3D Printing + Scanning
This project combined art and technology by 3D printing a sarcophagus using wire for the outer structure, while the mummy inside was printed using powder. The goal was to blend historical symbolism with modern fabrication techniques, exploring how different materials could interact to create a cohesive, yet intricate design.
The Background
A sarcophagus, often associated with ancient Egyptian royalty, was typically crafted from stone but frequently adorned with gold, especially in the cases of pharaohs and high-status individuals. The gold embellishments symbolized divinity and eternal life, reflecting the belief that the deceased would transcend into the afterlife as a god-like figure. These ornate, gold-covered coffins not only served as protection for the body but as a display of wealth and spiritual significance. The use of gold in these ancient sarcophagi inspired my project, where I aim to recreate this sense of timeless elegance and reverence using modern 3D printing techniques, while capturing the historical grandeur in a contemporary form. The most famous sarcophagus is that of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, commonly known as King Tut. Discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter, King Tut's sarcophagus is renowned for its extraordinary craftsmanship and the use of gold. The innermost coffin, made of solid gold, contained the mummified remains of the young pharaoh and was adorned with intricate hieroglyphics and symbols representing his journey to the afterlife.
I decided to make King Tut’s sarcophagus and mummy.
The Works
The design of the sarcophagus and mummy was inspired by the creating something that directly stated it was Egyptian. I wanted duality in material, in color, and in style.
The Dual Creation, Wire &Powder
I used a 3D model of the sarcophagus and mummy models, separating them into distinct files.
Wire Printing (Sarcophagus):
I used plastic wire extrusion printer, Bambu, because this was a hard shell. I imported the sarcophagus model into slicing software, adjusting settings for wire material (layer height, speed, etc.). After printing it, I had to cut out a lot of the support, which proved difficult when doing the intricate details like under the cane and whip or beard.
Powder Printing (Mummy):
I used the gypsum powder for printing the mummy to give a real feeling for the mummy, I adjusted the size of the mummy to make sure it fits into the sarcophagus by measuring the plate of the 3D wire printer. Shah helped me with the execution of the powder printing process, ensuring post-processing for fine detailing
The Background
To enhance the sarcophagus' realism, the inside will be spray-painted with a copper finish, mimicking the rich, oxidized metal often found in ancient tombs. This inner layer will give depth and an authentic feel to the sarcophagus' interior. For the outside, a gold spray paint will be applied, capturing the opulence and grandeur of ancient burial practices, similar to the golden relics discovered in tombs like those of Egyptian pharaohs. The contrast between the copper interior and gold exterior will create a striking, historically inspired dual coloration, emphasizing craftsmanship and luxury. Also, a good note: GOLD is the brand of the spray paint not the actual color found on the can, I ran into this problem and told Jacob that the Gold was spraying green and then grey, he told me to just shake the can because its old. Turns out it was actually green spray paint then grey spray paint of the brand GOLD, I went and bought the real colors gold and copper to ensure I finished this, and yes, they were from the GOLD brand as well.
The Final Product
The final product, as seen in the images, displays an impressive combination of textures, finishes, and dual coloration that closely resemble the aesthetic of ancient Egyptian burial artifacts. The sarcophagus exterior, spray-painted in gold, has a highly detailed and textured surface that enhances the realistic depiction of pharaonic symbols, facial features, and ornate carvings. The interior, painted with a rich copper tone, creates a beautiful contrast, replicating the kind of craftsmanship and opulence found inside ancient tombs. The mummy, printed with a powder material, provides a realistic, textured look, fitting seamlessly inside the copper-lined sarcophagus. Its soft, pale color mimics the preserved, desiccated look of real mummies, further enhancing the authenticity of the display. The interplay between the golden exterior and copper interior presents a striking dual coloration that elevates the overall realism and presentation of the artifact, reminiscent of the treasures found in royal tombs.
3D Scanning
For another project, we used an app to scan my hand while I was wearing my rings for the 3D scanning aspect. I had to stand perfectly still to get a good scan, and although the results came out slightly fuzzy in some areas, the scan was still pretty decent and captured the details of my rings with surprising accuracy. It was cool to see how the technology could recreate a physical object digitally, even if the process required some patience to minimize movement.
