Digitizing and 3D Printing the Collection at the Smithsonian Museum

 Escobedo, Xavier

Adam Savage’s Tested. (2019, September 2). Digitizing Objects from Smithsonian’s Enormous Collection! YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgqv-MKbogQ

https://3d.si.edu/explore

Summary

The Smithsonian has 155 million artifacts in its collection and less than 1% is ever on display. The Smithsonian is now scanning many items from their collection that would never be seen by the public, and uploading a digitized copy on their website. The public can interact with these artifacts on the Smithsonian 3D digitization page, as well as download 3D printing information so they may print the artifact with their own machine. Artifacts are digitized are by photogrammetry, structure light scanning, and with the FARO Design Scanarm, which shoots lasers to capture the geometry of an object. Educators are able to print their own replica of historical objects and use the 3D printed model for instructional purposes. Inquisitive individuals can comb through the collection and have a fun time learning about various historical artifacts. It is a great way to showcase the Smithsonian’s extensive collection that would otherwise go unseen by the public. 

Evaluation

Digitizing the historical artifacts in the Smithsonian collection further preserves the materials by making them available to the public through the internet. While some historical artifacts may eventually disintegrate, they will now be forever preserved in their digital form and may even have their replicas 3D printed for future generations. Digitizing and 3D printing are great ways for the public to interact with objects that would normally be behind a glass or stored in a warehouse. The bulk of the collection that is stored and never made available to the public now has a new breath of life and helps the museum stay relevant through online visitors.

The tools used for digitizing materials are expensive, but it would be interesting to see if other museums begin digitizing their collection for the public. 

Maybe... just maybe... those European museums could digitize and 3D print their entire collection and eventually give back all the original artifacts that were stolen. 

Pretty cool technology though, jokes aside.