Inheriting Water Culture: 3D Printing Landscapes - 3DPrint.com

Sand tables are a relatively common form of cultural display in museums and similar centers.Miniature dioramas show the audience directly a realistic scene and deepen their memory compared to simple letters and pictures. . However, in the past, creating a sand table scene was very labor intensive and required a lot of time and energy to complete. But with the advent of 3D scanning and his 3D printing, creating such displays is becoming more and more streamlined.

Capturing China’s history with 3D printing

Traditionally, museum dioramas were made of clay, which is difficult to preserve. In addition, the manufacturing process of clay figurines is time consuming and the demands on designers are becoming more demanding. But 3D scanning and printing technology subverts traditional craftsmanship.

This technology demonstrating its potential was essential to the production of the sand table that showcases the Hangzhou Xianlin Reservoir. The Chinese calligrapher, essayist, gourmand, pharmacist, poet, politician and travel writer Su Dongpo administered the West Lake remedy in 1089 while serving as governor of Hangzhou. 3D printing and scanning were used to recreate the event for the public. This technique greatly shortened the production time of the project, and vividly represented the historically significant event of Su Dongpo’s treatment of the West Lake.

Let’s take a look behind the scenes of diorama production.

Step 1: 3D Scan

A handheld iReal color 3D scanner was used to capture a complete and accurate 3D model of an actor performing a given action in a specific costume, designed according to concept drawings.

A scanner using infrared structured light technology provided the actors with a safe and comfortable scanning experience. The wide field of view and depth of field allowed for smooth and fast scanning, which benefited models that had to remain still in certain poses. The device can scan the entire human body in just minutes. For this project, we scanned over 10 people.

Step 2: Process Scan Data

Next, we post-processed the 3D scan data. This included enhancing details, sculpting image imperfections, fixing scan errors, adjusting poses, creating tools in 3rd party software like ZBrush and Blender, and much more detailed. rice field. The optimized 3D data can be further saved for digital archiving and used in various production processes such as CNC engraving, open mold production, copper casting, form sculpting, etc., according to different scene requirements.

Step 3: 3D printed figures for diorama

We used a UnionTech 3D printer to quickly obtain the figures. Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing has many advantages over the process, such as smooth surfaces (easier to paint), faster printing speeds, and rich detail generation.

Step 4: Painting

Non-toxic acrylic paints can be used to color objects due to their quick drying, durability, and water resistance after drying.

Step 5: Final settings

Finally, set the scene based on the drawings on display in the showroom.

Cultural heritage relics are not only imbued with national spirit, but also historical treasures of all mankind. It is therefore everyone’s responsibility to protect cultural heritage and pass on national heritage to future generations whenever possible. By fusing technology and culture, we continue to explore new ways of preserving and preserving culture. New digital technologies such as the Internet, 3D digitization, 3D printing, AR, and VR are increasingly being introduced in the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage, thus preserving the vivid representations of these materials now and into the future.