

With QUICKSURFACE, the engineering team can directly design a mating part without the need for a roundabout approach, which results in huge time savings.

“Now, for instance, when we design a custom valve cover for a head, all we have to do is capture the surface measurements of the head with a 3D scanner to obtain measurements such as the bolt-hole locations, valve train geometry, and rail locations,” said Chase. By referencing the 3D mesh of the physical component, we can dedicate all our time to designing the custom valve cover and significantly simplify the process.”

Client Project Highlight

The PRP team used QUICKSURFACE for SOLIDWORKS to design a custom engine valve cover for a Chevrolet ‘Big Block’ motor in a hydroplane racing boat.

“We’re also designing better products using this new approach because we can fully trust the reference measurements captured by our 3D scanner for designing our parts, compared to the hand tools we used previously,” Schonberger explained. “Using the 3D mesh data to determine clearances and ensure the proper fit of mating parts becomes significantly easier and faster. As an extra advantage, the parts our team is designing are extremely accurate.”

Billet LS Timing Cover

Scan to CAD Makes the Verification Process Much Easier

Another advantage of using QUICKSURFACE is that it makes the verification process significantly easier. This process ensures the proper fit and functionality of the designed part. By using precise 3D scanned data in combination with the QUICKSURFACE tools for the reverse engineering process, the PRP team can now accomplish 90% of the verification process digitally, right there in the model instead of constantly having to go back and check the mating parts. The PRP team is now more confident going into the physical prototyping stage that all fitment and clearances have been accurately accounted for.

Billet LS Flexplate

Customer Responsiveness

Chase conveyed his highest compliments for the responsiveness of the QUICKSURFACE developers. He said they highly value user feedback, taking the end user’s considerations seriously.

“The ability to interface closely with the product development team at QUICKSURFACE is great,” said Chase. I once gave my feedback on a new feature I thought would be useful. The following week I downloaded an updated version of the software and it was right there!”

Drawing from his experience with other software companies, Chase emphasized that he doesn’t encounter the same level of customer attentiveness as he does with KVS. He is very happy that QUICKSURFACE developers use his suggestions to improve the software.

The PRP Team’s Favorite QUICKSURFACE for SOLIDWORKS® Features

These QUICKSURFACE for SOLIDWORKS® features significantly enhance PRP’s reverse engineering projects:

• The fitting algorithms are remarkably accurate.
• Ability to easily extract primitives, planes, or cylinders.
• Decimating 3D mesh data with a large file size makes reverse engineering much more manageable and efficient.
• Visualization of the percentage of the points that are within the tolerance from the reference mesh within the Deviation Analyzer tool.
• Ability to align mesh by reference.
• The ease of taking multiple cross sections, and the ability to utilize the ‘Fit Sketch Entities’ tool to extract SOLIDWORKS® sketch entities to the cross sections.
• Ability to pull 3D meshes into an assembly and reverse engineer them.

“Heading the design of new products, I believe that simplicity, precision, and innovation are at the core of design and development. QUICKSURFACE’s utility provides sustainable accuracy in our designs and has a dramatic impact on the efficiency of our workflow.”

Guy Porter Design Engineer Philadelphia Racing Products

The PRP team finds QUICKSURFACE for SOLIDWORKS® to be of great value.

“We get a lot of functionality for the price. Our team particularly appreciates the simplicity of QUICKSURFACE–it gets the job done without the complexity,” said Chase. The learning curve is great and it’s easy to use. It’s a very impressive reverse engineering solution that fits our company’s needs.”

Big Block Chevy (BBC) Stud Girdles

It’s fantastic that we achieved our goals by using QUICKSURFACE for SOLIDWORKS®,” Schonberger remarked. “We’ve successfully transformed our product design process through 3D digitization, allowing us to streamline our workflow instead of relying on conventional manual methods as we did before. We’re excited to further expand our operations with this overhaul of our reverse engineering design workflow. Now, we can handle more projects, serve new clients, and tackle extremely complex design tasks.”

For individuals seeking a standalone Scan to CAD solution, KVS also developed QUICKSURFACE which performs similarly to QUICKSURFACE for SOLIDWORKS plugin. The company also has another plugin called Mesh2Surface for Rhino.

* SOLIDWORKS® is a trademark of Dassault Systèmes. Rhinoceros is a registered trademark of Robert McNeel & Associates. QUICKSURFACE and Mesh2Surface are independent products developed by KVS Ltd.

* Mesh2Surface for SOLIDWORKS is now called QUICKSURFACE for SOLIDWORKS.

The post 3D Scanning to CAD: How Philadelphia Racing Products Overhauls the Product Design Process with QuickSurface for SOLIDWORKS® appeared first on GoMeasure3D.

Jamie Lester, founder of Vandalia Bronze, is masterful in bringing bronze monuments to life. From his larger than life size bronze statue of NBA legend Jerry West to the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance to commemorate the firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11, his passion for creating portraitures and figurative sculptures spans more than 20 years.

Jamie first models his original sculptures in clay before sending them off to the fine arts foundry to have his pieces cast in bronze. Being that his artwork is in the form of 3D, it is very fitting that 3D scanning would be an amazing tool to enhance his craft.

“For the longest time, I wanted to focus on the digital aspect of sculpting by using ZBrush as part of my creative process. It wasn’t until I was exposed to 3D scanning that it motivated and inspired me to pursue it even further,” Jamie explains.

Jamie first came in contact with 3D scanning when Vandalia Bronze outsourced the service for a specific project. Seeing the benefits and potential that the technology could offer, he decided to bring 3D scanning in-house. He first purchased the Artec Eva 3D scanner and then the Space Spider from GoMeasure3D to improve his design process.

Working from Clay to Bronze

Jamie begins the process of making a bronze sculpture by taking inspirations from photographs and by sketching conceptualized drawings. From there, he creates a miniature clay model, called a maquette, to work out the design issues in three-dimensional space on a small scale and to refine his design. With a clear vision of what the final sculpture would look like, he presents the maquette to his clients for approval.

Once the design has been approved, Jamie and his team creates the actual size version of the sculpture in clay.

Jamie’s team starts by welding steel in the exact shape of the model called the armature. It serves as the strong foundation that would hold up hundreds of pounds of wet clay which Jamie would use for sculpting.

“Before, we used to make the steel skeleton frame just by eyeballing the angles and measurements. Now, we take out the guesswork by using the Artec 3D scanner to scan the maquette into a 3D digital model. We get all the measurements we need to create the full physical 3D skeleton. We can now create the steel frame faster and with better accuracy.”

With the steel frame in place, Jamie then meticulously sculpts the life size clay sculpture by hand.

When the final statue is complete, he scans the model with the Artec 3D scanner once again to transform it from a physical model into a 3D digital one.

“My sculptures are about 8 feet high. The Artec Eva and Space Spider are both very good at scanning large objects. They use geometry to register scans together rather than using photogrammetry. I don’t particularly like using photogrammetry stickers because I would need to buy them regularly–which can get quite expensive–and they mark up the surface.”

A 3D scanner outputs the stl file which is then electronically sent to the foundry for bronze casting. “If I need to make modifications to my clay sculptures, previously I would have to start from scratch because I use clay. Since purchasing the scanners, I scan my sculptures digitally into 3D. I can then simply modify and do touch ups to my artwork in ZBrush before I send my final files to the foundry.”

The foundry uses the stl file to 3D print the detailed parts of the sculpture in plastic (PLA), and CNC mill foam the larger areas to recreate the sculpture back into physical form for molding. The lost wax process is used to create the final bronze sculpture.

Previously, Jamie and his team would have to create a negative rubber mold of the life size clay sculpture at the studio. Rubber is applied to the statue’s surface to create the mold. The sealant ruins the clay and prevents Jamie from reusing it again for another project. Once the rubber is cured, plaster and burlap is applied on top to create the mother mold, which will eventually be shipped to the foundry for bronze casting.

“3D scanning saves us about $2,000 in labor cost
per project by eliminating the need
to create the mold in-house.

There’s no shipping cost involved and it saves us time. It’s cheaper and more convenient for us to pay the foundry to do it than doing it ourselves.”

Jamie Lester Bronze Sculptor Vandalia Bronze

“I use water clay as my medium of choice for hand sculpting. After scanning my sculptures, I can now reuse the clay after the project is complete. It’s not destroyed by the rubber sealant during the molding process if we had done it in-house.”

“My sculptures would eventually dry up and crack. Before, I would have no records of the handmade sculptures I put countless hours into creating. Now, I can digitally archive my work electronically on the computer using the Artec 3D scanner.”

Unlocking new potentials to 3D scanning

Jamie believes he only scratched the surface of what he can do with 3D scanning. Jamie is eager to experiment using this technology in other aspects of the project that gives his company a competitive edge.

Eventually in the early stages of his projects, he would like to scan his maquettes with the Artec 3D scanner and 3D render the outdoor environment where the bronze statues would finally be situated. He can then upload it to Sketchfab for sharing.

“Using photographs (2D images) to explain my proposed monuments just don’t justify how it will look in the end. My sculptures are 3D. It just seems like a logical progression to show the reviewing committee and my clients my idea in 3D since it’s more intuitive and it’s easier to understand.”

Taking it even a step further, Jamie would like to use virtual reality so people can interact with his digital sculptures from any angle in the simulated environment. This way, they have a better vision of the art piece at the outset of the project.

“3D scanner is a flexible tool that helps me view the world in a whole new way,” says Jamie. “It unleashes new creativity into the work that I’ve been doing the same way for a very long time. I’m extremely excited to integrate 3D scanning more and more into my work.”

The post Integrating 3D Scanning to the Art of Bronze Sculpting appeared first on GoMeasure3D.

Point2CAD is Discontinued

For similar products please visit Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS

Weistec Engineering is a the leader in research, development, and design of fast and reliable parts and accessories for Mercedes AMG. Based in Santa Ana, California, the company keeps nearly every aspect of conceptual 3D design and development, manufacturing process, and road and tracking in-house to insure the highest quality. The staff is relentlessly attentive to detail to deliver the best for their clients.

For Weistec Engineering, creating high performance quality product is a must.

Challenges of Conventional Method

Michael Weiss, the owner of Weistec Engineering, previously used 3D modeler software to create basic sketches and then transfer them over to SOLIDWORKS to finish the process of reverse engineering car parts.

“3D modeler software did not allow me to set an origin and [it] did not have proper tools and functions that SOLIDWORKS has,” said Weiss.

SOLIDWORKS has become one of the preferred software for creating parametric CAD models for manufacturing. For this reason, many designers and engineers would prefer to work in SOLIDWORKS.

If the sketches would not import properly, Weiss had to spend hours and hours to do a clean-up job. Weiss was frustrated with this process because of these limitations and the need convert the sketches over to SOLIDWORKS with the proper normal vector. Weiss had to deal with many tedious processes (clean-up jobs).

Weiss was looking for a better way to do reverse engineering that would provide him with the accuracy and consistency he was looking for.

SCAN-to-CAD: Reverse Engineering Directly into SOLIDWORKS

In 2012, Weiss Engineering implemented a new Scan-to-CAD process for reverse engineering. Weiss was able to reverse engineer projects much more efficiently using the MicroScribe portable CMM together with Point2CAD software.

This method enables Weiss to collect 3D measurements directly from the physical part and use them as a reference instantaneously in SOLIDWORKS to create the CAD model.

How It Works:

Point2CAD add-in for SOLIDWORKS provides the convenience of capturing instant live data in 3D using the MicroScribe’s touch probe.

As you collect surface measurements using the MicroScribe, the 3D coordinates are immediately collected into the SOLIDWORKS. You build each feature of the part as you go until you completely finish building the complete CAD model.

Point2CAD uses a Command Plate for a convenient mouse-free, keyboard-free operation. Touch the Command Plate icon with the MicroScribe and Point2CAD will cue the function in the software. This interface cuts the typical reverse engineering process in half, allowing for quick, reliable, and accurate reverse engineering of existing parts to CAD models.

You can easily create parametric solid models inside SOLIDWORKS with Point2CAD by probing geometries such as lines, arcs, slots, and splines. You can even check and receive guidance on your work for tolerances by checking the part’s deviation live in SOLIDWORKS.

With Point2CAD, Weiss is no longer concerned with these clean-up jobs. Since Point2CAD is an add-in for SOLIDWORKS, transferring sketches across software is eliminated. It also enables Weiss to deny origins and proper coordinate systems for his sketches.

“The nice thing about Point2CAD is I can utilize all the tools in SOLIDWORKS while I get basic sketches using the [MicroScribe] arm.

Normally, I would rapid prototype a part that has been reverse engineered to test since casting is expensive and time-consuming. But now, I trust my CAD data more than ever. I skip the rapid-prototyping process”

Michael WeissOwner of Weiss Engineering  

Time Saver for Reverse Engineering Projects

Weiss worked on two projects where implementing this new process greatly saved time. The first project involved a Super Charger Inlet Tube. Using Point2CAD, he was able to grab splines, bolt patterns, and planes to get a perfect outline of the tube. Later, he finished by lofting and connecting these features together.

“It took about 30 min to reverse engineer this [Super Charger Inlet Tube] whereas using 3D modeler software would have taken much longer,” said Weiss.

On another project, Weistec was involved in the initial development phase of Mercedes SLS. Weiss could borrow the car for only two days to complete the work. Because of this time limitation, the team had to quickly reverse engineer the car component and rapid-prototype it for test fitting.

The team finished this project on schedule. “I could not have done this without Point2CAD,” said Weiss.

Economical Reverse Engineering Solution

Weistec Engineering was able to save time and money as a result of this new reverse engineering process.

“I do not have a $100,000 arm or $30,000 reverse engineering software like other companies, but I get my job done accurately under $20,000 using Point2CAD and MicroScribe,” Weiss explained.

In addition to MicroScribe, Point2CAD also supports measuring arms with ball or point probe including:

• MicroScribe MX/MLX/G2/G2L/3D/3DL arms
• Kreon Ace / Baces3D arms
• Romer Absolute and Infinite arms
• Faro Platinum and Edge arms with USB connection

For more information on how Point2CAD can help you with your reverse engineering process, please download the product brochure.

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Reference:

Super Charge Your Reverse Engineering with Point2CAD, 3D Infotech. 

GoMeasure3D is an authorized distributor of Point2CAD add-in for SOLIDWORKS and MicroScribe portable CMM.

The post Case Study: Reverse Engineering Car Parts from Scan to CAD appeared first on GoMeasure3D.

As a biological anthropologist, Claire Terhune spends a majority of her time studying the skulls of living primates, modern humans, and human ancestors.

Working with a team of undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Arkansas, her lab is dedicated to understanding how modern humans evolved from other primates, and investigating how early humans migrated out of Africa and dispersed into Asia and Europe.

Skull Holds the Key to Understanding Our Past

The skull’s shape, size, and characteristics contain a wealth of knowledge about a specimen’s genetics, environment, evolutionary changes, dietary preference, and how it once lived. For instance, by comparing the chewing apparatus and dentition of the modern human skull to our fossil ancestors, Terhune discovers how diet and feeding behaviors have evolved over the past ~7 million years.

Isolating specific characteristics and features of various skulls for comparative analysis can be a difficult endeavor. The skull is a complex three-dimensional (3D) biological structure. While calipers are good at taking simple measurements such as length or width, collecting large amounts of data using this measurement device can be time consuming. They are limited in the types of measurements that can be collected and analyses that can be performed.

Using 3D Scanning as an Advanced Quantitative Technique

“Biological anthropologists are rapidly embracing the use of 3D technologies in their research,” Terhune says. “Advanced quantitative techniques such as 3D scanning help us capture complex shape variations and they form a major component of the work being undertaken in our lab.”

Terhune has been using the MicroScribe 3D digitizer for more than 10 years, particularly for landmark studies using 3D geometric morphometric techniques.¹ When she joined the University of Arkansas in 2014, she purchased the MicroScribe portable CMM from GoMeasure3D as an addition for the lab.

“My research takes me to different places all over the world,” Terhune explains. “The MicroScribe 3D digitizer is a portable solution I can easily take with me on my travels. I can quickly set it up at the museum I’m visiting and capture the X,Y, Z landmarks (3D geometric morphometric data) I need just by touching the skull with the articulating arm.”

With the data collected, she compares these coordinates across different specimens to see how they relate to or differ from one another. Terhune has published a series of research papers using MicroScribe data that formed the basis of her research findings.

Adding a Structured-Light 3D Scanner for the Lab

Terhune was looking to add a structured-light 3D scanner for her lab and asked GoMeasure3D for assistance in finding suitable equipment that would meet her needs. The primary purpose was to find a 3D scanner that would digitize a wide variety of skulls and fossils in their entirety and with high levels of accuracy.

Typically researchers in her team have a limited amount of time with the specimen they are examining, whether they are in a remote location or visiting a museum. With the use of a 3D scanner, they can capture a full digital 3D model of the specimen containing all of the surface measurements. This allows them to ensure nothing was missed during the data collection process, and her team can then reference the digital file for measurements or further analysis at any time.

“If we have a fossil that is crushed, we can use the HDI 3D scanner to recreate it in 3D by scanning the fragments.

Technology enables us to piece prehistory back together and gives us the opportunity to learn more about our past.”

Claire Terhune Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology University of Arkansas

“Claire was looking for a 3D scanner with great accuracy, high resolution, and portability,” Darryl Motley of GoMeasure3D explains. “Her colleagues were using 3D scanners costing upwards of $50,000-60,000 and she was looking for a more affordable solution. Systems costing a few thousand dollars didn’t give her the quality she was looking for. We found the HDI 3D scanner was the best solution for her in terms of the quality it provides while spending a fraction of the cost of a very high-end 3D scanner.”

Since acquiring the HDI 3D scanner, Terhune has been using it for landmark studies, documentation, and fossil reconstruction. GoMeasure3D also recommended getting a motorized turntable with the HDI 3D scanner to automate the 3D scanning process. “The turntable is a real time saver for us as it eliminates most of the manual work of stitching individual scans together in the software”, Terhune explains. “We can focus more time analyzing the data rather than collecting it.”

Romania Research Trip

Terhune took the HDI 3D scanner with her on a recent research trip to Romania. She and several colleagues² went to Bucharest, Romania, to catalog, analyze, and digitize fossils from Grănceanu, Romania, a paleontological site between 1.5 to 2 million years old. They examined these fossils in detail to find evidence that may explain how our human ancestors first migrated out from Africa and eventually dispersed throughout Europe.

They plan to publish their preliminary findings using the data acquired from the HDI 3D scanner later this year. The National Science Foundation (NSF) also awarded the team a $30,000 grant to conduct fossil surveys in Olteţ River Valley of Romania in the summer of 2017. Terhune’s colleague has a HDI 3D scanner as well and they will be using both scanners to maximize their scanning workflow.

“We can’t simply rely on using only one measurement for our research,” Terhune explains. “That’s why we have a range of measurement tools in our lab from calipers, a MicroScribe 3D digitizer, to the HDI 3D scanner. I like using multiple measurement techniques depending on what I need. For example, there’s no point in 3D scanning a complete skull if you just need one quick measurement, but if we want to capture the overall shape and geometry of a complex object, 3D scanning is the way to go. To make sure we have maximum flexibility, we need a data collection ‘toolbox’ with a comprehensive set of measurement tools so we can use the right tool that’s up for the task.”

Next Steps

Terhune and her colleagues³ recently received a $219,000 grant from the NSF to study skull and jaw anatomy of 16 closely related primate species, including humans. They will examine how the teeth, jaw and related joints work together as a chewing system and how they are affected by aging and abnormal changes. Part of the research involves traveling to different museums to scan skulls using the HDI 3D scanner to collect data for statistical analysis. When their research is concluded, these models will be made available on data sharing websites such as MorphoSource.

“Once we’ve collected all of the data, we will make it available to other researchers”, Terhune says. “Specifically, we want to make it easier for junior researchers or those without the ability to travel to museum collections to access and use these data in their research, and decrease the wear and tear on museum collections. Most importantly, through collaboration and building on each other’s research, we can advance anthropological research in our field by discovering more about our shared evolutionary path.”

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About Claire Terhune

Claire Terhune is an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Arkansas. As a biological anthropologist, her research focuses on evaluating human and primate variation in an evolutionary and biomechanical framework. She is especially interested in understanding what makes humans unique. For more information, please visit the Terhune Lab.

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References:

1. Geometric morphometrics is the comparative study of complex biological structures by referencing a set of common anatomical landmark points (3D coordinates) across different specimens.
2. Sabrina Curran (Ohio University), Chris Robinson (Bronx Community College, City University of New York), and Marius Robu and Alex Petculescu, both with the “Emil Racoviţă” Institute of Speleology
3. Siobhan Cooke (Johns Hopkins School of Medicine) and Claire Kirchhoff (Marquette University)

The post Advancing Anthropological Research with 3D Scanning appeared first on GoMeasure3D.

For this reason, researchers at the University of Otago (New Zealand) in partnership with the University of Naples (Italy) wanted to use 3D scanning–more commonly known in the medical field as 3D imaging–to investigate the differences in facial features of Māori and New Zealand (NZ) European adults.¹

Purpose of the Study

Māori people are indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Māori patients are often inappropriately treated using Caucasian norms, despite obvious differences in facial morphology. By examining and comparing the physical similarities and differences of facial anatomical landmarks (digital 3D coordinates) between these two groups, researchers can use data to determine if there are statistical differences. The result will help improve the orthodontic and surgical treatment planning of Māori patients.

Scanning Faces into Digital 3D Models for Analysis

30 Māori and 30 New Zealand Europeans closely matched in gender and age participated in the study. For each participant, 12 facial scans were captured using the HDI Advance 3D scanner at different angles. The scans were later merged together to form a complete digital 3D model.

19 facial measurements act as variables for comparison between the two groups, commonly used for cephalometric analysis, which examines the dental and skeletal relationships of the skull used by dentists, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons as a treatment planning tool.²

Study Results

Researchers conducted statistical analysis to the scanned data collected from the HDI Advance 3D scanner. They found that there were facial feature differences between the Māori and New Zealand European participants.

In the study, the researchers reconstructed the ‘average’ Māori and New Zealand European faces by merging the entire pool of 3D faces in each group. The results demonstrated several of these distinctive facial features between the two groups.

Māori participants had larger facial measurements compared with New Zealand Europeans. Māori have unique facial features that show resemblance to historical Polynesian skulls. These distinctive features may reflect important differences in environmental and genetic influences between the two populations.

From the study, it demonstrated that the use of Caucasian norms in Māori individuals may have an impact on the medical treatment they receive due to the differences in facial structures. 3D scanning can assist clinicians in further assessing facial dysmorphology of different ethnic groups for more customized treatment of patients.

To learn more about the study, please read the full report.

Why are 3D scanners good for medical applications?

As shown in the study, one of the main advantages of using 3D scanning for medical applications is the procedure is non-invasive. Conventional methods of collecting data from patients may require the use of radiation.

Other benefits to using 3D scanning for medical applications include:

Analyze Patient Data in More Detail

3D scanning also provides the ability to assess and analyze patient data with more complexity. You can assess multiple planes simultaneously and superimpose data to get a better understanding of the similarities and differences between patients.

Quickly Capture 3D Measurements

There are 3D scanners that can capture a single scan in as little as a fraction of a second. It minimizes the need for long test time in order to collect data from patients. Structured-light 3D scanners using white light or blue light are eye safe for face scanning.

Empower Medical Practitioners to Analyze Data More Quickly

Due to the speed with which 3D scanners can capture 3D measurements quickly and with the data showing up almost instantaneously, medical practitioners can analyze the data faster so there are no delays in patient treatment.

Scan Patients without Contact

There are cases when contact with the patient’s body is not possible (i.e. burn victims, fragile injuries). Medical practitioners can use non-contact 3D scanners to capture measurements of face and body parts without any contact with the patient.

Consistent Results Every Time

3D scanners can generate repeatable results even when different operators use the equipment.

Easy to Operate with Basic Training

With basic training, medical practitioners can learn to use a 3D scanner relatively quickly for daily use.

Do you have any questions related to how 3D scanning can be helpful in medical applications? Please feel free to comment.

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References:

1. This blog post is based on the research study, A three-dimensional evaluation of Māori and New Zealand European faces, September 2014. Photos in this blog post are from the research report.
2. Cephalometric analysis, Wikipedia

The post How 3D Scanning Helps in Patient Treatment appeared first on GoMeasure3D.

Perplexus is a 3D puzzle designed by Michael McGinnis that challenges players to navigate a ball through a labyrinth contained in a clear plastic sphere, using gravity and their own steady hands. Ever since he was a high school student, McGinnis had been making 3D mazes made from wood he built by hand. McGinnis teaches sculpture and design at a local junior college and spends his free time in his shop, designing and building. His dream was to turn his maze creation into a toy for mass-production. 

Challenges with Product Design and Development

The first prototype and iterations of his design for Perplexus Original was built from styrene plastic sheets until it was time to send the final version to manufacturing. The manufacturer would then hire a CAD expert to work with Michael during the modeling process. After several attempts and close calls, Perplexus successfully found worldwide distribution in 2002, nearly 25 years after he built his first 3D maze.

Even after his success, modeling continued to be a tedious and time-consuming process. McGinnis knew there had to be a better way. He was spending hundreds of hours on his designs. There are CAD packages in the market, but knew he couldn’t learn to use them due to the complexity of the software. He wanted more control in the 3D modeling process and didn’t want to depend on others to model his very intricate hand-built designs.

Finding an Easy Way to Streamline the 3D Modeling Process

McGinnis found out about SpaceClaim CAD modeling software from his student. “As soon as I saw SpaceClaim, I knew this was what I was looking for,” he says. 

“I had no CAD experience up until SpaceClaim. It [the software] was just intuitive—I found that I could figure out how to build things. An obvious feature of SpaceClaim I love is the simplicity of the tools.”

Michael McGinnis Perplexus Inventor

The toy inventor taught himself how to use the software, and built the entire concept design from scratch. SpaceClaim became Michael’s go-to 3D modeling software. He replaced his physical design process with 3D modeling and saved many hours in every iteration of a design. Michael took his designs to the next level by using SpaceClaim from concept modeling, prototyping, to preparation for manufacturing.

Becoming a CAD Specialist

Gone are the days of wood and holding the CAD expert’s hand hoping he doesn’t make a mistake. McGinnis now creates his prototypes with 3D printing or waterjet cutting, then sends the completed design to partners in Utah to prepare them for manufacturing. 

Over the years since discovering SpaceClaim, he has refined his software-design skills, creating models that are more complex, and need fewer modifications for printing. His 3D printing service commented that McGinnis’ models never need to be prepped for printing, compared to other customers that require significant amounts of work. From carving wood to flawless 3D models, McGinnis has become an accidental expert in creating concepts in SpaceClaim and empowered him on his creative process.

Video Case Study

See firsthand how McGinnis develops his Perplexus creations using SpaceClaim:

Since its inception, Perplexus is the winner of 16 toy industry awards, including Game of the Year for Perplexus Epic, the first maze project McGinnis ever used SpaceClaim to work on his design.

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Reference:

Perplexus Case Study, SpaceClaim. 
GoMeasure3D is an authorized distributor of SpaceClaim.

The post Perplexus Solves 3D Modeling Puzzle With SpaceClaim appeared first on GoMeasure3D.

A research report¹ by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in collaboration with the University of Miami studied the impact of light and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) on the growth and photochemical efficiency of Acropora cervicornis, commonly known as Staghorn coral. The endangered species was once thriving in the Caribbean. Its deterioration was the result from disease and physical disturbance by hurricanes. This study investigated the interacting influences of light and pCO2 on the Staghorn corals in order to plan for future restoration efforts.

First Research Study to 3D Scan Live Corals

While the use of 3D scanning technology has been proven valuable in scientific research due to its ability to capture high accuracy measurements of specimens, this is the first study the researchers are aware of that used 3D scanning to monitor the growth rate of living corals. Previous research studies using 3D scanning required the corals to undergo lethal procedures or rendered fatality for the study.

“Our methodology resulted in highly accurate measurements of surface area, volume, and linear extension on living tissues. This procedure is minimally invasive, accurate, and a time-effective method for monitoring coral growth.”

Excerpt from the Effects of light and elevated pCO2 on the growth and photochemical efficiency of Acropora cervicornis report

Automating the 3D Scanning Process

In the study, researchers measured the volume growth of the coral specimen using the HDI Advance 3D scanner. In order to determine if the coral had grown during the experiment each specimen was 3D scanned at the beginning of the experiment and then once again after 28 days when the experiment was over. Due to the delicate nature of corals, researchers made great use of the automated rotary stage in order to reduce the overall time that the coral was exposed to air. Each coral was scanned at every 20° around the central axis. Eighteen scans were captured in total for each coral in 360° with minimal time and effort from the user. Each coral was only exposed to the air for a maximum of one minute, with no harm done to the health of the specimen.

Once the scanning was done, the scanner’s software engine, FlexScan3D, did the majority of scan data processing work. It auto-aligned and combined individual 3D scans into a digital 3D model of the coral sample that would be used to analyze the height of the coral using the point-to-point measurement tool in FlexScan3D. Leios software was used to analyze the volume of the watertight STL model.

To learn more about the results of the study on how light and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) impacted the growth and photochemical efficiency of the Staghorn coral, please read the full report.

Technological Advancements

Since the publication of the research findings, HDI Advance 3D Scanner, along with FlexScan3D, have gotten even better in performance. The research paper mentioned the researchers had to manually trim out unwanted scan data. Since then, FlexScan3D has added new features such as the cut-plane tool for users to select a plane based on data and delete everything below the plane. This gets rid of unwanted data, such as table or fixtures, making scanning much easier. Another great feature that has been added is a calculate deviation function which does a measurement comparison between two similar 3D models. Researchers can compare coordinates across specimens to see how they relate or differentiate from one another.

Overall, this research study demonstrates the value of using advanced 3D scanning technology for 3D measurement applications. We look forward to seeing more uses of 3D scanning technology to facilitate research studies in the future.

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References:

1. Effects of light and elevated PCO2 on the growth and photochemical efficiency of Acropora Cervicornis, March 2014

The post Research Study Used 3D Scanning to Monitor Growth Rate of Living Corals appeared first on GoMeasure3D.

Jamestown Rediscovery is committed to the preservation, education, and the archaeological investigation of the first permanent English settlement in America more than 400 years ago. Over the past 20 years, its archaeology team found tens of thousands of Virginia Indian artifacts, including 48,000 pottery shards, at the historical site. For an upcoming exhibition devoted to Virginia’s Native Americans and their interactions with English settlers, the team wanted to connect the advancements of modern day 3D technology with history in such a way that it provided a new perspective on the James Fort period (1607–1624).

The Challenge

It’s a difficult mission to locate all the pottery shards to create a complete artifact. The archeology team at Jamestown Rediscovery wanted the public to appreciate the genuine fragments while seeing the potteries in its entirety, as they would have been originally created 400 years ago. The challenge sparked the vision to combine existing 17th-century English and Virginia Indian pottery fragments with 3D printed replicas of the missing pieces. The exhibit would display whole artifacts for public viewing in a new way. Museum visitors would be able to visually distinguish the recreated pieces from the genuine pieces to honor the past.

The Reconstruction Process

The archaeology team collaborated with GoMeasure3D and the Engineering Department at Sweet Briar College to recreate five Pocahontas-era pieces of pottery. The reconstruction process consisted of a number of powerful emerging technologies to make this project possible—from 3D scanning, 3D modeling to 3D printing. GoMeasure3D was responsible for 3D scanning the existing potteries and modeling the missing pieces digitally, while Sweet Briar College provided the 3D printing technology to recreate the newly created pieces from digital into physical form.

3D Scanning: Uncovering Clues from the Past

The archeology team at Jamestown Rediscovery assembled the incomplete pots using the original ceramic shards. The GoMeasure3D team was committed to capturing the true likeness of the pots digitally with the utmost accuracy in order to recreate the missing pieces with integrity. Non-contact 3D scanners are ideal for scanning artifacts that are delicate and fragile because they capture 3D scans without any physical contact, eliminating any measurement interference. The HDI Advance 3D scanner was used to capture 3D images of the pots, which contained information related to the objects’ surface measurements and textures. The information derived from the 3D images provided important clues for the GoMeasure3D team to recreate the missing pieces digitally with great detail and accuracy.

3D Modeling: Creating the Missing Pieces Digitally

Once the measurements and texture information was collected, a suite of Geomagic software was used to recreate the missing fragments. Geomagic Design X processed the scanner data for clean up and identified the broken edges where all of the missing parts need to be recreated. Once these edges were found, the preliminary shape of the pottery was reconstructed and the 3D model was transferred to Geomagic Freeform.

Geomagic Freeform made virtual clay modeling possible, which was ideal for this project that involved objects with organic sculptural forms. GoMeasure3D’s applications engineer modeled the shape and surface texture of the missing pottery pieces using Freeform’s touch haptic 3D stylus. The tool provided absolute control to reconstruct the fragments to be as close to what it should have been to the original pieces. During this reconstruction process, Geomagic Control was also used to ensure the authentic and reconstructed fragments fit together perfectly by comparing their measurements.

3D Printing: Digital to Physical

The GoMeasure3D team sent the completed digital files of the reconstructed fragments to the Engineering Lab at Sweet Briar College. They printed the new pieces in ABS plastic using the Dimension 3D printer. Once all the pieces were printed, they were sent to Jamestown to be assembled. They fitted perfectly with the original fragments to bring the potteries back to completeness.

3D Technology

Processes that made this project possible

3D Scanning

Capturing 3D images of authentic pottery shards

Output

3D measurements and surface texture information

3D Modeling

Recreating missing fragments to create complete artifacts

Output

Digital files for 3D printing

3D Printing

From digital to
physical form

Output

3D printed parts filled in to create complete pots.

Recreating the Past

The artifacts provided historical evidence that the English settlers adopted the Virginia Indian culture by adapting objects and technology into their own. One of the highlights of the exhibition was the basket pot created by Englishman Robert Cotton. He pressed clay inside a Virginia Indian thrush basket and fired the pottery in a small kiln to create the basket pot. “When he fired it, the basket burned away leaving the negative on the outside,” said David Givens, Senior Staff Archaeologist at Jamestown Rediscovery.

The archeology team was able to recover one-sixth of the pot in the form of fragments, with the texture of the Virginia Indian thrush basket remaining on the ceramic pot. To enhance the visualization of this particular artifact further, the 3D technology team was tasked to recreate the actual thrush basket from the impressions left of the pot. The exhibition provided the opportunity for the public to see what an actual Virginia Indian basket would have looked like for the first time.

“Through this [imaging and printing] process here, we’re going to end up creating a positive of the only Virginia Indian basket that’s ever been seen.”

David Givens Senior Staff Archaeologist Jamestown Rediscovery

3D technology made it a possibility to recreate the missing pieces with accuracy and completeness. It provided museum visitors an enhanced experience by getting a better understanding of the American history while honoring the past.

Sources (including photos): Jamestown Rediscovery, Sweet Briar College

The post 3D Technology Filled in Missing Pieces to Enhance the Museum Experience appeared first on GoMeasure3D.

Fabien Lefevre is a well-accomplished cross discipline slalom paddler, having won World Championships in both kayak single (K1) and canoe single (C1), and a bronze and silver medal in the Olympic Games in 2004 and 2008 respectively. In preparation for his upcoming competitions, Fabien wanted the best equipment for his races. His vision was to engineer a new type of boat, a hybrid between a canoe and kayak, he would use in slalom canoe single (C1) and kayak single (K1) class competitions. The new boat would provide the flexibility of racing in two classes to accommodate both kneeling (canoe) and seating (kayak) positions.

The Plan

Fabien collaborated with GoMeasure3D on the design process. He was the conceptual designer while GoMeasure3D offered the technology and expertise to turn his concept into reality. Reverse engineering is a fast and cost-effective way to design the new boat without starting from a blank slate. This process would involve scanning his existing kayak into a digital 3D model. The scan data would contain all the kayak’s measurements so Fabien could analyze its construction with the intention of developing an improved design. The final output would be a CAD file that his sponsor would use to create a CNC machine-made mold for manufacturing.

The Challenge

Fabien’s existing kayak was handmade and had existing deformities. Having boat symmetry on the left and right side is critical. Canoe/kayak slalom requires the paddler to constantly move with the boat in unison in rapid waters. If the boat is not symmetrical, it is difficult for the paddler to make body rotations, causing fluid dynamics issues affecting performance, and causing tensions to the lower back leading to long-term injuries. The new boat would need to be as symmetrical as possible.

The Scanning Process

The first step was to scan the kayak into digital 3D modelthat would allow Fabien to analyze and customize the design according to his needs. The 3D scans needed to be as accurate as possible in order to get a true representation of the kayak’s measurements. The HDI Advance 3D scanner provided the accuracy that was needed for this project, up to 45 microns (0.045mm) per scan.

Fabien’s kayak was made of black carbon fiber with a reflective resin finish. Dark, reflective, or transparent surfaces are difficult materials to scan. Magnaflux developer spray is a great tool to overcome this challenge. A thin white-powdered coating was applied directly on the kayak, making 3D scanning much easier by creating a matted surface. Once the scanning was complete, the spray was wiped off completely without causing any damage to the surface.

Scanning large parts can be challenging, especially a kayak that reached approximately 10 feet long. A complete 3D scan of the kayak could not be taken in one shot. The GoMeasure3D team used the HDI Advance 3D scanner to capture large segments of the kayak by taking multiple scans at various angles, which were later stitched together to create the full model.

Photogrammetry markers were placed on the kayak to automated the alignment of 3D scan data. It significantly reduced the amount of time it took to merge and align the individual scans into a complete digital model. Otherwise it would been done manually which would be a time consuming process.

Customizing the Design

The digital 3D model of the kayak revealed its nose was bent to the left, which was causing the kayak to pull in that direction while paddling. Other deformities were found that needed to be corrected. Fabien also wanted to make improvements to the boat, such as adjustments to the volume and the shape of the kayak’s bow. He customized the new design according to his needs. These modifications would be incorporated into the final CAD model using reverse engineering software.

“ The GoMeasure3D team did an amazing job–their professionalism, their understanding of the project, and their service. Partnering with them contributed to the project’s success.”

Fabien Lefevre Canoe Kayak Olympic & World Champion Team USA

The scan data served as a reference to model a new CAD model using SpaceClaim and Geomagic Freeform software. SpaceClaim, a direct modeler, created the CAD model with precision without the complexities of a featured-based CAD modeling software. The Touch haptic 3D stylus and Geomagic Freeform made it easy and intuitive to model organic forms where the boat’s spraydeck would need to precisely fit into the boat.

The final CAD model was created with 100% symmetry on the left and right side. The conceptual design was sent to Fabien’s sponsor for production. Upon receiving the CAD file, Fabien’s sponsor created prototypes of the new boat for Fabien to do test runs during his practice.

The final boat is expected to be in production soon. Learn more about Fabien by visiting his website at www.fabienlefevre.com.

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