Prototal was proud to contribute to Gotlands Museum’s exhibition on the passenger ship S/S Hansa by producing a highly detailed, durable 3D-printed ship model. The project required exceptional historical accuracy, refined surface finish, and long-term durability suitable for a touring museum exhibition.
Historical Context
On November 24, 1944, the passenger ship S/S Hansa was torpedoed by a Soviet submarine off the coast of Gotland. The ship sank in less than one minute, and only two of the 86 people on board survived. The disaster deeply affected Sweden during an already turbulent period of World War II.
The ongoing exhibition preserves this history and communicates the event through personal stories, artifacts, and a physical representation of the wreck as it lies today.
The Challenge
Gotland’s Museum needed a precise and emotionally sensitive physical model that would:
- Accurately reflect the structural breakup of the ship at the moment of impact
- Withstand long-term public exhibition and touring
- Feature a realistic surface finish suitable for close viewing
- Be produced within a limited timeframe
The Solution
Prototal produced a two-part 3D-printed model of S/S Hansa, symbolizing how the ship’s bow continued forward while the stern sank immediately after the torpedo strike.
The model was mounted on a base representing the seabed, creating a realistic depiction of the wreck’s current position.
Technology & Materials
- Industrial 3D Printing Technology: Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- Material: PA 2200
- Post-Processing: Base coating and matte clear coat
SLS PA 2200 was selected for its strength, dimensional accuracy, and long-term stability, making it ideal for museum environments. The matte surface treatment enhances visual realism while reducing reflections under exhibition lighting.
The full production process — including printing, cleaning, coating, and cooling — was completed in approximately 15 hours.
The Result
- A durable, museum-grade exhibition model with high historical fidelity
- A physical storytelling element that strengthens visitor understanding
- A lightweight yet robust object suitable for touring exhibitions
- A respectful and accurate representation of a significant historical event
The Exhibition
The exhibition opened on June 15, 2024, in Visby, Gotland, and remained there until spring 2025. It will then tour across Sweden until December 2026, allowing audiences across Sweden to engage with the story of S/S Hansa.
Preserving History Through Industrial 3D Printing
Industrial 3D printing can support museums and cultural institutions by transforming historical data into physical, durable, and emotionally engaging exhibition elements. We are honored to have contributed to preserving and communicating this part of Swedish history — ensuring it remains accessible for coming generations.
