Press Release: Artec Group and Threeding to partner in 3D scanning of historical artifacts

Palo Alto, CA. October 28, 2014 – Artec Group, a leading developer and manufacturer of professional 3D scanners, and Threeding.com, a fast-growing 3D printing marketplace and file-sharing website, have announced a cooperation agreement for the 3D scanning of historical artifacts. Under the agreement, Threeding will use Artec’s professional 3D scanners, software and know-how to 3D scan historical artifacts from leading Central and Eastern European museums. 3D scanned models will be published in a 3D printing-friendly format on Threeding’s website and will be available for sale. This is the first large-scale project for the 3D scanning of cultural heritage for commercial purposes.

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The partnership follows successful cooperation between Threeding and the Regional Historical Museums of Varna and Pernik. The company has already scanned over 150 museum objects which are available for sale in a 3D printing-friendly format. Among the scanned objects are ancient sculptures and reliefs, ancient architectural details of Greek and Roman origin, medieval weapons, icons, tools, etc.

The partnership will allow Threeding to add into its portfolio of 3D printable models new unique historical artifacts from world history. Furthermore, Threeding plans a new round of scanning at the Historical Museums of Varna and Pernik, applying Artec’s technology to scan smaller artifacts.

“We are very excited about this partnership. Offering 3D printing models of historical artifacts is a key priority for us and having access to Artec’s cutting-edge 3D scanning technology will increase significantly the number of models we offer. Their 3D scanners are undisputedly the best devices for the digitalization of historical artifacts,” said Stan Partalev, co-founder of Threeding.com.

“Artec Group pays much attention to application of 3D scanning technology for world heritage preservation. With a pleasure we participate in such projects and make our little contribution to this highly important initiative”- said Artyom Yukhin, president and CEO of Artec Group.

The project will also benefit the host parties: the museums will collect a royalty from each sale and will be able to use freely all scans for scientific and education projects. This is an important aspect of the project, due to the fact that most Central and Eastern European museums have limited budgets. With this project, Threeding and Artec will help them financially and support the Pan-European effort for the digitalization of European historical and cultural heritage.

About Artec Group
Artec GroupTM is a global market leader in the development and manufacture of professional 3D scanning hardware and software. Extremely fast and efficient, Artec 3D scanners are used by thousands of people all over the world. Artec’s mission is to unleash the 3D revolution, bringing 3D technologies to everyone, everywhere.

About Threeding
Threeding is a 3D printing marketplace and community for 3D printing models. The start-up was founded in 2013 by a group of students from the Bulgarian National Academy of Art, led by Tzveta-Maria Partaleva and Stan Partalev. Threeding is the only 3D printing marketplace that offers 3D printable models of historical artifacts. For more information, visit www.threeding.com.