Rochester Institute of Technology

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) will research museum interactions with 3D printing, specifically 3D-printed objects entering collections or used for preservation activities. Project activities, led by staff and a graduate student worker at the Image Permanence Institute at RIT, include a national survey to document the extent of museum engagement with 3D printing, creation of a web-based resource to preserve 3D-printed objects, development of two research agendas, and the establishment of 3D-printed research collections. The resources developed from this research will better prepare the global community of museum professionals responsible for preserving objects created by these emerging technologies.