Application history of 3D scanning:
solving various tasks in real production facilities
solving various tasks in real production facilities
Reverse engineering, geometry control, non-contact measurements, creation of equipment for scientific experiments, virtual museums, product design and other applications of 3D scanners
The use of 3D technologies in creating sculptures for the Rzhevsky Memorial
The prototype of the soldier statue was digitized and a scaled-down model was printed for aerodynamic structural strength tests.
The Rzhevsky Memorial to the Soviet Soldier is a grandiose complex created on the initiative of veterans of the Great Patriotic War. The central figure of the composition is the famous 80-ton bronze sculpture of a soldier with a height of 25 meters. Numerous images published in the media captured the painstaking and time-consuming work of the sculptors and engineers involved in the construction of the monument. 3D technologies have also made a contribution, which simplified the preparatory stages, making it possible to avoid a number of serious mistakes.
The scale of a person to a part of a sculptural composition.
The first developments began in 2017, when the commission was presented with sketches of the works. The selection process was long. Only six months later, the sketch by sculptor Andrey Korobtsov and architect Konstantin Fomin was approved. The sculpture of the soldier has been undergoing changes for three years — edits were made by historians and engineers.
Photo from the sculptor's workshop: the initial sketch, followed by a 3D rendering of the future memorial
The main task was to make a reliable construction — the soil at the site of the monument is swampy and strong winds often blow. Experts had concerns that the frame of the monument might not hold up.
For these purposes, a prototype sculpture (about 2 meters high) was digitized with a Thor3D 3D scanner. The sculpture was scanned according to the same principle as people are scanned: in a spiral from top to bottom (from the top of the head to the floor). Since the sculpture was large, the scanning session was divided into two parts.: scanning of the head and torso, and scanning of the supporting structure itself. Next, our specialist combined the two parts of the scan into the software and got a ready-made model.
For these purposes, a prototype sculpture (about 2 meters high) was digitized with a Thor3D 3D scanner. The sculpture was scanned according to the same principle as people are scanned: in a spiral from top to bottom (from the top of the head to the floor). Since the sculpture was large, the scanning session was divided into two parts.: scanning of the head and torso, and scanning of the supporting structure itself. Next, our specialist combined the two parts of the scan into the software and got a ready-made model.
Photo from the sculptor's workshop: scan
Next, the 3D scan was finalized by ZBrush specialists for a 3D printer and printed in a smaller copy so that it could be "blown" in an air tube.
3D scan of the sculpture
In the workshop. Sculpting a part of a sculpture. The final prototype is visible in the foreground.
In the workshop. Sculpting a part of a sculpture.
In the workshop. The head of a soldier.
Then, when all three parts were molded, they were divided into fragments for casting in bronze (there were 600 fragments in total). The casting was carried out in the workshop of sculptor Alexander Rukavishnikov.
The sculpture was assembled at the site of the future monument in two stages: the assembly of the upper tier and the lower (cranes). The installation started from the head.
On March 31, 2020, work on the creation of the central figure of the memorial was completed.
The sculpture was assembled at the site of the future monument in two stages: the assembly of the upper tier and the lower (cranes). The installation started from the head.
On March 31, 2020, work on the creation of the central figure of the memorial was completed.
3D scanner in this project
Handheld optical 3D scanner
Accuracy up to 0.1 mm
Resolution up to 0.6 mm
Scans textures
Accuracy up to 0.1 mm
Resolution up to 0.6 mm
Scans textures