Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi unearth how 3D scanning and printing technologies are transforming the study and preservation of Stegosaurus fossils, inspired by Apex’s groundbreaking discovery.
Dinosaurs have fascinated scientists and children alike for generations. Among the prehistoric creatures, the Tyrannosaurus rex (T-Rex) has long reigned supreme as the most iconic dinosaur, known for its ferocity and size. However, a new contender has emerged to share the spotlight: the Stegosaurus, a plant-eating dinosaur famed for its bony plates and spiked tail. Thanks to a record-breaking US$44.6 million purchase by Ken Griffiths, a nearly complete 150-million-year-old Stegosaurus fossil, nicknamed Apex, has taken center stage. This remarkable specimen is now showcased at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, captivating visitors with its intricate design and historical significance.
In the world of paleontology, Apex represents an incredible opportunity to deepen our understanding of dinosaur biology and evolution. With advancements in technology, particularly in 3D scanning and printing, scientists are on the cusp of unlocking new insights into these ancient creatures. Not only do these technologies facilitate detailed research, but they also enhance how museums restore, replicate, and share fossils with the public.
The Stegosaurus Steals the Spotlight
Stegosaurus fossils are relatively rare compared to the prolific findings of T-Rex remains. Apex’s exceptional preservation provides a nearly complete skeleton, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the life of this prehistoric herbivore. While its size—about 30 feet long and 14 feet tall—is modest compared to the towering T-Rex, the Stegosaurus boasts unique anatomical features like the iconic plates along its back and spiked tail, which scientists speculate were used for defense and possibly display.
The purchase of Apex has sparked a renewed interest in Stegosaurus research. Its first public home at the American Museum of Natural History will not only attract countless visitors but also serve as a hub for scientific investigation. This is where modern technology like 3D scanning and printing stand to revolutionize how paleontologists study fossils.
Scanning Apex for New Insights
Traditional methods of studying fossils, such as physical measurements and manual reconstructions, can be labor-intensive and risk damaging delicate specimens. With Apex, scientists are turning to high-resolution 3D scanning to create a digital replica of the fossil. This process involves using lasers or photogrammetry to capture every curve, crack, and crevice of the skeleton. Once scanned, the data generates an ultra-precise 3D model that can be manipulated and studied without physically handling the original fossil.
The benefits of 3D scanning include:
- Enhanced Analysis: Researchers can examine microscopic details, such as wear patterns on teeth or stress marks on bones, to infer the Stegosaurus’s diet, movement, and behavior.
- Virtual Reconstruction: Missing or damaged parts of Apex can be digitally reconstructed by comparing the skeleton to other Stegosaurus specimens or using algorithms to predict missing sections.
- Global Collaboration: Digital 3D models can be shared instantly with scientists worldwide, enabling collaborative research without requiring the transport of the original fossil.
3D Printing and Fossil Science
Once a 3D model is created, it can be brought to life through 3D printing. This process involves layering materials such as plastic, resin, or metal to produce physical replicas of the scanned fossil. For paleontologists, museums, and educators, 3D printing has opened a realm of possibilities, especially when it comes to studying, restoring, and sharing dinosaur discoveries.
1. Museum Displays
3D printing allows museums to create lifelike replicas of dinosaur fossils for exhibits. For instance, while Apex will remain a centerpiece at the American Museum of Natural History, 3D printed copies of the skeleton can be sent to other institutions worldwide. This ensures wider access to important discoveries without risking damage to the original fossil. Museums can also print scaled-down versions of fossils, making it easier for visitors to examine and understand the dinosaur’s anatomy.
2. Fossil Restoration
Many fossils are incomplete or fragile, making restoration a painstaking process. With 3D printing, scientists can reconstruct missing or damaged parts of a skeleton with unparalleled accuracy. For example, if Apex’s plates or tail spikes are fragmented, paleontologists can use the 3D model to design and print replacements that seamlessly fit into the original structure. Additionally, these replicas can be painted and textured to mimic the original fossil’s appearance.
3. Educational Tools
3D printed dinosaur models are invaluable for education. Schools, universities, and museums can use them as hands-on teaching tools to explain the structure and evolution of dinosaurs. Unlike delicate fossils, these replicas are durable and can be handled by students or the public without fear of breakage. Imagine holding a Stegosaurus tail spike or examining a T-Rex tooth replica in a classroom—3D printing makes this possible.
4. Scientific Experimentation
Understanding how dinosaurs moved or interacted with their environment often involves physical testing. Scientists can use 3D printed replicas to simulate biomechanical studies. For example, a 3D printed Stegosaurus tail could be tested to determine how effectively it might have been used as a weapon. Similarly, scaled-down models of the dinosaur’s skeleton can be used in wind tunnel experiments to analyze how its plates affected aerodynamics.
Dinosaurs and the Future of Technology
Beyond Stegosaurus, 3D printing is transforming the broader field of paleontology. For example:
- Replicating Rare Fossils: In cases where fossils are discovered in remote or unstable locations, 3D scanning and printing allow researchers to study them without physically removing them from their sites.
- Creating Articulated Models: Printed fossils can be assembled into movable, life-like skeletons that demonstrate how dinosaurs might have walked or interacted with their surroundings.
- Preserving Fossils Digitally: By creating digital backups of fossils, museums and researchers ensure that the data remains intact even if the physical specimen deteriorates over time.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, testing and revising 3D printed prototypes are typically eligible expenses toward the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software can also be an eligible R&D expense. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
Apex: A Catalyst for Discovery
Apex’s arrival has not only reignited enthusiasm for the Stegosaurus but also highlighted the growing synergy between paleontology and technology. The combination of 3D scanning and printing ensures that fossils like Apex are studied, preserved, and appreciated in ways that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. By digitizing and replicating these ancient relics, scientists can unlock secrets about the past while making them accessible to a global audience.
As Stegosaurus steps into the limelight, the innovations driving its study promise to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and dinosaur enthusiasts. Whether you’re marveling at the sleek contours of a 3D printed Stegosaurus plate or watching a museum bring Apex to life in an interactive display, one thing is clear: dinosaurs and technology make an unbeatable team.
