3D Printers for Architects

Architectrual & Engineering practices whom are looking to invest and compete with other practices in 3D Print technology need to be apprised of the pitfalls of 3D print in the AEC & BIM environments, the process for 3D printing Architectural Models is not straightforward, however, practices whom do it right are sure to win tenders where others fail. Explore 3D Printers for Architecture.

Traditional Model making is vitally important in enabling clients to visualize completed versions of proposed projects. But the process of building models is painstaking and extremely labour intensive. Accurately replicating scaled down details, in particular, is time consuming, difficult and costly. As a result, many models forgo the small, highly significant details that often distinguish exceptional design, with negative impact on clients’ decision making process.

Stratasys & Objet 3D printers slash the manpower and time required to create detailed, accurate scale models that effectively communicate the unique concept of each design to the client. They replicate fine design elements to scale exceptionally accurately in just hours, at a fraction of the cost of fabricated or hand-built models. Made of strong, durable materials, the models can include walls as thin as 0.6mm and intricate details that are surprisingly robust.

With a more diverse range of materials than ever seen before 3D printers are sophisticated enough to print an ever widening range of 3D architectural Models in a variety of materials including, rigid  ABS, Flexible and Transparent.

The stumbling point for  a CAD designer is recognising the need to Design the model rather than the building as a whole, You are not going to design your structure fully in Revit or other 3D BIM software until such time as you have won the job. The purpose of the model is to win the tender, sitting down with the client with a tactile model of your build which can be more easily discussed than a plot or even a virtual walk through will drive a higher level of client engagement early in their decsion making process. furthermore, the abilty to change sections of a model during the design and even build process will allow planning obstacles to be overcome more quickly.

As such the 3D model to be printed has to be designed as a model rather than a build, consider for instance something simple like a house, a mullion would need to be thickened up for the 3d model to ensure the print does not collapse. Walls need to be tied together in the design to stop them collapsing when printing.

For Architectural, Structural Engineering and other Built Environment companies whom wish to use Autodesk Revit to 3D print then there are free of charge software add ons which will allow for the export of STL information suitable for 3D print.

For an Architect or Engineer looking to invest in this exciting new area we are happy to deliver a working solution that allows you to create outstanding Architectural models that you can print time and again or which you can adapt as your planning needs change or your client demands change.

We unlike other 3D printer Vendors understand the AEC market through our CAD software divsion which has been supplying AEC BIm solutions since 1989 and which employs professionals directly from the industry.