When injected with liquid synthetic resin, this hardens to give the desired structure its final shape and stability.

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This prototype 3-D printer is capable of printing in a synthetic resin at a high resolution the individual layers are just a twentieth of a millimeter thick.

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Restorers will have to source and apply the same range of materials employed by the artist, which could include glue, synthetic resin and egg, in an attempt to match their work with the original.

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The plastination process involves replacing the natural body fluids with synthetic materials such as silicone rubber, epoxy resin or polyester.

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