Galvanoplasty and 3D printing: unique reconstruction of a golden headband from Opava region thanks to our technology!

Historical find with modern processing

A year ago, the public learned of a significant archaeological discovery. A gold jewel was found in a beet field in the Opava region, which the anonymous finder originally thought to be an ordinary piece of a tin can. However, archaeologists quickly recognized its immense historical value. This almost 50 cm long golden object dates back to the Bronze Age (1300-800 BC) and experts believe that the headdress belonged to a person of high society.

 

Headband reconstruction process

Our company Electroforming s.r.o. participated in the reconstruction process of this historical artifact in cooperation with the Institute of Archaeology of the CAS in Brno and the Museum in Bruntál. Thanks to our cooperation and modern technology, we have managed to revive ancient history and show the public what the headdress could have been like originally.

It all started with the discovery of the headband, which was then scanned in detail, allowing the creation of an accurate 3D digital model capturing all the fine details of the jewellery. Based on this model, a physical model of the headband was printed using 3D printing, which was printed in silicone rubber. This created an imprint (negative) that served as the primary model for galvanoplasty. It was by means of our electroforming that a layer of copper was excluded from the surface of the impression, which was separated from the model after a sufficient thickness of metal was applied, thus creating a self-supporting copper copy of the headband, the so-called. galvano. Electroforming technology was chosen because of its ability to show extreme detail and sharp parts of the product that would otherwise be impossible to produce. After the separation of the headband, it was thoroughly worked. Finally, the headband was golden plated, bringing the reconstruction closer to the original splendour and beauty of the headband.

 

Electroforming (galvanoplasty) and galvano
Silicon mold and headband galvano before machining

The meaning and exhibition of the headdress

Through this process, we not only participated in the reconstruction of the headdress, but also helped to show our public what the headdress may have originally looked like in all its details. Now it is possible to admire both the original and a faithful 3D reconstruction of a gold jewel three thousand years old in Brno. “This treasure is a unique find with exceptional historical value and I am pleased that it has become one of the most beautiful exhibits of the archaeological collection of our Regional Museum at Bruntál Castle,” said Jan Krkoška, the Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region. He added that the material of the original jewellery is composed of 85% gold, 14% silver and 1% copper.

 

Combining history and modern technology

(3D printing and electroforming)

We are proud of our work and thank all our partners for their cooperation. Such projects make it possible to combine modern technology with history and bring fascinating stories from the past into the present.

If you would like to know more about the golden headband, you can watch a short video report.

 


 


Electroforming s.r.o.
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#history #archeology #galvanoplasty #3Dreconstruction #making #electroforming

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