Rapid prototyping, or sintering, takes digital 3D measurements of an object from a computer and builds a physical replica out of nylon or polycarbonate plastic. The actual process uses lasers fusing together layer upon layer of polycarbonate powder to form the shape of the object from the bottom up. The actual shape of the object can be given in standard CAD data format, which is determined by laser scanning and computed tomography scanning of artifacts. The replica can be exact to +/- .127 mm of the original artifact, exact enough detail to see wear patterns on lithics or enamel on replicated teeth.

History

The laser sintering process is a relatively new one, developed within the last decade to aid manufacturers in producing prototypes of machined parts.

Uses in Archaeology

The ability to create good reproductions of artifacts virtually anywhere in the world with little effort would be of great advantage to archaeologists. It would allow researchers to keep a copy of artifacts at hand, even when they do not own the artifacts, or the artifact is due to be returned to a native tribe.

Links

StrataSys - Rapid Prototying Developers