Experimental Restoration and Replica Studies Using 3D Technology

The Digital Resurrection: Experimental 3D Restoration and Plexi-Replication of a 1770 Maritime Veteran

Title: Experimental Restoration and Replica Studies Using 3D Technology
Author: Uğur GENÇ (Conservator / Principal Investigator)
Affiliations: Directorate of Central Laboratory for Restoration and Conservation in Istanbul & Friends of Cultural Heritage (FOCUH).
Event: CHNT 24 – Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies, (November 4-6, 2019), Vienna, Austria.
Distinction: Awarded as a “Special Poster” by the Scientific Selection Committee.

Bridging the Gap Between Non-Destructive Diagnostics and Experimental Replication

Building upon the advanced diagnostic foundation established by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), this award-winning project takes the next revolutionary step in heritage science: Experimental 3D Restoration. Selected as a ‘Special Poster’ at CHNT 24 in Vienna, this study focuses on the Yevstafiy shipwreck hussar sword (1770), utilizing entirely non-contact digital solutions to reconstruct parts of the artifact that were physically inaccessible due to severe marine mineralization.

Instead of using traditional, intrusive molding techniques that could damage the fragile, degraded leather, wood, and brass components, I implemented an advanced 3D scanning and 3D printing workflow (p. 1). By collecting high-precision spatial data, we reconstructed the exact geometry of the missing elements and replicated the hidden sword components using advanced polymer printing (plexi-like materials) (p. 1). This study demonstrates how a conservator can perform a full physical ‘reconstruction’ in the virtual space, providing museums with accurate physical replicas for exhibition while keeping the original artifact completely safe and untouched.

Key Highlights & Impact

International Distinction: Recognized by the Vienna CHNT Scientific Committee as a premier example of integrating new technologies into cultural heritage.
100% Non-Contact Methodology: Implementing high-resolution 3D surface scanning to bypass the structural risks associated with physical molding on 250-year-old waterlogged organic composite materials.
Digital Anatomy & Plexi-Replication: Successfully recreating missing structural components with 3D printing, utilizing highly stable plexi-like materials to simulate metal components without risking galvanic corrosion.
Virtual Intervention vs. Material Integrity: Proving that the modern conservator’s laboratory bench extends into the digital realm, allowing for historical reconstruction without introducing permanent alteration to the original artifact’s biography.

Citation

Genç, U. (2016). “Experimental Restoration and Replica Studies Using 3D Technology” [Poster], 21st International Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies (CHNT21), 16-18 November, Wien.