By now, you might have a good idea of what 3D Printing is. Still, if you want a reminder, here is a short video to refresh your memory. Take into account that in minute 04:10 and until minute 05:10 there is a commercial. If you want, you can skip this part.
Here is the link: 3D Printing Basics – What you need to know! – YouTube
Also, please bear in mind that when we talk about 3D Printing, we refer to FFF/FDM 3D printing (the cheapest option). In the “How” section of this module, we explain in detail this process.
Practical Applications
As you saw in the examples mentioned in the last module. Let us show you a list of some practical applications of 3D printing in museums.
Examination: As said before, with the rapid production and lower costs of 3D printing museums can now print replicas of artefacts or precious works of art to help museologists closely examine them without the fear of causing damage to the originals.
Reconstruction and conservation: Museologists can now take a picture of a broken artefact and scan the fragments. By doing so, the fragments can be put back together digitally. The result, a 3D printed model of the “fixed” artefact. These artefacts can now be displayed without fear of further breaking the already fragile original.
Accessibility: Thanks to 3D printing museums are now more accessible than ever. One example is the possibility of creating tactile expositions for people with visual disabilities. Imagine printing an architectural scale model of an emblematic building that can be touched. Even signs and wayfinding signs can be 3D printed.
The 3D layered printing helps art lovers to touch artworks. This way they can better understand shapes and volumes of artefacts. This gives them a new point of observation. It also allows one to feel artworks in new dimensions and scales
Handling: Museums can take pieces and artefacts on the road or ship them to other cities enabling them to create new itineraries or organise “on the road” expositions.
3D Braille language tags: 3D printing in museology is also used in printing Braille language tags for the visually impaired.
Please take a look at the following articles and find more examples of 3D printing applications (good practices):
- Visually Impaired Can Feel Art With 3D Printed Paintings (3dprinting.com)
- 3D Printing Artifacts & Exhibits: A Museum Guide | All3DP Pro
- Taking sculptures for a walk: 3D printing and museum outreach • V&A Blog (vam.ac.uk)
- 3DPrintingBookletforBeginners.pdf (metmuseum.org)
Before the 3D printing process
Throughout the course, we have talked about the potential of replicating things with the help of a 3D printer. But, let us not forget that this technology is not only used to create copies. New things can be modelled and, literally, printed. Let us talk about 3D modelling then.
In the case of museums, 3D printing technology has helped them enhance the visitor experience. Most importantly, it has made museums more accessible to all. For example, 3D printing can offer visitors a tactile experience by creating touchable versions of artworks. This allows blind people and visitors with low vision to touch and “feel” artworks.
It is important that culture is enjoyable for everyone. Exhibiting art that is accessible to all does not only benefit people with disabilities. The average visitor and art lover can also engage with art in a different way. This means that it is in the best interest of museums to become more accessible. Without barriers, everyone can benefit. That is the reason why we want to help introduce 3D printing into museums.
Thus, it is important that heritage professionals have a general understanding of 3D technology. By doing so, they can better serve museum visitors. Therefore, people can interact with the exhibits regardless of their disability.
Thus, it is important that heritage professionals have a general understanding of 3D technology. By doing so, they can better serve museum visitors. Therefore, people can interact with the exhibits regardless of their disability.
Because 3D printing and its application in museums is relatively new. We have taken it upon ourselves to create this course. Here we present some examples and ideas for 3D printing and its various applications in the arts and culture sector.
We want heritage professionals to discover the possibilities that 3D printing technology offers. We believe that this information will be useful for them. This will help them make better and more informed decisions about what is the best choice for the kind of exhibits and disabilities they should accommodate.
References
iMold USA LLC. (2019, 1 may). SLS. China Casting ‣ Injection Molding Solutions. Retrieved from: https://www.china-casting.biz/sls.htmlSculpteo (2022, 31 march). What is an STL file? Retrieved from https://www.sculpteo.com/en/3d-learning-hub/create-3d-file/what-is-an-stl-file/
Signs.com. (2022). Directional Signs. Retrieved from https://www.signs.com/directional-signs/
Buchko, S. (2018, 11 april). An Insiders Guide to the Best Decentralized Art Galleries. CoinCentral. Retrieved from:https://coincentral.com/best-decentralized-art-galleries/
(source: The Entrepreneurial and Maker Community - Perfect 3D Printing Filament (morgen-filament.de)
Sillas Meteor, de MAD Architects. | Credits: Ken Ngan / Dior
Richardson, J. (2021, 8 marzo). How are some of the world’s best known Museums doing amazing things with 3D Printing? MuseumNext. Retrieved from https://www.museumnext.com/article/how-museums-are-using-3d-printing/
Reference: Trakai Island Castle Taken from: We love Lithuania.https://welovelithuania.com/traku-pilyje-pastatytas-maketas-regos-negalia-turintiems-leisiantis-pamatyti-pili/
Now, the visually impaired can experience the beauty of art at Madrid’s Prado Museum - Luxurylaunches
Nursing Clio Please Touch: 3D Technologies for Accessibility in Museums
https://www.globaltimes.cn/galleries/3758.html
Polish Up Your 3D Printing Entrepreneurial Spirit with Some Helpful Tips - 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing
