3D-printed replacements let conservators monitor damage inside ancient pottery
Researchers at Koc University have developed a method to restore ancient pottery using 3D-printed parts embedded with sensors. These smart fills allow conservators to monitor environmental factors like humidity and stress to prevent further deterioration of archaeological artifacts.
Why it matters
This innovation provides a non-invasive way to preserve fragile historical objects, potentially revolutionizing how museums and archaeologists maintain cultural heritage.
Imagine an ancient amphora recovered from the seabed after centuries underwater. It may be cracked, covered with deposits or missing large sections. Restoring such an object is difficult without causing further damage.To overcome this problem, researchers at Koc University in Turkiye have developed a conservation method that combines photogrammetry, digital modelling, 3D printing and embedded sensors, Phys.org reported. It is designed to replace missing parts of archaeological ceramic objects while also helping conservators monitor changes that could affect their condition.The approach was described in a study published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage. It was developed by archaeologists and engineers from Koc University’s Mustafa V Koc Maritime Archaeology Research Center (KUDAR) and Manufacturing and Automation Research Center (MARC).3D repairing of potteryThe process begins by photographing the archaeological amphora. Researchers take hundreds of overlapping photographs of the object.
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