3D Printing of the Proximal Right Femur: It’s Implications in the Field of Physical Anthropology
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
3D scanning and printing have become useful in many scientific fields over the last few years, and Physical Anthropology is no exception. With skeletal collections decreasing all over the globe and the question of preservation on the rise, it has become necessary to look towards different methods in which one can obtain valuable information. 3D scanning has become useful over the last few decades, and therefore it is essential to establish where this new technology can be of use. This paper will bring 3D scanning and printing into question and determine whether or not it should be used in the contexts of physical anthropology, such as forensic anthropology and preservation of archaeological remains.
This research will attempt to answer the question of whether or not a 3D scan and 3D print out of the proximal right femur will be identical to the original. This research will examine 30 right proximal femoral ends most of which will come from the collection of femurs at the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State and a few femurs that are present in the University of Montana Anthropology Department. These femurs will be hand measured before they are 3D scanned and printed. After the final printouts are made, an error rate will be established to determine if it can be of use in scientific fields that require quantitative accuracy to gather accurate information.
Mentor Name
Randall Skelton
3D Printing of the Proximal Right Femur: It’s Implications in the Field of Physical Anthropology
UC 331
3D scanning and printing have become useful in many scientific fields over the last few years, and Physical Anthropology is no exception. With skeletal collections decreasing all over the globe and the question of preservation on the rise, it has become necessary to look towards different methods in which one can obtain valuable information. 3D scanning has become useful over the last few decades, and therefore it is essential to establish where this new technology can be of use. This paper will bring 3D scanning and printing into question and determine whether or not it should be used in the contexts of physical anthropology, such as forensic anthropology and preservation of archaeological remains.
This research will attempt to answer the question of whether or not a 3D scan and 3D print out of the proximal right femur will be identical to the original. This research will examine 30 right proximal femoral ends most of which will come from the collection of femurs at the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State and a few femurs that are present in the University of Montana Anthropology Department. These femurs will be hand measured before they are 3D scanned and printed. After the final printouts are made, an error rate will be established to determine if it can be of use in scientific fields that require quantitative accuracy to gather accurate information.