In 2025, the parish of Sala di Serino faced an important challenge: preserving the historic polychrome wooden statue of the Madonna della Neve, protected by the heritage authorities, while ensuring its symbolic presence during the traditional August 5 procession. To meet this need, a project brought together sacred art and technology, involving three specialists: Anima Campania for scanning and digital modeling, 3DRap for physical production through 3D printing, and Pheliana Srl for the painted finishes.
3DRap’s role: turning digital data into a physical object
3DRap received the digital model of the statue, a faithful 3D sculpture created by high-resolution scanning of the wooden original. This model was analyzed and reworked to adapt it for production using FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology, a 3D-printing technique that builds objects layer by layer by melting thermoplastic filament.
Given the imposing size of the work (approximately 1.5 meters tall), the statue was divided into three large sections that could be printed separately and then assembled with invisible joints, using interlocking connections and structural adhesives. This required careful study of the internal geometry to ensure both strength and aesthetic fidelity.
Production: a highly complex process
Printing was carried out using two large-format industrial 3D printers, running continuously for approximately 30 days. The project used approximately 30 kg of PLA (polylactic acid), a plant-based material derived from corn and potatoes that is completely biodegradable and consistent with the project’s ecological approach.
The print parameter settings required extensive engineering work: dynamic speed profiles adapted to the geometry were defined to improve surface quality and reduce vibrations and inaccuracies in the more complex areas, such as the drapery and flowing curves of the cloak.
The slicing software processed the surfaces into very fine segments, ensuring a high level of detail, while 3DRap’s internal electronic control system adjusted the flow of extruded material from a 1 mm nozzle in real time, maintaining a temperature of 220°C.
Sustainability and post-production
During production, technical supports were essential for correctly producing undercut or overhanging areas. Resembling “claws,” they temporarily held up the most delicate parts. These supports were removed by hand during finishing, and the discarded material was collected, recycled and turned into new filament, reducing the environmental impact.
Once the three sections had been assembled, the statue finally took shape: sturdy, lightweight and ready for Pheliana Srl’s artistic work to apply the final colors.
A bridge between faith and technology
This replica of the Madonna della Neve is a tangible example of how additive manufacturing can support the worlds of art and religion, protecting cultural heritage while allowing traditions to continue.
As it did previously with the bas-relief of Saint William, 3DRap reaffirms its commitment to placing technological innovation at the service of historical and spiritual value, with a focus on quality and sustainability.
“Faith can walk alongside technology. Our task is to build a bridge between tradition and innovation, with profound respect for the works entrusted to us.”
