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Tech4Tracing — 3D-Printable Ammunition Photogrammetry

USE CASE
📖2 min read

Scanning mission photograph of hand grenades, 2024 (Tech 4 Tracing)

Provenance​

SourceOrganisation & peopleLink
Organisation siteTech 4 Tracingtech4tracing.org
Replicas on demand (1:1 3D-printed training models)Tech 4 Tracingtech4tracing.org
Scanning missionTech 4 Tracingtech4tracing.org

Introduction​

Tech 4 Tracing, a non-profit applied technology lab, builds AI tools against illicit arms and explosives. Its pipeline scans authentic free-from-explosive ordnance with photogrammetry into millimetre-accurate 3D models. Those models become training data and 3D-printable replicas for EOD training and risk education.

Background​

Tech 4 Tracing (T4T) is a non-profit applied technology lab that builds AI tools for detecting illicit arms, ammunition, landmines, and explosives. Among their core methods is a distinctive reconstruction pipeline: they use photogrammetry on authentic FFE (free-from-explosive) ordnance to generate 3D models that are accurate enough to act as AI training data, and then turn those reconstructions into rugged 3D-printable replicas for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) training and explosive ordnance risk education.

How it's likely made​

  1. Photogrammetry capture: scanning authentic FFE ordnance from multiple angles to produce millimetre-accurate 3D reconstructions — visually near-indistinguishable from the real objects.
  2. Modeling / repair in Blender: cleanup and preparation of the photogrammetry scans for reliable output (mesh repair, retopology, scale).
  3. 3D-print preparation: preparing the model geometry for physical fabrication so replicas can be ruggedized and used (and potentially taught) in EOD / risk-education training.

Summary​

This case is a training-and-replication use of photogrammetry: the same capture-and-reconstruct skill produces physical training aids instead of presentation or evidence. A reconstruction asset has several valid end-uses beyond the screen.


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