{"id":164093,"date":"2021-11-17T16:44:16","date_gmt":"2021-11-17T08:44:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&#038;p=164093"},"modified":"2022-02-17T11:38:44","modified_gmt":"2022-02-17T03:38:44","slug":"3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums","title":{"rendered":"3D Printing and 3D Scanning for Archeology and Museums"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>3D scanning and 3D printing can be used to store digital twins of fragile, rare, and ancient historical artefacts. These technologies can also be used to help restore damaged cultural objects and\/or monuments. This guide explores how 3D printers and 3D scanners are used for archeology and museums.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"introduction\" class=\"active\" data-niveau-lien=\"0\">Introduction<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/comparison\/3d-printers\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/comparison\/3d-printers\/\">3D printing<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/comparison\/3d-scanners\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/comparison\/3d-scanners\/\">3D scanning<\/a>\u00a0for museums and archeology are increasingly used in\u00a0<strong>cultural preservation<\/strong>. 3D technologies\u00a0provide\u00a0museum curators, researchers, and archeologists with new tools to capture in 3D ancient objects, artifacts, or art pieces.<\/p>\n<p>They can then\u00a0<strong>study, restore or\u00a0simply archive<\/strong>\u00a0them with much more details than traditional 2D pictures. It is even possible to 3D scan entire archeological sites to get a full 3D\u00a0mapping, via drone or plane 3D scanning.<\/p>\n<p>3D printing and 3D scanning can\u00a0be used jointly to\u00a0<strong>restore damaged sculptures<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 330px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/851ffbffd4c68c22.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"330\" height=\"185\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A real ammonite specimen next to a 3D printed one. Source: museumvictoria.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-benefits-of-3d-scanning-for-museums-and-archeology\" class=\"active\" data-niveau-lien=\"1\">What are the benefits of 3D scanning for museums and archeology?<\/h2>\n<p>There are many advantages to use 3D scanning in the museology and archeology fields:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Capturing more details.<\/strong>\u00a03D scanning is more accurate\u00a0than the human eye and can digitally capture a high level of details. Museums can now create their own 3D archives and store digital 3D models of their entire collections, instead of relying on mere 2D pictures.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Preserving cultural heritage.<\/strong>\u00a0Some historical sites are in danger, be that\u00a0from armed conflicts, natural disasters, or\u00a0simply time erosion. It is possible to use 3D scanning to keep accurate 3D mappings of those historical locations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Improving\u00a0accessibility<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>to museums\u00a0and cultural heritage.<\/strong>\u00a03D scanning opens the doors to\u00a0virtual museum visits. A person can visit an\u00a0exhibition from the comfort of his own home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Restoring and replicating\u00a0historical artifacts.<\/strong>\u00a0Restorative 3D scanning, when 3D capture is used in the restoration process, is increasingly used in museums worldwide.\u00a0To replicate a historical object, a 3D scan has to be done first.\u00a0The file generated can then be used to 3D print a replica of the piece, in plastic or other materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/8a274d94075b9c25.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An ancient skull completed with 3D printing. Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"how-3d-printing-can-be-used-by-museums-and-researchers\" class=\"active\" data-niveau-lien=\"2\">How\u00a03D printing can be used by museums and researchers<\/h2>\n<p>3D printing\u00a0is a new tool accessible to museums and researchers worldwide.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/buyers-guide\/3d-printers\/best-3d-printer\/\" data-type=\"bestof\" data-id=\"31457\">3D printers<\/a>\u00a0can be used in several ways, among which:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Replicating\u00a0a piece of art or historical artifact with 3D printing.<\/strong>\u00a0Having an exact copy of a historical item will allow the museum to give more access to his collection to the public. For example, allowing students to touch and manipulate\u00a03D printed art pieces or artifacts is a more recreational way of teaching than just showing the object.\u00a0A 3D printed replica, based on a 3D scan of the original object, can also\u00a0be used and manipulated by\u00a0archeologists or researchers,\u00a0without fear of damaging the original piece.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Repairing damaged historical artifacts.<\/strong>\u00a0If an ancient piece of art is missing a part, for example, 3D printing can be used to repair it by creating\u00a0a perfectly fitted new part. This approach often requires the joint use of 3D scanning and 3D modeling using 3D design software. Restorative 3D printing is on the rise, as the technology improves and the number\u00a0of printing materials available grows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Ph.D. Researcher and 3D consultant Amelia Knowlson wrote this in-depth\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/blog\/envisioning-the-future-of-3d-scanning-and-3d-printing-in-museums\/\">article<\/a>\u00a0on the future of 3D scanning and 3D printing in museums. According to\u00a0her, 3D technology is just starting to impact\u00a0museums and historical research\u00a0operations.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"active\"><strong>Restorative 3D printing: using 3D printers\u00a0to restore or replicate\u00a0damaged\u00a0items<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>It is sometimes complicated to\u00a0<strong>restore art pieces<\/strong>\u00a0and it can lead museum curators to remove the damaged pieces from their exhibits.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/comparison\/3d-scanners\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/comparison\/3d-scanners\/\">3D scanners<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/comparison\/3d-printers\/\">3D printers<\/a>\u00a0are increasingly used in the restoration of works of art, including statues for which it is possible to<strong>\u00a0reconstruct missing parts<\/strong>, such as hands (as shown in the picture).<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Reparing-pieces-of-art-with-3D-printing.jpg.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/picture><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/bcb6f8f2eb35301f.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"268\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A bronze statue, whose broken hands have been replaced by 3D printed hands. Source: 3Dgeni.us<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"preserving-historical-objects-and-archeological-sites-with-3d-scanning\" class=\"\" data-niveau-lien=\"3\">Preserving historical objects and archeological sites with 3D scanning<\/h2>\n<figure style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/50e14fb8d6e0e24f.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"227\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A 3D model of an excavation site conducted by Arch\u00e9otec.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"capturing-an-entire-archaeological-site-with-a-3d-scanner\" class=\"active\" data-niveau-lien=\"4\">Capturing\u00a0an entire archaeological\u00a0site with a 3D scanner<\/h3>\n<p>Archaeological sites are often found under\u00a0construction sites and their exploration can stop or slow down the construction\u00a0project. Therefore, archaeologists only have a\u00a0<strong>limited time to lead searches<\/strong>\u00a0in those excavation sites.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/buyers-guide\/3d-scanners\/terrestrial-laser-scanners-long-range\/\" data-type=\"bestof\" data-id=\"74751\">Terrestrial laser\u00a03D scanners<\/a>\u00a0with a\u00a0<strong>large scanning area<\/strong>\u00a0(sometimes equipped with a GPS or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/buyers-guide\/3d-scanners\/slam-3d-scanners-imms-mobile-mapping\/\" data-type=\"bestof\" data-id=\"70737\">SLAM technology<\/a>\u00a0for higher precision) allow archaeologists to<strong>\u00a0capture a full site in 3D<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>obtain a 3D model<\/strong>\u00a0of the excavation\u00a0site. It is thus\u00a0<strong>easier to visualize locations of archaeological remains<\/strong>\u00a0and optimize the excavation site searches.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"high-precision-historical-research-with-3d-scanners\" class=\"\" data-niveau-lien=\"5\">High-precision historical research\u00a0with 3D scanners<\/h3>\n<p>3D models generated\u00a0with a 3D scanner are often\u00a0used\u00a0by researchers, who can\u00a0<strong>zoom in on the 3D model<\/strong>\u00a0of the item captured in 3D. The\u00a0<strong>high level of details<\/strong>\u00a0of the 3D scan can be very useful for research purposes since almost invisible details can be\u00a0revealed with this technology. Working on 3D models instead of original pieces also enables researchers to\u00a0<strong>protect light-sensitive artifacts<\/strong>\u00a0for example.<\/p>\n<p>With 3D printing, it is possible to\u00a0<strong>replicate an entire object or specific parts.<\/strong>\u00a0Researchers can then work on the 3D printed replica\u00a0and manipulate it while preserving the original\u00a0objects.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/3a295193c06bc5f3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"306\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A 3D scan of a human-sized statue with the Artec Eva handheld 3D scanner. Source: ima-solutions.fr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"3d-scanning-fosters-global-collaboration\" class=\"\" data-niveau-lien=\"6\">3D scanning fosters global collaboration<\/h3>\n<p>Researchers worldwide\u00a0can\u00a0<strong>share 3D models obtained by 3D scanning<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>collaborate remotely<\/strong>.\u00a0Instead of having to ship archaeological remains or items, 3D scanners allow scientists to capture 3D models of these\u00a0artifacts, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/guide\/3d-printers\/best-sites-download-free-stl-files-3d-models-and-3d-printable-files-3d-printing\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/guide\/3d-printers\/best-sites-download-free-stl-files-3d-models-and-3d-printable-files-3d-printing\/\">3D files<\/a>\u00a0obtained can then\u00a0<strong>easily be shared<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>via the internet<\/strong>\u00a0with the global scientific community.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/5e7c3b35c429a6a1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The 3D reproduction of a skull that allows students to examine it while preserving the original one. Source: boyuggs.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"3d-scanning-and-3d-printing-new-tools-for-museums\" class=\"\" data-niveau-lien=\"7\">3D scanning and 3D printing: new tools for museums<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"visiting-a-museum-from-your-home-thanks-to-3d-scanning\" class=\"\" data-niveau-lien=\"8\">Visiting a museum from your home thanks to 3D scanning<\/h3>\n<p>The development of\u00a0<strong>virtual museums<\/strong>\u00a0is supported by the overall growth of the 3D printing ecosystem, including non-contact 3D scanners.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/e5ad7fce2ab68cea.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"192\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A dual view of a \u201cfardo\u201d, a Peruvian coffin and its virtual exploration conducted by the Quai Branly Museum.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For example,\u00a0French startup\u00a0<strong>Arskan 3D<\/strong>\u00a0scanned some of the main pieces from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Museum_of_Fine_Arts_of_Lyon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon<\/a>, to create an experience out of the ordinary.<\/p>\n<p>The launch of this interactive experiment in fall 2015,\u00a0<strong>accessible via an internet connection<\/strong>, will make the Lyon Museum the<strong>\u00a0first virtual 3D museum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/bd61353cdd974620.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"250\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A member of Arskan scanning in 3D a statue with the 3D scanner FaroArm. Source: elretohistorico.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"creating-virtual-explorations-with-3d-scanning\" class=\"\" data-niveau-lien=\"9\">Creating virtual explorations with 3D scanning<\/h3>\n<p>Thanks to\u00a03D scanners, it is possible to create\u00a0\u201c<strong>virtual explorations<\/strong>\u201d, based on a 3D rendering of a given archaeological site, monument, or piece of art.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.quaibranly.fr\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Quai Branly museum in Paris<\/a>\u00a0uses 3D scanning to allow people to \u201c<strong>see through<\/strong>\u201d ancient\u00a0coffins filled with artifacts, which could not\u00a0be opened without damaging the\u00a0items inside.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"preserving-original-collections-with-3d-scanning\" class=\"\" data-niveau-lien=\"10\">Preserving original collections with 3D scanning<\/h3>\n<p>With 3D scanning, archaeologists or museum curators can\u00a0<strong>improve the conservation of their collections<\/strong>. They can even\u00a0<strong>repair or\u00a0duplicate<\/strong>\u00a0the most damaged items, by using 3D printing and\u00a03D scanning.\u00a0It only takes a few minutes to 3D scan a human-size statue.\u00a0The 3D model\u00a0obtained (a simple file) can then<strong>\u00a0be saved, archived, edited<\/strong>\u00a0using\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/comparison\/3d-software\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/comparison\/3d-software\/\">CAD software<\/a>\u00a0and 3D printing.<\/p>\n<p><em>Note: Non-contact\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/comparison\/3d-scanners\/\">3D scanners<\/a>\u00a0are often recommended to avoid damaging the most fragile\u00a0items.<\/em><\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/85a44a5a93e3f16d.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"301\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Two 3D printed statuettes of the V\u00e9nus de Milo. Source: Thingiverse.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"bring-home-a-3d-printed-version-of-your-favorite-art-piece\" class=\"active\" data-niveau-lien=\"11\">Bring home a 3D printed version of your favorite art piece<\/h3>\n<p>Visitors who own a 3D printer can\u00a0<strong>download 3D models<\/strong>\u00a0from the museum\u2019s exhibition and 3D print them at home.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thingiverse.com\/thing:32018\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This license system<\/a>\u00a0is offered, for instance, to visitors at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.artic.edu\/visit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Art Institute of Chicago<\/a>. For this type of use,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/buyers-guide\/3d-printers\/best-3d-printer\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/buyers-guide\/3d-printers\/best-3d-printer\/\">extrusion technology<\/a>\u00a0is recommended, but it only allows to\u00a0<strong>3D print objects in plastic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"facilitating-access-to-cultural-heritage-through-3d-scanning\" class=\"\" data-niveau-lien=\"12\">Facilitating access to cultural heritage through 3D scanning<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"3d-printing-can-improve-museums-accessibility-for-visually-impaired-visitors\" class=\"\" data-niveau-lien=\"13\">3D printing can improve museums accessibility\u00a0for visually impaired visitors<\/h3>\n<p>With 3D printing, museums can\u00a0<strong>create realistic replicas<\/strong>\u00a0of objects from their collections. Visitors can then manipulate these 3D printed versions without damaging the originals.\u00a03D printing also offers the opportunity to\u00a0<strong>create physical representations in 3D of paintings<\/strong>.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/parallels\/2015\/05\/26\/408543587\/do-touch-the-artwork-at-prados-exhibit-for-the-blind\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Prado Museum<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/interactive-3d-museum-art-in-island-philippines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Museum of Manilla<\/a>\u00a0have already taken advantage of these opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, in Spring 2015,\u00a0an exhibition at The Prado Museum allowed blind visitors to discover five masterpieces thanks to 3D printing.\u00a0Those\u00a0<strong>paintings in relief\u00a0<\/strong>allowed visitors to experience the exhibit by touching the 3D printed version of the masterpieces. An innovative way of using 3D printing to prove that art goes beyond senses.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/eb3c1e96af73d8f9.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"343\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A 3D printed painting displayed at the Prado Museum in Madrid to provide a better visitor experience. Source: ufunk.net<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"downloading-3d-models-of-cultural-heritage-items-for-3d-printing\" class=\"active\" data-niveau-lien=\"14\">Downloading 3D models of cultural heritage items for 3D printing<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"downloading-3d-designs-of-historical-objects-artifacts-and-art-pieces\" class=\"active\" data-niveau-lien=\"15\">Downloading 3D designs\u00a0of\u00a0historical objects, artifacts and art pieces<\/h3>\n<p>It is now\u00a0possible to\u00a0<strong>download 3D models\u00a0of art pieces<\/strong>\u00a0or historical artifacts to\u00a0<strong>visualize them using 3D software<\/strong>\u00a0and, why not,\u00a0<strong>3D print replicas using a 3D printer<\/strong>. Several online repositories of printable 3D designs of art and historical objects are available. The largest\u00a0cultural heritage 3D files databases are\u00a0the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sketchfab.com\/museums\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sketchfab &gt;\u00a0Museums<\/a>.\u00a0<strong>More than 30 museums<\/strong>, including the famous\u00a0<strong>British Museum<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>The Metropolitan Museum of Art,<\/strong>\u00a0share here\u00a0thousands of\u00a0<strong>high-resolution 3D models\u00a0<\/strong>obtained from 3D scans\u00a0of their collections. These files are even\u00a0visible in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/guide\/vr-ar\/ultimate-vr-ar-mr-guide\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/guide\/vr-ar\/ultimate-vr-ar-mr-guide\/\">VR (Virtual Reality)<\/a>!<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myminifactory.com\/category\/scan-the-world\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MyMiniFactory &gt;\u00a0Scan The World<\/a>. Thousand of 3D files from artists and museums\u00a0<strong>all across the globe<\/strong>\u00a0are available here, obtained\u00a0from\u00a0<strong>real-life objects<\/strong>\u00a0scanned in 3D. The designs are 100% 3D printable.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/africanfossils.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">African Fossils<\/a>. You will find here\u00a0<strong>HD 3D designs of fossils<\/strong>, categorized\u00a0by\u00a0<strong>time era,\u00a0and type<\/strong>\u00a0(hominids, animals, tools). A wiki section is linked\u00a0to each 3D model, with\u00a0<strong>detailed explanations and background information<\/strong>\u00a0on the fossil. A powerful\u00a0<strong>educative resource<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/morphosource.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MorphoSource<\/a>.\u00a0MorphoSource is an\u00a0<strong>online repository<\/strong>\u00a0that allows researchers from universities and labs worldwide to\u00a0<strong>store, share, and distribute their 3D data<\/strong>. You will find here thousands of 3D\u00a0morphological data sets, downloadable for free. 3D file formats include\u00a0<strong>tiff, dicom, stanford ply, and stl<\/strong>. You can browse the cultural files by Institution, Taxonomy, Bibliography, and Project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"downloading-3d-models-of-cultural-heritage-items-for-3d-printing\" class=\"active\" data-niveau-lien=\"14\">Downloading 3D models of cultural heritage items for 3D printing<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"downloading-3d-designs-of-historical-objects-artifacts-and-art-pieces\" class=\"active\" data-niveau-lien=\"15\">Downloading 3D designs\u00a0of\u00a0historical objects, artifacts and art pieces<\/h3>\n<p>It is now\u00a0possible to\u00a0<strong>download 3D models\u00a0of art pieces<\/strong>\u00a0or historical artifacts to\u00a0<strong>visualize them using 3D software<\/strong>\u00a0and, why not,\u00a0<strong>3D print replicas using a 3D printer<\/strong>. Several online repositories of printable 3D designs of art and historical objects are available. The largest\u00a0cultural heritage 3D files databases are\u00a0the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sketchfab.com\/museums\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sketchfab &gt;\u00a0Museums<\/a>.\u00a0<strong>More than 30 museums<\/strong>, including the famous\u00a0<strong>British Museum<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>The Metropolitan Museum of Art,<\/strong>\u00a0share here\u00a0thousands of\u00a0<strong>high-resolution 3D models\u00a0<\/strong>obtained from 3D scans\u00a0of their collections. These files are even\u00a0visible in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/guide\/vr-ar\/ultimate-vr-ar-mr-guide\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aniwaa.com\/guide\/vr-ar\/ultimate-vr-ar-mr-guide\/\">VR (Virtual Reality)<\/a>!<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myminifactory.com\/category\/scan-the-world\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MyMiniFactory &gt;\u00a0Scan The World<\/a>. Thousand of 3D files from artists and museums\u00a0<strong>all across the globe<\/strong>\u00a0are available here, obtained\u00a0from\u00a0<strong>real-life objects<\/strong>\u00a0scanned in 3D. The designs are 100% 3D printable.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/africanfossils.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">African Fossils<\/a>. You will find here\u00a0<strong>HD 3D designs of fossils<\/strong>, categorized\u00a0by\u00a0<strong>time era,\u00a0and type<\/strong>\u00a0(hominids, animals, tools). A wiki section is linked\u00a0to each 3D model, with\u00a0<strong>detailed explanations and background information<\/strong>\u00a0on the fossil. A powerful\u00a0<strong>educative resource<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/morphosource.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MorphoSource<\/a>.\u00a0MorphoSource is an\u00a0<strong>online repository<\/strong>\u00a0that allows researchers from universities and labs worldwide to\u00a0<strong>store, share, and distribute their 3D data<\/strong>. You will find here thousands of 3D\u00a0morphological data sets, downloadable for free. 3D file formats include\u00a0<strong>tiff, dicom, stanford ply, and stl<\/strong>. You can browse the cultural files by Institution, Taxonomy, Bibliography, and Project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/c2a8866d109715c7.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"317\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A 3D printed reproduction of King Uthal. Source: Morehshin Allahyari<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>3D scanning and 3D printing can be used to store digital twins of fragile, rare, and ancient historical artefacts. These technologies can also be used to help restore damaged cultural objects and\/or monuments. This guide explores how 3D printers and 3D scanners are used for archeology and museums. Introduction 3D printing\u00a0and\u00a03D scanning\u00a0for museums and archeology [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"kbtopic":[137],"kbtag":[126,664,663,234],"class_list":["post-164093","kb","type-kb","status-publish","hentry","kbtopic-case","kbtag-3d-printing","kbtag-3d-scanning","kbtag-archeology","kbtag-museum"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>3D Printing and 3D Scanning for Archeology and Museums - FacFox Docs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"3D scanning and 3D printing can be used to store digital twins of fragile, rare, and ancient historical artefacts. These technologies can also be used to This guide explores how 3D printers and 3D scanners are used for archeology and museums.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"3D Printing and 3D Scanning for Archeology and Museums\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"3D scanning and 3D printing can be used to store digital twins of fragile, rare, and ancient historical artefacts. These technologies can also be used to This guide explores how 3D printers and 3D scanners are used for archeology and museums.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"FacFox Docs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/facfox3d\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-02-17T03:38:44+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/851ffbffd4c68c22.png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@facfox3d\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums\",\"name\":\"3D Printing and 3D Scanning for Archeology and Museums - FacFox Docs\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/851ffbffd4c68c22.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-11-17T08:44:16+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-02-17T03:38:44+00:00\",\"description\":\"3D scanning and 3D printing can be used to store digital twins of fragile, rare, and ancient historical artefacts. These technologies can also be used to This guide explores how 3D printers and 3D scanners are used for archeology and museums.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/851ffbffd4c68c22.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/851ffbffd4c68c22.png\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"3D Printing and 3D Scanning for Archeology and Museums\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/\",\"name\":\"FacFox Docs\",\"description\":\"Knowledgebase of manufacturing\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/#organization\",\"name\":\"FACFOX,INC.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/foxdoc-favicon.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/foxdoc-favicon.png\",\"width\":132,\"height\":133,\"caption\":\"FACFOX,INC.\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/facfox3d\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/facfox3d\",\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/facfox3d\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"3D Printing and 3D Scanning for Archeology and Museums - FacFox Docs","description":"3D scanning and 3D printing can be used to store digital twins of fragile, rare, and ancient historical artefacts. These technologies can also be used to This guide explores how 3D printers and 3D scanners are used for archeology and museums.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"3D Printing and 3D Scanning for Archeology and Museums","og_description":"3D scanning and 3D printing can be used to store digital twins of fragile, rare, and ancient historical artefacts. These technologies can also be used to This guide explores how 3D printers and 3D scanners are used for archeology and museums.","og_url":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums","og_site_name":"FacFox Docs","article_publisher":"https:\/\/facebook.com\/facfox3d","article_modified_time":"2022-02-17T03:38:44+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/851ffbffd4c68c22.png","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@facfox3d","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums","url":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums","name":"3D Printing and 3D Scanning for Archeology and Museums - FacFox Docs","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/851ffbffd4c68c22.png","datePublished":"2021-11-17T08:44:16+00:00","dateModified":"2022-02-17T03:38:44+00:00","description":"3D scanning and 3D printing can be used to store digital twins of fragile, rare, and ancient historical artefacts. These technologies can also be used to This guide explores how 3D printers and 3D scanners are used for archeology and museums.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/851ffbffd4c68c22.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/851ffbffd4c68c22.png"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printing-and-3d-scanning-for-archeology-and-museums#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"3D Printing and 3D Scanning for Archeology and Museums"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/#website","url":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/","name":"FacFox Docs","description":"Knowledgebase of manufacturing","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/#organization","name":"FACFOX,INC.","url":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/foxdoc-favicon.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/foxdoc-favicon.png","width":132,"height":133,"caption":"FACFOX,INC."},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/facebook.com\/facfox3d","https:\/\/x.com\/facfox3d","https:\/\/instagram.com\/facfox3d"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kb\/164093","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/kb"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=164093"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kb\/164093\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":164094,"href":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kb\/164093\/revisions\/164094"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=164093"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"kbtopic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kbtopic?post=164093"},{"taxonomy":"kbtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kbtag?post=164093"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}