It is no secret that technology is rapidly developing. In
the past few years the world has produced many unique and sci-fi like inventions
such as Google Glass. Amongst these new technologies is 3D printing.
3D printing is the process of using a digital file to make
three dimensional solid objects. A 3D printer uses an additive process to
create three dimensional objects. Essentially it takes the digital model and
slices that model into many thin horizontal layers which are combined together
to create a physical 3D object based upon the original digital file. 3D
printers allow people to translate a digital image into the physical world and
in doing so creates a lot of potential for digital historians.
The artifacts found in a museum or an archive are often in a
strict “hands off” relationship with the public. This is usually due to the
frail nature of the objects or being done to prevent any future damage. While
this hands off policy is necessary to help conserve a collection it
unfortunately results in limited engagement with the public. Wouldn’t it be
nice if museums could let everyone touch and hold prized artifacts? Wouldn’t it
be nice to allow people to handle dinosaur bones or a sculpture from ancient
Greece? This is where 3D printing comes in handy.
3D printing is being used by historians and museums to help
bridge the gap between the artifacts and the public. By completing a 3D scan of
an artifact, that information can then be used in conjunction with a 3D printer
to create an accurate model of the artifact. Museums can therefore have a
display of dinosaur bones for example and then a separate section with 3D
printed bones that patrons can touch and engage with.
An interesting 3D printing project is currently underway at
the Smithsonian. Project “Smithsonian X 3D” is currently in beta testing and
already has objects that users can explore. The Smithsonian X 3D project has
made use of 3D scanning technology to begin scanning and creating digital
images of their collection. Some of these digital models are available on their
website and users can click on an object of interest and then manipulate the
image on their computer.
Pergolesi Side Chair. http://3d.si.edu/browser |
While playing around with these digital images on one’s
computer is interesting, yet this is not the limit of the potential of these
digital images. The Smithsonian X 3D project also allows users to download the
digital information of these artifacts. This allows for people to remotely
access the Smithsonian’s collection and use the downloaded data to print a
replica of the artifact. This not only allows users to engage more closely with
the artifacts but creates greater access to the collection as the 3D printing
can be done offsite.
3D printing therefore offers digital historians much
potential when it comes to visualizing, preserving and connecting to artifacts.
By taking digital imaging to the next step and creating 3D replicas historians
and their audience can better engage with artifacts and hopefully create an
enhanced historical narrative.