Making a 3D Print (a Replica) of a Fossil

3D-printing technology uses the data gathered from 3D imaging to make an exact reproduction of a fossil bone. It is a vertebrate from the fossil of an Arctic carnivore, Puijila darwini. The surface of the fossil bone was scanned by a 3D laser scanner. The data gathered by the scanner is used by the 3D printer to create a replica—a 3D print—of the bone. The technique has several advantages over traditional casting methods, including the fact that only light touches the bone. Puijila darwini represents a breakthrough in our understanding of the evolutionary journey of seals from land to sea. The fossil is 24 to 20 million years old. It was found in the Haughton Crater on Devon Island, Canada. The research project is led by Dr. Natalia Rybczynski of the Canadian Museum of Nature.

More information: http://nature.ca/puijila/fb_3d_e.cfm

French version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-xc2DVPuPs

http://nature.ca — Canadian Museum of Nature

Category:

Education

Tags:

• 3D print
• reproduction
• replica
• fossils
• bones
• technology
• Puijila darwini
• 3D imaging

[katheryncruz24]

Wow. Nice vid.

[adelle0001]

danda naman!

[daughterflash]

i didn't see it soften up at any point,you have to hold it and blow the powder off before you put droplets on. As far as I know they come out hard or set as according to what they are making, .. I saw some soccer boots get a new sole that was flexible made in this way.

[dfhohj]

at 1:07 i thought that print would break while he held it and softened it up , i would have place it down first then place droplets on top ect..

[marleanedc]

A good way to archive important museum pieces which shouldn't be exposed to air.

[Gladiator2155]

... 11'527 views and 3 comments!?

[1foxtrot70]

This would be awsome for the medical field. For example a patient who has had to have bone tissue remove from their face due to cancer, accident, etc. The medium would be a powdered bone or calcium powder and then surgical glue used to bond or print the bone. The result would be an exact replacement of the base structure and then plastic surgery would take over to remold the skin.

[Superstroeh]

Love to see Stuff like this at Turbosquid...!

[huttonism]

amazing