Case Study: B.A. Sunderlin Bellfoundry preserves historic bell‑making and streamlines restorations with 3D Systems' Sense 3D Scanner

Keeping Bell-Making Alive With the Sense 3D Scanner

B.A. Sunderlin Bellfoundry, founded by Benjamin Sunderlin in Glen Allen, VA, preserves traditional bellmaking using centuries‑old molding loam techniques while facing the challenge of interpreting and restoring complex historic bell geometry. Recreating accurate bell profiles and sounds — sometimes from tiny archaeological fragments — requires detailed measurement and archival data that conventional methods no longer reliably provide.

Using the affordable Sense 3D scanner, Benjamin captures precise 3D models of bells and fragments for design, patternmaking, archival and SLA printing, streamlining repairs and new casts. The scans have enabled accurate reconstructions (including work on early Jamestown bell fragments), improved control over restoration processes, and the potential to reproduce historic bells and their original sounds for future generations.

B.A. Sunderlin Bellfoundry

Benjamin Sunderlin

B.A. Sunderlin Bellfoundry