Mcor 3D printers have helped breathed new life into the best-preserved vessel dating back to 1564 with a paper-printed replica. 

“Mars” was the pride of Sweden’s 16th-century navy. With 48 meters and 107 guns, it was one of the the largest and fiercest warship in the world. But pride didn’t help: It was then dubbed a “cursed warship”.

However, in 1564, while making a sharp turn under too much sail she capsized. The gunpowder magazine ignited and blew off most of the bow. The ship ball of flames during a naval battle. The warship sank to the bottom of the Baltic Sea. With it, around 900 Swedish and German sailors and a fortune in gold and silver coins were dragged down too.

In 2011, the ship was rediscovered. The warship was still in a remarkable condition and so, an initiative was undertaken by Carl Schillander of Thaiber 3DP AB, Mcor’s Swedish reseller to replicate the ship in 3D. Now, researchers have concluded that it is the best-preserved vessel of its kind. This may be due to the combination of low levels of sediment in the sea and slow currents. Or even an absence of a mollusk which is responsible for breaking down wooden wrecks.

Schillander created a model using images of the real Mars shipwreck located off the east coast of Sweden (see below, image: National Geographic). Carl made a 9-build display of the shipwreck in photorealistic color on the Mcor IRIS. It’s also possible to look at what is underneath the wreck as one side is easy to lift away to peer into the inner structure.

How was the Mars model printed?

3D printing a model of this size is achieved by dividing the model up into several sections. These sections are then easily fitted together after printing.

Schillander is currently working with major underwater explorers and a marine museum. He is a strong advocate of Mcor’s unique technology and feels that it is ideal for producing 3D models of sea beds and shipwrecks in any size. Schillander visits many trade shows and seminars and his Mars shipwreck replica is a stand out piece.

Let us know what you think of the replica in the comments.

(Source: Mcor Technologies)