To celebrate a major anniversary, this University restored a historic bronze bell and installed it as a new campus landmark. The original bell, cast in the 1800s, required a new yoke, new legs, and a cap that could safely support the bell while honoring its historical significance.
ProtoBear collaborated with Mines staff and local foundries to recreate and improve the original yoke, legs, and cap, of a 250 year old bell. The existing component was scanned to capture its geometry, updated to incorporate structural improvements and commemorative branding for the university’s sesquicentennial, and a gating/riser system was designed into the model. The final designs were used to create a 3D-printed sand molds and cast at Western Foundries using ductile iron and steel.
The cast parts were machined, cleaned, and assembled with the restored bell before installation in front of Guggenheim Hall. Today the bell serves as a new tradition on campus, allowing graduating students to ring it in celebration of their achievement.
