Sensor-embedded 3D-printed repairs could help preserve ancient pottery
Koç University researchers have developed a conservation method that combines photogrammetry, digital modeling, 3D printing and embedded sensors to replace missing sections of archaeological amphorae. The customized fills can also monitor environmental and physical changes affecting the artifacts, offering a systematic approach to their conservation and long-term preservation.
Researchers at Koç University have devised a novel method to repair and conserve ancient pottery, specifically archaeological amphorae. This technique, detailed in a journal article published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage, involves a combination of photogrammetry, digital modeling, 3D printing, and embedded sensors. The process begins with capturing hundreds of overlapping images of the damaged amphora, which are then processed using photogrammetry software to generate a high-precision 3D model.
This digital model is used to reconstruct the missing parts of the amphora and create a customized 3D-printed fill. However, what sets this method apart is the inclusion of embedded sensors within the printed fill. These sensors are capable of monitoring critical environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, pH levels, and physical stress.
Unlike traditional plaster repairs, which do not offer any insight into the ongoing condition of the artifact, these sensor-enabled fills provide real-time data on the conditions affecting the artifact. By addressing the deterioration associated with salt migration, deformation, microfractures, and other forms of damage, this method offers a proactive approach to artifact conservation.
The researchers tested this methodology using amphorae from the Günsenin IV amphorae recovered from a Byzantine shipwreck and a mixed collection from the Amalfi coast. The tests confirmed that the integrated sensors could accurately record daily changes in temperature, humidity, and mechanical stress. The ultimate goal of this approach is to not only restore the appearance of the damaged artifacts but also to monitor their long-term stability and environmental conditions, thereby ensuring their preservation for future generations.
The study, conducted by a team of archaeologists and engineers from Koç University, represents a significant advancement in the field of conservation, blending elements of technology, archaeology, and engineering to create a more holistic and informed conservation process.
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