3D Gaussian Splatting Data Turned Into Physical Objects Encased in Resin
The technique combines 3DGS scanning with resin printing to produce physical objects that look like real specimens encased in glass, with potential applications in archiving and display.
Reporting from 1 sources: GIGAZINE.
Danny Bittel, who creates 3D models of insects and other items using 3D Gaussian Splatting, had his data turned into physical objects by Crysta.ai. The service encases 3D model data in transparent resin to produce full-color 3D prints. Bittel called the result a modern version of amber.
Danny Bittel photographs insects, fruit, and minerals from many angles to create 3D Gaussian Splatting models. Teng Xu of Crysta.ai printed Bittel's carpenter bee data in transparent resin. Bittel said the finished crystal is a modern version of amber that can trap things forever, though he noted his own print came out too brown and dark with remnants of the 3DGS data visible.
Crysta.ai also printed other 3DGS-based objects, including the interior of the Osaka Shinsekai International Theater, which closed on March 31, 2026. Designer Kazumasa Araki had the theater's interior digitally archived and then printed by Crysta.ai, saying he was amazed a real building could fit in his palm. Other prints include a voxelized CT-scanned kidney and a walking cat cut out from its space.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.