3D printing has taken the world by storm in the last decade. Although 3D printing technologies have existed as far back as the 1980s, advancements in technology have made 3D printing a viable option. Today, 3D printing is not only used for prototyping, but full-scale industrial applications. Combined with additive manufacturing, many industries are relying increasingly on 3D printing technology.
Museums are also benefitting from 3D printing and additive manufacturing in numerous ways.
How are Museums Using 3D Printers?
3D printers are an excellent tool for museums looking to make their artifacts more accessible or restore lost relics to their original glory.
Replicas of Artifacts
Many museums are making replicas of artifacts using 3D technology. Museums have initiated exciting outreach programs to raise awareness and market these replicas themselves.
In addition, 3D printing allows museums to serve a more tactile experience to visitors by bringing exhibitions to life. Moreover, 3D printing can revolutionize the museum tour experience for visually impaired people who can use their sense of touch to understand the museum’s offerings.
Artifact Conservation
3D printing is also benefitting the field of conservation. Fragile artifacts that need careful handling can be cloned and safely preserved while the replicas are displayed. Scanning artifacts also allows museum curators to recreate damaged artifacts and display them for the world to see.
The Semitic Museum at Harvard University has made significant accomplishments using 3D printing for conservation. Two archeologists working at the museum used 3D printing to recreate a destroyed ceramic lion artifact from the Mesopotamian civilization. An attack on the ancient Mesopotamian city of Nuzi destroyed the artifact nearly 3000 years ago. Through scanning and digital modeling, the archeologists were able to recreate a 3D-printed version of the artifact.
Increasing Visitor Interaction
The Metropolitan Museum in New York has utilized 3D printing effectively. The museum allows visitors to take pictures of objects in the museum. Visitors can then digitally recreate these pictures.
The museum has also posted a guide on its website that provides tutorials to customers.
Get Your Prototypes Developed with 3D Printing
Whether you’re a digital artist or a hobbyist inventor, developing your idea into a prototype is essential to showcase it to the masses. Most people start with an idea but don’t possess the necessary technical or engineering knowledge to execute their idea into reality.
This is where Connekt LLC comes in. We offer quality engineering design services. We use our 3D printing services to transform your idea into a 3D printed prototype. We also provide other services such as finite element analysis and rapid prototyping.
Contact us today to get your idea off the ground.
