History is getting a high-tech helping hand in the restoration of some of Erie’s oldest buildings along Millionaire’s Row.
The problem is balusters, the thin ornate shafts used in older staircases, which are often difficult to fit and replace. Tom Hagen, who is restoring buildings downtown, connected with Gannon University’s 3D printing lab to make plastic replicas.
When painted, plastic replicas can pass as wood. They are being tried in a house on West 6th Street, but could have wider implications if successful.
“It’s an opportunity to replicate something that we can’t replicate, but they can do it with this new 3D printing technology. It’s magical,” said Tom Hagen, home restaurateur.
Hagen believes other plastic parts could replace wood as the technology improves and will also benefit Gannon engineering students.
