Buddha digitally taken back in time

The carved wooden and lacquered figure of the Buddha of Infinite Light, known as Amida, is believed to have been made during the 13th century. However, the floral decoration on the coat was added in the 17th century, and it is likely that the figure would have originally worn a crown, a topknot and a necklace.

Liverpool based Conservation Technologies, who specialise in the 3D laser scanning of cultural heritage, used their in-house 3D triangulation based close-range laser scanning and digital modelling systems to create a virtual re-constructed scale model of the Buddha - complete with his missing crown, top-knot and necklace.

The re-constructed model was then built in Duraform PA using Selective Laser Sintering by CRDM Ltd of High Wycombe. The high definition and detail obtained by CRDM on the model comes from only using 0.1mm build layers, and of course 14 years of rapid prototyping experience. The Buddha model which measures approximately 330cm high was built in one piece in one of CRDM’s six laser sintering systems.

The original sculpture the Buddha of Infinite Light is on display in the World Culture Gallery at World Museum Liverpool.

CRDM also offer a large range of other rapid prototyping services and were the first rapid prototyping company to offer Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) in the UK. Full details of all of CRDM’s services can be found on crdm@crdm.co.uk  

Conservation technologies can be contacted at: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/conservation/technologies/

CRDM Limited
Unit D
Wycombe Sands
Lane End Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP12 4HH

tel. 08450 514900
fax. 08450 514901