Connecting the Past and the Future of Carrier Library with 3D Technology

Posted October 31, 2023 in Carrier Renovation News, Educational Technology News, Feature Friday, JMU Libraries News, The Makery News

The Makery in Rose Library recently helped to bridge the gap between the past and the future of Carrier Library using the power of 3D scanning and printing technology. While preparing for the renovation of Carrier Library, the construction team uncovered a set of exquisite 1930s-era column capitals. Now, our Makery team has utilized 3D technology to recreate these intricate pieces.

Under the guidance of Andrew Strack, the Media Production and Makerspace Services team began the process by performing a 3D scan of the best-preserved column capital. Zachary Williams then refined the digital file, and multiple staff members worked together to 3D print the replicas. However, as Andrew recounted, “3D printing is finicky sometimes. It took several tries to get it right, and there were several notable failures along the way. And it takes about 36 hours to print each of the large ones, which are 8 inches tall.”

The team didn’t give up, and the largest version was even printed in the same robin’s-egg blue color as the original column capitals. Jared Wark and Dan Easley conducted extensive research to find the perfect shade of 3D printing filament. Only two rolls of that particular color were available in all of North America! The Makery team snapped them up and printed the largest versions in the historically accurate color just in time for Homecoming. At the Libraries’ QuadFest booth, attendees marveled at the replicas, appreciating how they beautifully represented the intersection of the past and the future. 

These lovely 3D-printed items will soon be on display for the campus community and visitors to admire within Moody Hall, as part of a display related to the Carrier Library renovation and expansion. 

To delve deeper into the history of the column capitals, you can explore this earlier story.