Use of 3D Laser Scanning and Additive Technologies for Reconstruction of Damaged and Destroyed Cultural Heritage Objects

Abstract

Three-dimensional laser scanning is a novel measurement technique that is frequently used for the documentation of cultural heritage (CH) objects. In the process of 3D scanning, one can obtain computing 3D models of artworks to be documented. It allows one to produce detailed digitized archives of important CH objects. Moreover, the use of 3D scanning enables the digital reconstruction of architectural fragments, sculptures, and other artworks. One more important application of this technique relates to the creation of molds and replicas for replacements of outdoor CH objects in case their preservation requirements do not allow them to remain in their original place due to the influence of environmental factors. One of the most effective ways of creating replicas is the use of laser additive technologies. Therefore, the combination of 3D scanning and additive technologies is a very promising way of preservation of CH. This paper describes several case studies concerned with the combined usage of 3D laser scanning and additive technologies for digital reconstruction and replication and of outdoor sculptures in St. Petersburg city. One of them is the reconstruction of the zinc sculpture “Eva at the fountain” (XIX century, England), which was destroyed during WWII. Its replica was created by means of laser stereolithography. Eventually, one more project is related to the reconstruction of the fragment of the sufficiently damaged cast-iron XIX century monument. This object was reconstructed using two laser technologies: direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), and laser cladding (LC).

Digital Tools for Data Acquisition and Heritage Management in Archaeology and Their Impact on Archaeological Practices

“…The production of molds and duplicates for outdoor CH artifacts facing preservation constraints is another valuable application. Laser additive technology is an efficient method for making replicas [19]. Laser scanners measure distances from non-contact objects, making them suitable for monuments as they have no negative impact on the original structure [20,21].…”

3D scanning in Cultural Heritage: model creation and digital restoration of the tombstone of the bishop Vasilije Petrović (Negosh) in Saint Petersburg

“…Together with these two features, their non-destructive working principle make them invaluable tools in different fields in which to keep the conservation state of the object under study is the top priority, which is the case of Cultural Heritage (CH) field. Nowadays, the use of 3D laser and optical scanning devices in CH field is widespread in many countries around the world [1], being used in multiple tasks for pieces of different sizes, materials and shapes. The good results obtained and their relatively low cost allow to apply them in new and challenging applications in the area.…”

Application of 3D technologies for museum reproductions: the skull of Homo naledi from the MNCN

“…Se aprovecharon al máximo los recursos del Laboratorio de Morfología Virtual del MNCN a la hora de realizar la réplica. En el desarrollo de la metodología de trabajo se tuvieron en cuenta experiencias previas y trabajos científicos relativos al empleo de las tecnologías 3D en la reproducción y reconstrucción física del Patrimonio Cultural, como se ha indicado [11][12][13][14].…”