3DPRINTUK Brings a New Dinosaur to Life with The Natural History Museum

When the Natural History Museum set out to unveil a brand-new dinosaur species, 3DPRINTUK joined forces to make it happen. 3DPRINTUK spoke with Katy Payne, Head of Special Events at the museum, to uncover how this incredible collaboration brought prehistoric life into the modern age.

Each year, the museum hosts its Trustees’ Dinner, an event celebrating its funders and supporters. This year’s dinner was particularly special, it featured the world premiere of a new dinosaur species, Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae.

The discovery was made possible through the generous donation of a fossil specimen by one of the museum’s funders. Further research confirmed it was a species new to science, a remarkable opportunity to showcase the museum’s world-leading research and commitment to public engagement.

From Fossil to Display

To prepare the new exhibit, the museum’s scientists used 3D scanning to create highly accurate digital replicas of the fossil bones. Every specimen entering the museum’s collection is scanned to ensure that any display or reconstruction remains scientifically precise and faithful to the original.

Working from these scans, the team could then reproduce detailed physical models, maintaining both the accuracy and authenticity of the discovery while making it suitable for public display.

“I was really excited to do this and try and make our dinner feel slightly more interactive” said Katy Payne. “It was exactly what it needed to be, it provided a really good talking point. And I was really pleased that our science team were happy with them, because it’s their work. It must feel representative of the museum and for our palaeontologists to be pleased, it’s really important.”

How 3DPRINTUK Got Involved

Katy reached out to 3DPRINTUK to discuss how 3D printing could help bring the new dinosaur to life for the Trustees’ Dinner. The texture and durability of the printed parts were key considerations as they needed to look authentic for the event while being robust enough for long-term educational use.

Although Katy hadn’t worked with 3DPRINTUK before, a colleague had previously collaborated with the company on a project exploring 3D printing for visually impaired visitors, creating tactile models to enhance accessibility.

The 3D printed fossils proved to be a highlight of the evening, sparking conversation among trustees, scientists, and palaeontologists alike. The models successfully combined education and engagement, transforming a formal event into a memorable experience that connected adults and children alike to the excitement of discovery.

Why 3D Printing Matters for Museums

3D printing enables museums to bring science closer to the public, allowing visitors to see, touch, and explore objects that would otherwise be too rare or fragile to handle.

Additive manufacturing makes it possible to produce lightweight, durable, and accurate replicas, ideal for education, exhibitions, and outreach programmes. This approach helps preserve original specimens while enhancing accessibility and turning scientific research into something tangible and interactive for everyone.

Innovation in Public Engagement

The unveiling of Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae marks a milestone in how museums combine technology, science, and storytelling. Through digital scanning, 3D printing, and creative presentation, the Natural History Museum continues to redefine how discoveries are shared and how the public can experience the wonder of science first-hand

Planning a large-scale project like the collaboration with the Natural History Museum? 3DPRINTUK have the capacity and expertise to bring it to life. Get an instant quote or book a chat with Andrew, Head of Technical Sales, for expert guidance on making your print project is efficient and impactful.

Read more news from 3DPRINTUK here.

3DPRINTUK
+44 (0) 208 692 5208
Website
Email