On behalf of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the company BA3D has realized an impressive 3D print production: a topographical replica of the seabed relief in the Strait of Gibraltar. The huge model serves scientists as a basis for studies on water exchange between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
The starting point was a three-dimensional scan of the seabed structure. The engineers at BA3D first had to divide this into 264 printable segments, each measuring 500 x 400 x 20 millimetres. Six segments are assembled to form a panel. The total of 44 assembled panels ultimately resulted in an area of over 50 square meters.
In order to complete the project within the deadlines set by the CNRS, BA3D invested in six 3D printers. Each machine processed around 5 kilograms of recycled PLA filament in just 10 hours of printing time.
The relief is mounted on a removable aluminum structure in order to accurately reproduce the surface shapes. In addition, PVC panels frame the seabed replica and mark the topography line of the Gibraltar Straits area. For realistic test conditions, the finished installation rotates to simulate the earth’s rotation.
The 3D model is immersed in a darkened water basin to investigate the exchange of water between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. A laser illuminates the installation so that the CNRS researchers can visually analyze the mixing of the different salty water bodies. Details can also be found directly at BA3D.
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