3D laser scanning

3D laser scanning of a marble statue at National Museums Liverpool

Conservation Technologies provides a high resolution 3D laser scanning service to both the heritage and non-heritage sectors. Services provided include:

• 3D laser scanning
• Non-contact replication of artefacts
• Post-processing of 3D data
• 3D CAD design
• 3D virtual reconstruction

Our clients include: museums, local authorities, artists, universities, archaeologists, auction houses, engineering companies, designers, architects and private individuals.

Scanning can be carried out in the secure environment of the National Conservation Centre, or on-site in almost any location if the object cannot be moved.

All 3D data collected during the recording of an artwork is handled with the utmost sensitivity.

Please see our case study section| for examples of past projects.

Contact us

Please contact us| for a quote, or if you would like to discuss a potential collaboration or simply require further information.

News

Staffordshire Hoard scanning tests

3D computer model of part of a gold sax handle inlaid with garnets

We have recently undertaken successful laser scanning tests on a number of Anglo-Saxon artefacts for the Staffordshire Hoard project|. 

Return to the Royal Artillery Memorial; 10 years on

Royal Artillery Memorial, Hyde Park Corner, London

In February we returned to Hyde Park corner in London to re-scan sections of the Royal Artillery Memorial on behalf of English Heritage. We were able to compare the results with a scan we carried out in 2001 and produce deviation maps illustrating small areas of loss from the surface during that period.

Recent talks

We were recently invited to present papers at the Institute of Conservation's (Archaeology & Science Group) symposium on Imaging Techniques in Archaeology at Harwell and the Large Volume & Metrology conference held under the wings of Concorde in an aircraft hanger(!) at Manchester Airport.

Training

We can provide bespoke training courses in 3D laser scanning, 3D data processing and rapid manufacturing techniques (introduction to 3D printing and CNC machining). Previous clients have included English Heritage and Historic Scotland. Please contact us| for further information.

How laser scanning works

Using a low power laser beam, the surface of any object can be precisely measured and recorded in three dimensions, without any contact with its surface. The process is completely harmless.

A laser scanner projects a thin stripe of low power laser light onto the surface of the object. A digital camera records the light as it is reflected from the surface. The relative positions of the light source and camera are known. This allows the surface of an object to be mapped as a series of 3D data points, called a 'point cloud'.

Objects with dimensions ranging from a few centimetres to several metres can be scanned. For example, past projects have included small archaeological finds, sculpture and monuments, ancient crosses and a carved Norman doorway.