THE USE OF DESKTOP 3D SCANNERS AND PRINTERS IN THE RESTORATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL CERAMICS: AN EVALUATION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE CONSERVATOR

Abstract

Restoration of archaeological ceramics involves assembling the recovered pieces and reconstructing the missing ones. Conventionally, reconstructing the missing pieces involves risky processes like molding and casting. This study examines the use of desktop-type 3D scanners and printers as cost-effective and non-industrial tools for restoring archaeological ceramics, aiming to avoid the potential damage caused by conventional methods. To this end, contemporary pots, resembling archaeological ceramics, were randomly shattered, with some pieces reassembled and others left out to simulate missing fragments. Reassembled pieces were scanned using a 3D scanner employing the structured light technique. Various modeling techniques, some of which were based on existing literature, were employed to reconstruct the missing pieces in 3D. The reconstructed 3D models were printed using FDM-type and SLAtype 3D printers, PLA and ABS filaments and liquid resin. Some of the printed pieces effectively filled the gaps and matched the shapes of the missing pieces. The results demonstrate that this approach can successfully manufacture missing pieces of archaeological ceramic pots without the risks associated with conventional methods, using affordable 3D scanning and printing equipment, modest PC hardware and inexpensive printing materials. Thus, this technology is expected to become widely used in restoration practices in the near future.