Modernising Ancient Art
On the 2nd of July 2017, Chris’s life was irrevocably changed in a split second. Having achieved many of his dreams—including owning his dream VW van, preparing to celebrate 25 years of marriage, and buying a diamond ring during a two-week holiday in Sorrento—Chris suddenly found himself facing an unthinkable reality: he became a tetraplegic, losing all movement from the shoulders down. Despite these drastic changes, Chris demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting and overcoming the profound challenges posed by his new circumstances.
Chris’ journey into rediscovering his passions led him to photography, an art form he had once been told he could no longer pursue. His project, “Perceptions of Me and by You”, is a poignant series based on comments made within his hearing, capturing the raw and often harsh realities of living as a tetraplegic diagnosed with depression and PTSD.
Chris embarked on a unique project for his university degree: creating a death mask—a historical practice updated with modern technology. This project not only served as a compelling subject for his photographic work, but also symbolised his journey of transformation and resilience. By merging traditional artistic concepts with cutting-edge 3D scanning and printing technologies, Chris aimed to push the boundaries of his artistic expression while highlighting the profound impact of his life experiences on his art.
The Solution: iReal M3
For capturing the intricate details of Chris’ face, the iReal M3 scanner was selected due to its exceptional human 3D scanning capabilities. Thanks to its unique human scanning mode, the iReal M3 can capture fine facial features and textures without needing markers.
The scanning process was conducted in several steps:
Initial Setup: The iReal M3 scanner was calibrated and configured for optimal performance.
Full Face Scanning: The iReal M3 was used to scan Chris’ face from multiple angles. This approach ensured that all facial features, including skin texture and subtle contours, were accurately captured.
Infrared Light Utilisation: The scanner’s use of infrared VCSEL structured light allowed for a non-intrusive and comfortable scanning process, effectively capturing even the most intricate details without causing discomfort to Chris.
Advanced Capabilities of The iReal M3
The iReal M3‘s advanced features played a significant role in the success of this project:
Eye-Safe Light: The structured light used by the scanner is safe for human eyes, making it ideal for face scanning.
Non-Contact Scanning: The scanner’s non-contact method is particularly beneficial for capturing delicate details without any physical interaction, ensuring the subject’s comfort.
Flexible Alignment Modes: The scanner’s mixed alignment modes, including feature and texture alignments, provided flexibility in capturing complex geometries and textures accurately.
By utilising the iReal M3 scanner, Chris was able to achieve a highly detailed and accurate 3D scan of his face, which formed the basis for creating a precise and lifelike death mask. This advanced technology not only met the project’s technical requirements but also highlighted the potential of modern 3D scanning solutions in artistic applications.
Data Processing
After the scanning was complete, the raw data needed to be processed to create a usable 3D model:
Data Cleanup: Specialised software was used to clean up any noise in the raw scan data. This step involved removing any extraneous details and ensuring that the data was as accurate as possible.
Mesh Creation: The cleaned-up data was then used to create a mesh model. This involved filling in any gaps and ensuring that the mesh was watertight, making it suitable for 3D printing.
The Final Product
The final death mask was a stunningly accurate and detailed replica of Chris’s face, capturing even the most subtle features. The high-resolution print showcased the capabilities of modern 3D printing technology, and the quality of the finished product was a testament to the precision of the iReal M3 scanner and the expertise of the 3D printing company.
Chris’s project successfully demonstrated the integration of traditional artistic concepts with cutting-edge technology. By utilising the iReal M3 scanner and high-resolution 3D printing, Chris was able to create a death mask that not only served as a unique piece for his degree but also underscored the potential of 3D engineering solutions in modern art. This case study highlights the importance of choosing the right equipment and processes to achieve high-quality results in creative projects.
