Research Casting International (RCI), an expert in the preservation, restoration, and fabrication of museum specimens, is celebrating the opening of The Clapp Family Mastodon exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) in Michigan, US.
The 3D-scanned recreation allows visitors to the museum to see the skeleton of a juvenile mastodon while preserving the real bones for further research.
The mastodon skeleton, discovered near the museum and donated by the Clapp Family, is an extraordinarily complete specimen. Approximately 130 bones were recovered, making it 70% intact.
"This was a very fun project for us, we are proud to have worked on with the wonderful team at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and we couldn't be happier with how it turned out," says the company.
3D scanning and printing services for institutions across the globe
In 2024, scanning technicians from Research Casting International travelled to GRPM to scan each of the mastodon's bones.
From these highly detailed scans, the company created casts from the 3D models that replicate the mastodon’s original position.
RCI's Owen Payette says: "This was my first ever scanning job with RCI, and to see the final product come together is so cool. It turned out great, we are really happy with it and so is the museum, so it was a success all around."
"We celebrated with all of the people and organisations who made this possible," says a spokesperson from GRPM.
"The Clapp family, the Kent County Drain Commission, Busscher Construction, GRPM staff, University of Michigan staff, Research Casting International, and all the people who came out to help excavate 130 bones from the West Michigan mud."
This project demonstrates RCI's 3D scanning and printing capabilities, which are available to clients worldwide.
Last month, RCI showcased its broad range of theming services at IAAPA Expo, alongside its divisions, RCI Theming (themed environments), RCI Studios (custom bronze foundry), and Exploration Exhibits (travelling exhibits).
