Enhancing Archaeological Research with 3D Printing
Virginia Commonwealth University's Virtual Curation Laboratory uses 3D printing technology and conventional 3D digital data collection methods to create an extensive catalog of Native American 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 has been stored for a period, observing those "inside" can become costly (time-consuming), which negatively impacts research.
Similarly, handling original artifacts is risky, as many objects are susceptible to damage. 3D printing technology addresses 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 needing to travel to specific storage facilities.
Furthermore, these files can be used to create models with desktop 3D printers. With 3D-printed artifact replicas, researchers and students can freely handle and examine them, providing a more impactful and meaningful connection to the past.
This breaks through the traditional museum ethos of "look, don't touch."
Developing the Virtual Curation Laboratory
Dr. Bernard K. Means earned a BA in Anthropology and a BS in Physics from Occidental College in Los Angeles and a Ph.D. 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) Cultural Resources Management grant project, effectively testing the NextEngine Desktop 3D Scanner for creating digital models of archaeological discoveries on DoD lands.
To support research by undergraduate anthropology students at Virginia Commonwealth University, the VCL is primarily funded through internal and external grants, in addition to specialized projects commonly associated with 3D printing museums. This not only makes artifacts more accessible to more people but also challenges how people approach 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 "reliability in operation and the ability to produce viable 3D printed models."
3D-printed artifact replicas have a wide range of practical uses, including:
◎ Demonstrations in classrooms or lectures
◎ Student research projects
◎ Public relations events
◎ Research assistance
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 a key educational goal.
Bernard tells us that he primarily uses 3D printed models for classroom use, although interns do a lot of the work, especially when coloring the models. This has many benefits - most importantly:
◎ Expanded 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 near cultural heritage sites can enjoy the benefits of accessing these objects - 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 artifact studies, reaching new 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, visually impaired or those who need to stay at home in
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 outlined the steps required to create a model of an artifact replica.
◎ 3D Scanning: The basic workflow for creating artifact replicas begins with 3D scanning. The VCL primarily uses 3D scanning for physical artifacts, rather than "born digital" objects (i.e., created on a computer). Typically, the team travels to sites to scan archaeological finds, such as human or animal skeletal remains, historical sites, or increasingly, fossils, especially of Ice Age animals. The most commonly used machine is the NextEngine desktop 3D scanner, which Bernard uses across the United States and has even taken to the Cayman Islands. The team also uses a Structure Scanner, connected to an iPad Mini 4. While it doesn't provide extremely high resolution, it is very portable, making it more suitable for international travel.
◎ Editing: After scanning with NextEngine, the team uses the 3D scanner's native software (ScanStudio) to edit the model and combine multiple scans into a single model. This process usually requires two scans.
If needed, they further refine the digital models in Meshmixer or Meshlab. For example, they may need to remove part of the object to flatten one side, so it can be attached to a research poster or display panel.
◎ 3D Printing: Once the artifact has been scanned and edited, it can be 3D printed. The team uses PLA, then removes support structures with pliers and a rotary tool.
To create a more realistic appearance, models are usually painted with acrylic paints, with colors very similar to the original object.
◎ Storage: The 3D printed artifacts are then stored in boxes by relevant organizations for teaching or public outreach. If commissioned, they are also sent to museums or other facilities.
Scanning takes about an hour (using the NextEngine scanner), editing takes about two hours, and 3D printing takes about 4 hours, but the exact time depends on the size and resolution. Here are some scanning examples showing complexity and texture.
Looking Ahead
Bernard comments on how their students "work together with other staff to preserve and bring the past back to life."
The VCL has opened up the back rooms and deep storage areas of the collection – finally allowing access to the public.
This technology allows his team to scan regions and even integrate 3D scan acquisitions on the 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 research labs embrace 3D printing technology; using the final models to encourage original research and even allowing educators to incorporate replicas into their lecture presentations. He also hopes to establish a more collaborative network worldwide, where researchers and 3D printing experts not only duplicate but also complement each other's capabilities.
What's next?
3D printing clearly demonstrates the extent to which technology can be realized in the field of archaeology.
Bernard predicts that artifacts may be augmented in virtual reality, allowing students or researchers to appreciate and feel objects in their own environment.
Bernard adds that he also feels 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.
Article source: https://ultimaker.com/en/stories/49698-enhancing-archaeological-research-with-3d-printing