Additive manufacturing for archaeological reconstruction of a medieval ship

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to examine the suitability of additive manufacturing technologies in the reconstruction of archaeological discoveries as illustrative models. The processes of reverse engineering and part fabrication are discussed in detail, with particular emphasis placed on the difficulties of managing scaling and material characteristics for the manufacturing process. Design/methodology/approach -Through a case-based approach, this paper examines the reconstruction of a fifteenth-century ship recovered from the River Usk in South Wales, UK. Using interviews and process data, the paper identifies challenges for both archaeologists and manufacturers in the application of additive manufacturing technologies for archaeological reconstruction applications. Findings -This paper illustrates both the suitability of additive manufacturing in archaeological restoration, but also the challenges which result from this approach. It demonstrates the practical considerations of scaling process and materials, whilst also highlighting the techniques to improve accuracy and mechanical properties of the model. Originality/value -Whilst the technologies of additive manufacturing have previously been applied to model making, little scholarly research has considered the practical techniques of design elicitation and manufacturing for archaeological applications. Using an in-depth case study, this paper highlights the principal considerations for these applications, and provides guidance in the mitigation of manufacturing issues.

The Newport Medieval Ship, Wales, United Kingdom

“…After investigating the various methods, the clear choice was selective laser sintering, which provided an accurate, strong and slightly flexible product. Laser sintering is a process where thin layers of finely ground material (in this case, polyamide-12 nylon dust) are repeatedly laid down and selectively fused with a laser (Soe et al, 2012). Each subsequent layer is fused to the layer below, with the laser being activated only where a solid form is desired.…”

Rapid Prototyping of Pneumatic Directional Control Valves

“…Kheirollahi [ 1 ] analyzes the use of RP in dentistry, especially the RP methods for the design and fabrication of dentist prostheses. In another major study concerned with the application of RP, Soe et al [ 2 ] discuss the possibility of reconstructing elements of a medieval ship. They also attempt to assess the degree of applicability of additive manufacturing to reconstruct other archaeological finds and indicate problems related to the application of reverse engineering and rapid prototyping.…”

The use of rapid prototyping in the joining of fractured historical silver object

“…In addition to the virtual approaches, the prototyped physical models are able to revolutionise some applications without interfering with the original item; to produce structures for fragment fittings; to produce temporary or permanent replicas for replacement of the original item; to produce copies on different scales (Arbace et al ., 2013; Scopigno et al , 2014). Additionally, the restoration of museum items greatly enhances the cognitive perception and visual impact on the general public while providing richer researches and museum exhibitions (Du Plessis et al , 2015; Fantini et al ., 2008; Soe et al , 2012; Wang and Wang, 2013).…”