3D Printed Reproduction of Memorial Statue of Fallen Navy Seal to Raise Money for Veterans

Navy Seal Chris Kyle, most widely known as the author of American Sniper, is the subject of a life-size sculpture. Kyle was killed, not while on one of his four tours of duty in Iraq, but rather by a fellow veteran whom he was trying to help deal with the issues presented by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The creation of the sculpture is part of an effort to raise money in his memory to help advance the cause that was dear to his heart: the health and well-being of America’s veterans.

The original sculpture, a life-size likeness of the larger than life Kyle, was created by Sarasota sculptor and Ringling College of Art & Design instructor, Greg Marra. Marra specializes in sculpting warriors, whether Native American figures or modern day American soldiers. His unapologetic patriotism made him the natural selection for the creation of this tribute and he approached the project with gusto. After the clay sculpture was completed it was escorted by more than 100 police and Patriot Guard motorcycle riders to a foundry in Arlington Texas to be cast in bronze.

“It was absolutely overwhelming. It was like a spiritual healing. (Widow) Taya Kyle even brought her wedding ring so I could hold it and get it right for the statue. The family came in absolutely devastated, but they walked out with smiles.”

The life of the statue has not ended with its creation in bronze. Marra, in cooperation with EMS Inc. worked to scan the sculpture in order to make it available for reproduction via 3D printing. For the scan, Marra used the MetraScan 3D scanner to capture every detail. The scanner, produced by Creaform, is one of the most accurate scanning solutions on the market. As they are handheld, it is easy to extend measurement volume without losing accuracy and they allow for a total freedom of movement.

In order to capture high-quality detail, Merrill started with a small sculpt and worked his way up. After completing the scanning process the sculpture can now be reproduced as many times as needed via 3D printing. Copies of these have been made available for purchase and Marra hopes to see organizations use the sculpt to raise money for veteran’s causes while honoring Chris Kyle.

The use of 3D printing to quickly create replicas of objects such as this statue indicates the number of possibilities available for fund-raising efforts of all kinds in all places.

The Kyle family has not yet determined if they will take ownership of the original statue, which has been valued at approximately $85,000. In any case, Marra takes great satisfaction from the work he has done. The use of 3D printing to quickly create replicas of objects such as this statue indicates the number of possibilities available for fund-raising efforts of all kinds, in all places.

Discuss Marra’s incredible work and the legacy left by Chris Kyle in the 3D printed Chris Kyle sculpture forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out the video below, provided by EMS: