Sculpting → 3D Scanning → Creating the Digital Twin → 3D Printing → Electroplating

Learn how to transform handmade objects or personal artifacts into precise digital and physical replicas using sculpting, 3D scanning, modeling, printing, and electroplating. These techniques are widely used in design, preservation, and the reconstruction of incomplete historical artifacts. In just four sessions, you’ll gain hands-on experience with both traditional and digital tools to create and finish your own unique piece.

General Skills Gained

• Sculpting and spatial design using physical materials
  
• 3D scanning with smartphones and basic cleanup in Blender
  
• Digital sculpting and editing 3D mesh models
  
• Preparing and slicing models for 3D printing
  
• Fundamentals of electroplating and electrolysis
  
• Project workflow from handmade concept to digital twin and final object
  

Program Structure:

4 sessions | Saturdays

May 10–31, 2025

1:30–4:30 PM

Participants: 5

Age: 15+

Day 1 (May 10th): Traditional sculpting with clay, plasticine, cardboard:

• Introducing to program schedule
• Hands-on: Sculpting a small, simple object with clay. 5×5

Instructor: Areg Khalatyan

Day 2 (May 17th):  Introduction to 3D Scanning, Integrating 3D Scans into Blender: 

• Hands-on: Using a smartphone scanning app or a scanner to capture a simple object. Discuss best practices for scanning.
• Upload a 3D scan to Blender Cleaning up 3D scan data in Blender: Removing noise, filling holes (basic techniques), smoothing and developing with 3D sculpting tools.
• Hands-on: Importing the scan  and performing basic cleanup.

Instructor: Elen Grigoryan

Day 3 (May 24th): 3D Printing: 

• 3D slicing 
• 3D printing

Instructor: Areg Khalatyan

Day 4 (May 31st): Electroplating Basics & Experimentation, Finishing: 

• Teach students the fundamentals of electroplating and setting up a plating system.
• Activities:
  • Setting up an electroplating bath with common materials (e.g., copper sulfate solution).
  • Hands-on electroplating their test objects.
  • Exploring key variables: voltage, plating time, and coating thickness.
  • Troubleshooting common plating issues.

Instructors: Syuzanna Martirosyan, Maxime Richard

WHY REGISTER?

This is a rare opportunity to explore the full cycle of turning a handmade object into a finished digital and physical replica. Whether you’re a designer, maker, or just curious about the intersection of craft and technology, this hands-on program will equip you with practical skills in sculpting, scanning, 3D modeling, printing, and electroplating — all in just four sessions. No prior experience needed — just curiosity and creativity.