From Artifact to Internet

JMU’s First 3D Art Collection 

Working in collaboration with JMU Libraries, the Madison Art Collection has created JMU’s first “3D Art Collection,” which includes over 30 ancient artifacts as downloadable 3D models. The lengthy process involved using the latest 3D scanners from Artec and the online publishing platform SketchFab. As most of these artifacts are fragile and some are limited to the total amount of light they can be exposed to, this 3D collection makes them accessible to the public 24/7 and 365 days a year. These virtual copies can also be 3D printed and studied up close by those with visual impairments.

Dr. Wren Stevens (the Director of the Madison Art Collection) worked with Kevin Hegg (Head of Digital Projects and Pedagogy at JMU Libraries) and his graduate student Art Pekun, to select a variety of artifacts for digitization. A number of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Near Eastern artifacts were chosen. 

The Process

The digitization process involves using 3D scanners from Artec, which capture the shape and surface texture of the objects being scanned. A well lit space is required and a computer capable of handling gigabytes of data processing. The Artec Studio 12 software is used to capture, edit, and render 3D models. After capturing thousands of frames, the software is used to clean up and align these frames into a uniform model. The resulting 3D models are made up of thousands of polygons. The entire process requires hours of time and careful attention to detail. After the models are exported from the Artec software, they can be easily modified and published online. 

The Artec scanners have a shallow depth of field, meaning that they can only capture data within a small frame. The user must pay special attention to the model as it is being scanned, being careful to cover every millimeter of the surface. Reflections and bad lighting prevent the camera from capturing adequate data, so creative improvisation is required to complete a good scan. 

3D Printing

After a 3D scan is completed, it is rendered and exported into a common file type, such as .obj or an .stl file. These formats are accepted by most 3D printers and online sharing platforms. JMU libraries are able to print in both colored plastic and clear resin. Here is an example of a resin print in progress.

Technologies Involved in the Process

 

Artec Spider:

This is a high-resolution 3D scanner based on blue light technology. It is perfect for capturing small objects or intricate details of large industrial objects in high resolution, with steadfast accuracy and brilliant color.

The scanner’s ability to render complex geometry, sharp edges and thin ribs sets our technology apart. It is an ideal industrial 3D scanner for high resolution capturing of objects such as molding parts, PCBs, keys, coins or even a human ear, followed by the export of the final 3D model to CAD software. — Artec Space Spider

Artec Eva:

This structured light 3D scanner is the ideal choice for making a quick, textured and accurate 3D model of medium sized objects such as a human bust, an alloy wheel, or a motorcycle exhaust system. It scans quickly, capturing precise measurements in high resolution, which allows for almost unlimited applications, without the use of additional equipment. — Artec Eva

Sketchfab:

Sketchfab is a platform to publish, share, discover, buy and sell 3D, VR and AR content. It provides a viewer based on the WebGL and WebVR technologies that allows users to display 3D models on the web, to be viewed on any mobile browser, desktop browser or Virtual Reality headset. — Wikipedia

Tinkercad:

Tinkercad is a free, easy, browser-based 3D design and modeling tool for editing 3D models. It was recently purchased by Autocad. — Tinkercad

Ultimaker 3:

The Ultimaker 3 is an advanced desktop 3D printer with dual-extrusion capabilities, wifi and wired network connectivity, an onboard camera, automatic material detection, active leveling, and more. Watch our video for an overiew of what you can expect from the Ultimaker 3. — Ultimaker 3

Formlabs Form 2:

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing uses a laser to cure solid isotropic parts from a liquid photopolymer resin. — Form 2