Topic: Technology
Researchers from Koç University developed a new method to repair ancient pottery. They used sensors and 3D printing to create customized 'smart' fills for damaged ceramics. This approach allows conservators to monitor the condition of artifacts over time.
Imagine recovering a 1,000-year-old amphora from the seabed. After centuries underwater, it may be cracked, encrusted or missing pieces. How can it be reconstructed without causing further damage—and how can conservators continue to monitor its condition once it is displayed or stored? For centuries, conservators have commonly used plaster to replace missing sections of ceramic artifacts.
A team of archaeologists and engineers from Koç University has developed a different approach. In a study published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage, the researchers describe a method combining photogrammetry, digital modeling, additive manufacturing and embedded sensors to produce customized 'smart' fills for damaged archaeological ceramics.
The process begins with a camera. Hundreds of overlapping photographs of an amphora are combined using photogrammetry software to create a precise digital three-dimensional model. Researchers can then digitally reconstruct the missing section and produce a customized fill using 3D printing technology. Unlike a conventional plaster repair, however, the printed fill can contain integrated sensors.
These sensors are designed to detect changes in temperature, humidity, pH and physical stress—all of which may affect the stability of archaeological objects. Because the sensors are incorporated directly into the repair rather than positioned elsewhere in the museum, they can provide information about the conditions affecting the individual artifact.
Why It Matters
This technology could help preserve India's rich cultural heritage by providing a systematic approach to conserving ancient artifacts. It also has potential applications in monitoring environmental changes and physical stresses that may affect these objects over time.
Key Facts
- Researchers from Koç University developed a new method to repair ancient pottery using sensors and 3D printing.
- The study used two collections of amphorae: one from the late Byzantine Çamaltı Burnu I shipwreck in Türkiye, and another from the Amalfi coast in Italy.
- Initial museum measurements showed that the integrated sensors could record daily changes in temperature and humidity as well as patterns of force detected by a stress sensor.
- The approach is intended to establish a reproducible process for documenting archaeological ceramics, reconstructing missing sections, and monitoring potential risks after restoration.
- Further work will examine the results, practical applications, and cost-effectiveness of this new method.
Key Terms
- Photogrammetry
- A technique that uses overlapping photographs to create a precise digital three-dimensional model.
- Additive Manufacturing
- A process that creates an object by adding layers of material, such as 3D printing.
Implications
This technology could help preserve India's rich cultural heritage by providing a systematic approach to conserving ancient artifacts. It also has potential applications in monitoring environmental changes and physical stresses that may affect these objects over time.
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