Case Study: University of Chicago preserves the Warka Vase with Stratasys PolyJet 3D printing

University of Chicago recreates 1-meter Warka Vase with Stratasys PolyJet

The University of Chicago's Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) faced the challenge of displaying a replica of the priceless Warka Vase, an ancient Mesopotamian artifact housed in Baghdad, without compromising on the authenticity and material richness of the visitor experience. Traditional plaster-cast methods were inadequate and labor-intensive, making Stratasys and its PolyJet 3D printing technology an ideal solution.

Stratasys provided the solution by 3D printing highly detailed fragments of the vase on a J850™ Prime PolyJet printer. This resulted in a perfect replica with fabulous resolution that captured the artifact's intricate reliefs. The impact was an enhanced, immersive, and tangible visitor experience that allowed for a deeper connection to cultural heritage, successfully transforming the exhibition into an interactive journey.

University of Chicago