Projekt Rosetta Einzelteile

The department Additive Manufacturing at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, in collaboration with the University of Leipzig, supported the Digital Rosetta Stone Project by conducting trials for the three-dimensional reproduction of the famous Rosetta Stone. Based on image data, a 3D model was reconstructed and subsequently tested at the Institute for Machine Elements, Engineering Design and Manufacturing (IMKF) using the binder jetting (BJT) process with different printing parameters. This resulted in detailed 3D-printed samples of a section of the historical artefact.

Led by PD Dr. Monica Berti, Prof. Dr. Franziska Naether, and Josephine Hensel, the project combines the digital documentation of the Rosetta Stone with linguistic analysis and interpretation. The high-resolution image data and the resulting digital 3D model provide a basis for visualising the inscriptions and supporting digital research and educational applications.

At an event in Groitzsch on 7 October 2026, Prof. Dr. Franziska Naether presented the 3D-printed samples produced at IMKF, along with an accompanying video, during her presentation and the subsequent discussion. The event attracted considerable interest and brought together around 150 attendees, including representatives of the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism (SMWK) and the Saxon State Ministry of Education (SMK). Some of the printed samples were donated to the participating school for use in teaching.

This collaboration demonstrates how additive manufacturing and digital humanities can complement one another to make historical artefacts more accessible and create new opportunities for research and education. We would like to thank Prof. Dr. Franziska Naether and all project partners for the successful collaboration. We look forward to further printing trials and potential joint projects.

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