A series of techniques can be used to reconstruct the story behind an archaeological artefact. Among these, high resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a particularly powerful tool, as it allows to visualise the inside of a solid object without damaging it.
CT scanning
Modelling
Analysis
3D printing
Once the CT data has been obtained, it is used to reconstruct a 3D model of the bone, which can either be subject to an engineering analysis or converted into a format suitable for 3D printing.