19 
N°IV 2024   MuseoMag 
3D PRINTING 
them. The aim of the workshops is threefold: learning 
about 3D modelling and printing, using these tech- 
nologies in a museum context and learning about 
archaeology and numismatics. With their newly ac- 
quired skills and some inspiration from our collection, 
participants can create their own “Plastic Age” ob- 
jects with a special software and our new 3D printers. 
CREATING 3D MODELS: FROM CONCEPT 
TO PRINT 
But how do you print an object? Where does the 
model come from? The printers are designed to print 
three-dimensional objects. They have an x, y, and z 
axis, allowing the nozzle, where the melted material 
called filament is pushed through, to move around. 
The filament is laid down on a printing platform, 
where the nozzle forms the object. The objects they 
print start as digital files. Models can be obtained in 
various ways. They can be digitally designed using a 
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programme, or they 
can be photogrammetrically, computed tomogra- 
phy-based or laser-scanned objects converted into 
a 3D model. 
The model is then loaded into a slicer, a programme 
that, as the name suggests, slices the object into 
different layers. Think of it like a layered cake. While 
the outside appears smooth, the inside consists of 
various layers of geometrical shapes (e.g., honey- 
comb), giving the object structure and strength. 
The slicer provides the printer with the instructions 
needed to build the object, which the printer then 
constructs from bottom to top, layer by layer. 
INNOVATIVE USES OF 3D PRINTING IN 
MUSEUMS 
When not used in workshops, in-house 3D printers 
can also be useful in other areas of museum work. 
They can, for example, be used to print touchable 
copies of the objects on display and replace 
them if necessary. Although different to the touch, 
3D-printed copies break down the barrier between 
the object and the visitor. These copies can be 
beneficial for visually impaired people, allowing them 
to experience archaeology, history and art. Objects 
can be scaled up or down, enlarging small coins 
or downsizing large buildings for people to touch. 
The printers can also be used by our craftspeople 
to produce certain parts they need, rather than 
ordering and buying them. In the long term, setting 
up a makerspace for public use and offering training 
on how to use the printers may be possible. 
Anaïs Recken 
Past meets present 
Two-day workshop with Pit Molling 
10.10 | 17:30 | DE/EN/FR/LU 
13.10 | 14:30 | DE/EN/FR/LU 
14.11 | 17:30 | DE/EN/FR/LU 
16.11 | 14:30 | DE/EN/FR/LU 
12.12 | 17:30 | DE/EN/FR/LU 
14.12 | 14:30 | DE/EN/FR/LU 
To find out more and register, email us at servicedespublics@mnaha.etat.lu