3D printer training and our first test print

On February 6th and 7th, we received training for our 3D Systems ProJet 660Pro printer. Training included not only how to set up and complete a print using the software, but also essential steps such as the cleaning  of the machine that is required after the conclusion of each print. 

After completing the necessary setup, calibration, and print head alignment, we performed our first test print, using a scan of a small bone comb that had been completed using Sustainable Archaeology's white light 3D digitizers. To test the process of positioning objects in the build envelope using the software, we printed three copies of the same object.

Printing in progress.

After a print is completed, the parts must be carefully excavated from the excess powder in the build envelope. The parts are quite delicate prior to any post-processing treatment, and can easily be broken during removal from the powder. Our objects were particularly delicate, as to maximize our training time, we did not allow for the usual one to two hours of drying time generally recommended between the conclusion of the printing process and the start of post-processing.

Excavating the prints

For our first test, we experimented with one of the available post-processing techniques, which is infiltration using a solution of Epsom salts and water. We plan to experiment further in the coming weeks to determine what scanning procedures produce the best files for printing, and to determine what post-processing techniques will produce the best colour replication. 

Front and back views of the completed print

The final print (right) and the original object

January Arrivals at SA

Happy new year to our blog readers! We've had a busy January so far, welcoming two new arrivals to the facility: our (much anticipated!) 3D printer, and our new artifact cabinets. 

 

The 3D printer is a 3D Systems ProJet 660Pro from vendor Progressive Educational Systems Inc. The ProJet 660 uses a composite powder rather than plastic for its build material, and has the capability to create replication-quality pieces in full colour. Stay tuned for our inaugural "first print" post!

Interior view of the printer

In addition to the printer we received our Delta and Rousseau cabinets from Spacesaver Solutions Inc. The cabinets will be used to house special or fragile artifacts.

Artifact Photography Stations

Our artifact photography stations are taking shape. Purchased from Vistek, we have two stationary work spaces and one flexible kit for large-scale or on-site photography. Each stationary station consists of a Nikon D5200 DSLR camera with 18-50mm lens, a Manfrotto tripod, a Lastolite Cubelite, Lastolite lamps, and Westcott Apollo reflectors with Nikon SB700 speedlights. 

Our floating camera station is outfitted with both an 18-200mm telephoto and 60mm macro lens and a 6' Cubelite for optimal versatility in field and lab, with large artifacts and small. Nikon Camera Capture Pro2 software will be used to take the photographs directly from the tethered laptop at each station. 

In addition to the Cubelites, which serve to diffuse light from every direction, we have several different sized reflectors and diffusers, which can be used to manage glare, reflection, and shadow when photographing and 3D scanning artifacts. Every artifact record in the database will include a photo to aid in identification, and to provide remote users with the means to view an artifact online without traveling to the facility.

Flotation Machine in Action

Featured in a previous post, Sustainable Archaeology's soil flotation machine from R. J. Dausman Technical Services, Inc. was put through its paces today. A team from New Directions Archaeology Ltd. was on site to un-crate and set up the machine, running the first tests out in the Lawson village at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology, next door. They will be floating dry sediment samples over the next few days that they have collected from some recent excavations the company has been working on.

The machine requires access to running water for its initial fill, as well as access to a source of electricity for circulating the water in the tank. After its initial fill, the machine recycles water within itself to allow for light-fraction flotation, and heavy-fraction rinsing with an attached spray-hose. The material captured in the screens is then allowed to dry on newspaper before it is packaged, and later analyzed. The fine mesh, as seen in the images below, allows for the capture of tiny floating artifacts, such as tobacco seeds. A courser mesh filters the heavier fraction of sediment, which can include artifacts such as shell, bone and pieces of flaked stone tool.

Ark of the Covenant, or....?

While the large crate and black wrapping material may give off an exciting aura of mystery, we have to  disappoint our fellow archaeologists with the news that the latest arrival at the facility is not the Ark of the Covenant, but in fact a soil flotation machine from R. J. Dausman Technical Services, Inc.

Happy Anniversary to Western SA!

Today marks the first year anniversary of Western's SA occupancy permit. Over the course of this past year, we've seen the finishing touches done to the building, had our safety checks and we've purchased our computers, 3D scanners, MicroCT, digital x-ray and an electric work assist vehicle.We've hosted a three month 3D/animation internship and a three week thin-sectioning workshop. Our geophysical equipment has been used at a number of archaeological sites, including at Techumseh Park in Chatham, Ontario (last September), and at Fort Erie this summer. We've welcomed tours of representatives from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the First Nation's Financial Management Board, the Smithsonian Institution, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Mitacs, local Rotary clubs, as well as hosts of individuals from across Ontario and around the world who are interested in Sustainable Archaeology and the philosophy we espouse. We've also begun to establish communication with a variety of other archaeological facilities and institutions, such as the Center for Digital Archaeology at the University of California, Berkley.

Over the course of the next year, we look forward to growing and settling into our space. We have more equipment to purchase (including a 3D prototyper and Virtual Imaging station), more courses and workshops to host, and we're looking forward to having some substantive information to share about our project at a number of local and international conferences. Watch for representatives from SA Western and SA McMaster at the Ontario Archaeological Society meeting in Windsor and the Canadian Association for Physical Anthropology conference in Victoria, BC in November 2012, as well as the Society for American Archaeology conference in Honolulu, Hawaii in April 2013! 

MicroCT scanner

The Sustainable Archaeology facility at the University of Western Ontario is seeking bids from vendors for a micro computed tomography scanner for the Ancient Images Laboratory. A microCT scanner is required for the non-destructive examination, 2D cross section and 3D volumetric reconstruction of archaeological artifacts and organic remains. Examples of applications include the examination of trabecular architecture in vertebrae, the distribution of enamel, cementum and dentin in teeth, the material composition and mineral inclusions of ceramics and the characterization of source morphology and inclusions in stone tools. The Request for Proposals (RFP) has been published on the WEsternBUYs website,UWORFPAL-01106 and MERX. The Senior Buyer contact for this proposal is Andrew Lazarito - alazarit @ uwo.ca. Proposals close at noon EDT on 15 April 2011. NOTE: the deadline for the posting has been extended to 29 April 2011.