3D Scanning a small part for hobbyists in Sydney, NSW Vintage and collectible items can be difficult to restore when original replacement parts are no longer available. In this project, 3D scanning was used to capture the shape of a vintage doll’s hand and create a digital model that could be used to produce replacement parts.

The Project

The original doll’s hand was supplied for scanning as a reference for creating a replacement. Due to the age of the doll, finding an original replacement hand was difficult, making digital reproduction a practical alternative. The part had also started to crack due to it’s old age and the client asked to remove these defects in the final mesh.

Step 1: 3D Scanning the Original Hand using multi axis rotary scanner

The doll’s hand was carefully prepared for scanning before being captured using a 3D scanner. The scanning process recorded the shape and surface geometry of the original component, including its contours and small details. The resulting scan provided a digital representation of the original hand that could be used as the basis for reconstruction.

Step 2: Creating the Digital Model

The scan data was processed to produce a clean digital mesh. The geometry could then be refined and converted into a suitable CAD or used directly for manufacturing a replacement with 3D Printing Technologies.

Step 3: Ready for Printing

Once the digital model was completed, it could be used to produce replacement hands using 3D printing or another suitable manufacturing method. This approach provides a practical way of reproducing small and difficult-to-source components without needing the original manufacturer or an existing replacement part.

Preserving Vintage and Collectible Items

3D scanning can be particularly useful for the restoration and preservation of vintage items, antiques, toys and collectibles. A physical component can be digitally captured and preserved, providing a reference that can be used to create replacements in the future. The same approach can be applied to vintage toys, figurines, ornaments, antiques, museum pieces and other unique objects where replacement components are difficult or impossible to source.

The Result

By combining 3D scanning, digital modelling and 3D printing, the original vintage doll’s hand could be digitally preserved and used to create a replacement. Projects such as this demonstrate that 3D scanning is not limited to industrial applications. It can also provide a valuable solution for restoration, collectibles, private projects and preservation of unique or historic objects.