Augmented reality meets laser sintering

At the Zurich University of the Arts, augmented reality and 3D printing are being examined as potential teaching materials of the future. For the innovative project, Sintratec provided a 3D printed replica of an archaeological find.

An immersive workbook

Jonas Christen is a research associate of the group Knowledge Visualization at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). As part of a research project, his team is developing immersive teaching materials based on Augmented Reality (AR). In the first field test, secondary school students are to gain a deeper understanding about the working methods of archaeology. This is not only done digitally, however: «A pure AR application bears the risk that the students are distracted by the fascination for the medium and absorb little information», says Christen. That’s why the AR technology is combined with an analog workbook.

Jonas Christen (ZHdK) and his research team developed an immersive workbook based on AR technology.

Inside the book, students learn about the digital workflow of modern archeology.

Experiencing archaeology up close

«In the book we follow the archaeological object from its discovery, through excavation, documentation and reconstruction, until we finally try to find out what it was used for and where», explains Christen. With augmented reality glasses, the students can experience each step of the process three-dimensionally and animated on the surface of the workbook, in order to gain a better sense of the archaeologist’s approach. In addition to the old medium of paper and the new medium of AR, the teaching material is supplemented by a third: 3D printing.

The chain divider from the Uetliberg

This project is specifically about a bronze object consisting of several chains and rings – a so-called chain divider – which was probably used as an ornament for horses. The find dates back to 400 BC and was uncovered in 2014 at the Uetliberg, a mountain near Zurich. With such a highly complex piece, 3D printing soon proved to be the only viable manufacturing method to create a true-to-life replica. «The 3D printed reconstruction serves as a visual object for the students to experience the dimensions of the find, but can also provide archaeologists with new insights about its possible use», says Christen.

A bit like an excavation itself: after printing, the replica was depowdered in the Sintratec S2.

A laser sintered replica

The chain divider was subsequently 3D printed with the durable PA12 nylon material on the Sintratec S2 system. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) proved to be the ideal choice for Jonas Christen: «The Sintratec technology allows us to reproduce the extremely fine aspects of the object in great detail», he points out. «The accuracy, robustness and haptics of SLS printing were important factors for us.» In the first field test, the SLS chain inspired the students and successfully contributed to the transfer of knowledge. Thus, the exciting combination of augmented reality and 3D printed parts could very well find its way into future classrooms.

3D printed in one shot: the SLS technology results in accurate and durable parts.

Jonas Christen
Research Associate
Knowledge Visualization
ZHdK