The Process of Digitizing A Sculpture

Marshall Fredericks's sculpture Boy and Bear  began a technological journey to be transformed into a small bronze sculpture through the process of Rapid Prototyping.  This technology would have fascinated and amazed Fredericks.  

I was fortunate to be part of the process which began last week by Mike Hall from Preferred Tech of Waterford, Michigan.  Hall brought his equipment to the museum and scanned the sculpture which resulted in a digital file from which a plastic model will be printed.  The model will then be sent to a bronze casting company in Lansing, Michigan where a mold will be created and a bronze will be cast.  

I will continue to update you on the process and let you know when the small Boy and Bear reproduction bronzes are available for purchase in the museum store.

Digital file of Boy and Bear created from scan of the plaster sculpture in the museum. Photo: Mike Hall

Boy and Bear being rendered on the computer screen. Photo: Geoffe Haney

Mike Hall setting up his equipment to begin the scan of the Boy and Bear sculpture. Photo: Geoffe Haney

Detail of the scan showing the intricate details captured during the scanning process. Photo: Mike Hall

By: Geoffe Haney ~ Collection Manager