Preserving the Past Through Precision
At Lime Design, we use advanced 3D scanning and printing technology to help museums and institutions preserve artifacts, create detailed digital archives, and make stunning reproductions. Our process captures every curve, texture, and fine detail. This allows curators, conservators, and educators to bring historical objects into the digital age and into the hands of future generations.
Digitizing Artifacts with Museum-Grade Accuracy
Every artifact tells a story, and 3D scanning helps make sure those stories are never lost. Our scanners record millions of surface points in high resolution, creating exact digital replicas without touching or damaging the original object. Once the scan is complete, the data undergoes processing to remove noise or fill gaps. The resulting file is then refined using software to ensure it matches the original object.
This technology allows museums to:
Create detailed digital archives for conservation and research.
Produce accurate duplicates for exhibits, loans, or educational handling.
Reconstruct damaged or incomplete artifacts digitally for restoration planning.
From Fossil to File: A Look at the 3D Scanning Process
One of our favorite examples is the scanning of a massive megalodon tooth. Using structured-light scanning, we captured the fossil’s complex serrations and texture with incredible precision.
The resulting 3D model allowed us to:
Measure and study the fossil digitally without repeated handling.
Create a scaled replica using our Stratasys J55 printer, achieving fine detail and smooth coloration.
Show the workflow that can apply to museum fossils, sculptures, or artifacts alike.
Museum-Quality 3D Printing and Replication
Our in-house Stratasys J55 printers produce parts with exceptional surface quality and full-color accuracy, perfect for realistic reproductions, exhibit replicas, or educational display pieces.
Whether you’re duplicating a rare object for hands-on learning or making visual replicas for traveling exhibits, we can deliver museum-grade results that honor the original’s look and feel.
Applications for Museums and Cultural Institutions
3D scanning and printing open new possibilities beyond preservation:
Archival Documentation: Capture fragile artifacts before they degrade further.
Research Access: Share accurate digital models with scholars worldwide.
Public Engagement: Let visitors explore artifacts in 3D, on-screen or in augmented reality.
Replicas and Handling Objects: Create tactile learning experiences without risking originals.
Restoration Support: Model missing parts and visualize restoration outcomes.
Each scan becomes both a digital insurance policy and a tool for storytelling.
Our Process
Assessment and Consultation: We evaluate artifact size, material, and scanning constraints.
Precision Scanning: We use non-invasive technology suitable for delicate surfaces.
Digital Reconstruction: We clean up, optimize meshes, and add textures for archival fidelity.
3D Printing and Finishing: We produce replicas with museum-quality materials.
Delivery and Integration: We provide formats ready for archival storage or exhibit display.
Preserve History, Digitally
Museums around the world are turning to 3D technologies to safeguard and share their collections. Lime Design brings that same expertise to every project, blending creativity with technical precision to help you preserve, study, and share the past in new ways.
Ready to start digitizing your collection?
Contact Lime Design to learn more about our museum-grade scanning and printing services.
Lime Design's Approach to Perfecting Product Development
In the realm of product development, there is an art to embracing failure as a catalyst for growth and improvement. Lime Design, a leading product development firm, has mastered the art of failing forward, using it as a powerful tool to uncover and refine imperfections in the journey of bringing an inventor’s idea to life. By understanding the value of iteration and actively seeking out failures, Lime Design’s team is able to transform setbacks into stepping stones towards creating exceptional products. In this blog, we delve into Lime Design’s unique approach and how they harness the art of failing forward to perfect the development process.
