Browsing by Subject "archaeometallurgy"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

Access status: Open Access ,
Archaeological remains of the copper metallurgy in Lower Silesia
(2013) Garbacz-Klempka, Aldona; Rzadkosz, Stanisław; Stolarczyk, Tomasz; Kozana, Janusz; Piękoś, Marcin
Many traces of copper metallurgy, such as slag and other copper melts, can be found in the area of Lower Silesia. The tested material mainly consists of copper slag with different content of copper melts, being a semi product. The copper metallurgy remains, discovered during the research, undergo specialistic analyses, which will help better characterise the findings as well as contribute to documenting metallurgical processes in the historical bloomeries in Lower Silesia, and moreover to prepare further research in this field. The material coming from the area of Miedzianka, being the oldest and the longest working exploitation centre of copper ores and pollymetalic ores, is of special significance for the research. Mining activity in the area of Miedzianka took place as early as the beginning of the 14th century, the first record from 1311 (Cuprifodina in montubus) is the oldest information concerning copper mining in Poland.
Access status: Open Access ,
Artefacts from Krakow-Nowa Huta as an illustration of selected issues of research into prehistoric and mediaeval casting
(2013) Garbacz-Klempka, Aldona; Rzadkosz, Stanisław; Górski, Jacek
An attempt to examine the earliest traces of non-ferrous metal metallurgy and casting in present-day Krakow has been made. The preparatory investigation has centred around a group of finds coming from a small section of the eastern part of the city, the area of Nowa Huta. The paper gives an overall view of objects ranging from the first copper artefacts from the territory of Poland in the 4th millennium BC through Lusatian bronzes and Celtic products to modern slag from Jan Thurzo’s copper smelter. The analysis, involving diverse copper or copper alloy artefacts, ornaments and tools – both imports and local products – has been aimed at preliminary identification of Krakow’s earliest metal artefacts in terms of their materials and methods of production, and at preparing the ground for further study. This multifaceted research is intended to result in a comparison of materials and techniques used in metallurgy and casting during the timespan of 5000 years.
Access status: Open Access ,
Computer modeling for the visualization and geometric reconstruction of artefacts from the casting workshop in Grzybiany
(2015) Garbacz-Klempka, Aldona; Rzadkosz, Stanisław; Stolarczyk, Tomasz; Kozana, Janusz; Piękoś, Marcin; Kwak, Zofia; Tenerowicz, Mieszko
The casting workshop in Grzybiany is one of the most important archaeological sites in regards to casting technology from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages. During the 'Grzybiany. Osada nadjeziorna z epoki brązu i żelaza' [Grzybiany. Lakeside settlement from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages] research, the structure of casting moulds was analyzed as well as the chemical composition and microstructure of one of the more-interesting metal artefacts found within the workshop. Based on this, geometric visualization was performed with the help of computer-modeling methods. For scientific, experimental, and educational purposes, reconstruction of a zoomorphic pendant was performed using the lost-wax method. Wax models injected into a matrix were used, along with fired ceramic (gypsum) moulds and a specially prepared modeling alloy that corresponds to the original material. In this way, a true replica of the original was obtained: technologically, structurally and chemically. Studies of production technology of the casting workshop dated back to the Bronze and Early Iron Age help to increase the knowledge of the mould-preparing technology and the alloys used. Modern tools and computer programs aid in the research of old technologies and help disseminate the results.
Access status: Open Access ,
Reverse Engineering and Computer Modelling in Archaeometallurgy for the Reconstruction of Heritage Objects Using Precision Casting and 3D Printing
(AGH University Press, 2025) Marlicka, Karolina; Fijołek, Andrzej; Garbacz-Klempka, Aldona; Piękoś, Marcin
This article presents an interdisciplinary approach to the reconstruction of a copper-alloy artefact using reverse engineering techniques combined with modern digital and manufacturing technologies. The research was motivated by the need to better understand historical casting techniques while preserving the integrity of cultural heritage objects through non-destructive methods. The study integrates 3D scanning, CAD-based modelling, numerical simulations, investment casting, and metal additive manufacturing. The geometry of the artefact was captured using high-resolution 3D scanning, enabling the development of two CAD models: one representing the preserved state of the object and a second reconstructed model with the missing fragment digitally restored. Both models were used for numerical simulations of mould filling, solidification, cooling, and porosity formation performed in MAGMASOFT® 6.1, allowing the assessment of technological feasibility and defect formation. Based on the simulation results, physical replicas were produced using investment casting and selective laser melting. The obtained numerical and experimental results were compared in terms of geometry reproduction, surface characteristics, and predicted versus observed casting behaviour. The study demonstrates that the combination of digital reconstruction, simulation tools, and experimental manufacturing provides a reliable framework for analysing historical metallurgical processes. The proposed methodology supports both scientific interpretation and the practical reconstruction of heritage objects and can be applied to a wide range of archaeometallurgical studies.