Centre for Digital Modelling and Analysis for Cultural Heritage (D-MACH)

Description

The Centre for Digital Modelling and Analysis for Cultural Heritage (D-MACH) is a heritage science facility at Manchester Metropolitan University. It provides a one-stop resource for 3D modelling, imaging and X-ray analysis of objects, artefacts and samples, working at scales from the microscopic to the macroscopic. D-MACH describes itself as the first facility in the UK to offer a complete workflow for the non-destructive analysis of cultural heritage, and it aims to give cost-effective access to organisations of any size across the heritage sector, opening up techniques that were previously restricted to large national museums and university departments.

Its equipment and expertise let users apply computed X-ray tomography (XCT) to image and analyse the interior and composition of artefacts and environmental samples; laser scanning, photogrammetry and structured light scanning to build 3D models at sub-millimetre precision; and hyperspectral imaging to determine the chemical composition of heritage materials such as pigments and dyes. Results from these techniques can be combined to give new insight into an object's manufacture, use and significance, and to help prepare it for conservation.

The centre draws on an interdisciplinary team from across the university, with specialists in heritage, the creative industries, science and engineering, and it is based alongside the university's PrintCity additive and digital manufacturing centre. D-MACH is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) through the UKRI RICHeS programme (Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science). It is in its set-up phase, procuring and installing equipment, with the laboratory expected to be operational in early 2026; a first industrial CT scanner has been installed and is supporting research questions from the galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM) sector as well as academic and commercial users.

Currently active

Yes

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

2024

Contact details

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Categorisation

Type

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University affiliation(s)

Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester

Partner Infrastructures

Historic England

Historic England is the public body that works with people and organisations across England to discover, protect, and bring new life to the shared historic environment. It provides advice, knowledge,… read more about Historic England

Swindon

Additional Partnerships

Manchester Museum; Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales