April 30, 2014
The ancient tomb of Tutankhamun has been re-created in Luxor using 3D scanning and printing technology. This exact copy of the famous tomb has been built in order to protect the delicate original.
The tomb of Tutankhamun was unveiled in 1922. At that time nobody could have imagined the phenomenon of modern cultural tourism. 90 years later, the quantity of people visiting has caused paint and plaster blister and left the delicate walls irreversibly damaged. The breath of visitors, the temperature and humidity changes have caused parts of the plaster and paint in the tomb to crack, and there is a risk that the whole site will collapse.
Local authorities are going to limit access to the tomb and have turned to 3D printer technology to create a replica of the site for visitors instead.
The replica is produced by Madrid-based Factum Arte, which used an array of 3D laser scanners, cameras and 3D printers to replicate the murals on the walls of the burial chamber, a process that has taken several years to complete.
The replica tomb was so accurate that some Tutankhamun experts became emotional when they attended the opening in Luxor today.
It is hoped the replica could be good enough for attracting visitors to Egypt. The country's tourism revenues have dropped a massive 43 per cent so far this year due to the country's unrest and recent terror attacks.
The Tutankhamun replica is part of a larger project: in the future, Factum Arte plans to replicate the tombs of Tuthmosis III, Nefertari and Seti I.
The replica was inaugurated Wednesday in front of the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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