Jan 14, 2016 | By Benedict

3D printing marketplace Threeding has used a set of Artec 3D scanners to scan a huge collection of Ancient Greek artifacts. The entire collection has been turned into 3D printable files, available to download through Threeding.

Over the last few years, the combined technologies of 3D scanning and 3D printing have established themselves as invaluable means of cultural preservation. Just over two weeks ago, the Institute of Digital Archaeology announced that it would construct two 3D printed replicas of the Arch of Palmyra, in London and New York City. The iconic arch was the last remaining section the 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel, which was ruthlessly destroyed by ISIS last year. News of the IDA’s project sent a clear message to perpetrators of such mindless destruction: Destroying objects cannot erase history, since cultural heritage can be preserved and even restored with 3D scanning, 3D printing and other technologies.

3D printing marketplace Threeding has become the latest name in the 3D printing game to use 3D scanning and printing technology to directly assist the preservation of cultural history, by scanning, printing and uploading a huge collection of Ancient Greek artifacts. Threeding, based in Sofia, Bulgaria, allows individuals and businesses to buy, sell or freely exchange 3D models suitable for 3D printing. Its latest project, carried out in collaboration with Artec 3D, a 3D hardware and software company, and Krasimir Todorov, artist and inventor of ZN ART, involved 3D scanning hundreds of artifacts from different periods of Ancient Greek history, before transforming them into 3D printable files.

Several relics from the collection, such as the Head of Hygeia, Venus de Milo and Head of Zeus are already available to download or purchase as readymade 3D prints. Threeding utilized Artec’s high-resolution Spider and Eva 3D scanners, as well as its Artec Studio software, to carefully 3D scan each ancient artifact. The images from these scans were then optimized for 3D printing, giving customers the chance to create 3D printed museum collections in their own home.

Most of the giant collection of bona fide historical treasures came from an anonymous private collection, with each item of this collection being scanned by the Threeding team. However, several other models from outside of that collection were not 3D scanned at all, but instead recreated by the skilled hand of Todorov. The Bulgarian artist also left his own personal stamp on the project, turning artifacts from the collection into part of his ZN ART concept. Todorov’s ZN ART 3D models are not 3D printed from PLA, ABS or any common filament, but are instead printed on single sheets of paper, stacked vertically to create a recognizable 3D shape. “Unlike the ready 3D printed model, ZN ART has a constructive system with content that allows harmonious creation by the author,” Todorov explained.

"Creating this collection of 3D printing models of Anceint Greek artifacts is a milestone for us,” said Cveta-Maria Partaleva, Threeding co-founder. “Although we already had fantastic ancient artifacts in 3D printing format from our other museum projects, these relics have tremendous meaning for human history and will make Threeding a desirable partner of all museums and collectors who are looking to present their artefacts in 3D printing friendly manner.”

“We’re honored to once again be the 3D scanning partner of choice for Threeding’s restoration projects,” added Artyom Yukhin, president and CEO of Artec 3D. “The capture of ancient relics is delicate work, requiring tools that can operate quickly, efficiently and precisely. Using our lightweight handheld 3D scanners and advanced software platform, Threeding has been able to add even more value to its impressive historical collection.”

The STL files and readymade 3D prints of the Ancient Greek artifacts vary in price. Downloading a 3D printable Head of Zeus costs $45.60, but a pre-printed replica of The Boxer, another sculpture from the collection, will set one back $1,574.65. More 3D printable models will be uploaded in the near future.

 

 

Posted in 3D Design

 

 

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Niki wrote at 9/22/2016 8:48:14 PM:

Hi are these scients that descovered this or an historian



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