WAIT! DO CAMELS MELT IN THE SUN? - A 3D PRINTING PLASTICS RESEARCH PROJECT

The intent of this project was to determine if polylactic acid (PLA) and/or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic used in 3D printers can withstand outdoor conditions over an extended period of time in Southern California. During outdoor outreach events PLA plastic had previously been observed to soften and even warp under summer, desert conditions. A total of six identical Pleistocene Camelops vertebra from the Western Science Center collection were 3D printed, three with ABS plastic and three with PLA plastic. One of each type was painted with Folkart Acrylic paint and placed outside on a board with an unpainted set. The remaining two acted as the interior control group. Each week, an observer took a picture of the vertebrae and recorded the weather, any signs of discoloration, and whether there were any particulates present on the vertebrae. Over the course of fifty-two weeks, the 3D printed models remained intact and unchanged in shape, but did show discoloration and an accumulated layer of dust. Both PLA and ABS plastic, as well as acrylic paint, appear to be able to withstand outdoor environments over this time frame. With these results, it can be determined that outdoor geology and paleontology exhibits crafted from 3D printing technology are feasible, at least in local areas with similar weather conditions. The use of 3D printed copies reduces the original, fragile, and irreplaceable specimen(s)’ exposure to damage, relevant to the museum’s mission of preserving these specimens. Artifacts formed from the increasingly popular 3D printers align with technology’s continuous immersion into sustainability, including that of museums.