Enlarging sculptures: it’s possible with a 3D scanner

Sculpture requires expertise in both modelling and creation. The 3D system was born a few years ago, and it emerged as a bona fide revolution in the art world. Today, all works of art – including sculptures – can easily be enlarged with a suitable scanner.

The move from ancestral know-how to 3D technology

For a long time, the creation and enlargement of a sculpture was done in two steps :

The design of a model made of clay or wax. These different materials allow the sculptor to modify their work if necessary before finalizing it.

The final size of the sculpture is determined by the sculptor based on the previously designed model after the desired scaling.

This notion of scaling can be achieved using an adjustment tool. With the appropriate tools, the sculptor reproduces on the final support the reference points of the sculpture by specifying the amount of material (e.g., clay) to remove or add to obtain the desired size. This adjustment ensures a reproduction of the sculpture in its original scale.

3D creation and enlarging sculptures

Today, the scanner replaces this adjustment system. Many sculptors and artists rely on this new cutting-edge technology when producing their works of art. This 3D system helps each artist create and enlarge their sculpture while allowing them to reduce the time required to produce it and realize the volume.

How does the 3D enlargement of sculptures work ?

First of all, it’s necessary to design objects in perspective to have a comprehensive view. This design is done on the computer. The 3D file can be created from a sketch, a photo, a model, or a sculpture. This first step is called object modelling.
This three-dimensional image will then be used to make a prototype or a sculpture.
Finally, this file can easily be resized: reduced, enlarged, reproduced… it’s possible to do it all simply, and in just a few clicks!
Once you’ve obtained the work you want, now you just have to create it. This creation is possible with a 5-axis CNC machine.

The advantages of enlarging with a 3D scanner

An artist’s main goal is to communicate their ideas and share their expertise through their works. With a 3D scanner, the creator can design a sculpture according to their ideas and desires. The resulting synthetic image can be modified simply and without limitation as to complexity.
This scanning ensures a very faithful reproduction of the sculpture. The advanced technology of this system also allows for the creation of copies without having to modify, mould, or manipulate the original work. These copies can be made of all sorts of materials, including clay, bronze, marble, plaster, stone…
In short, 3D scanners allow for:

Considerable time savings

Complex reproduction

The communication and sharing of ideas

No limitations with regard to modifications

An exploration of all sorts of materials

Thanks to 3D scanners, you can let your imagination run wild and unleash your creative side !
These days, 3D scanners are frequently used in the artistic world. With no size restrictions, this system guarantees that you’ll save time on each of the different steps involved in the creative process: development, design, enlarging or reducing the size of the work… all this is possible, and with a high speed of execution!