Architecture
3D Printing in Architecture
Architects, Engineers, and Construction (AEC) professionals understand the paramount importance of accurate and tangible scale models. It helps them and their clients visualize ideas realistically and vividly. Traditional ways of designing and assembling scale-models are tedious, costly, and rely heavily on handful skilled craftsmen.
3D printing is set to revolutionise the way architects explore designs and innovate. 3D printing for architects empowers them easily create complex, accurate and durable scale models quickly and cost-effectively. Magnificent 3D printed architectural scale models can help architects impress their clients create and seize more opportunities. All of this can be done in-house, in a matter of clicks.
Many leading scale model makers as well architectural firms have already reaped the benefits of 3D printing in architecture. 3D printed architectural scale models effectively convey the final appearance of design making design tangible leaving a lasting visual impression. 3D printing for architects offers the following advantages.
BENEFITS OF 3D PRINTING IN ARCHITECTURE
Saves Time and Money
One of the major benefits of 3D printing for architects is time-saving and cost-effectiveness. Unlike the traditional ways, 3D printed architectural scale models can be developed in matter of hours. Conventional methods require many days, many man-hours and skilled craftsmen, thus adding to the cost.
Seamless Integration
Most architectural firms already have in-house design teams using CAD applications. 3D printer can easily communicate with these applications to render scale models accurately, without introducing human-errors, thereby integrating seamlessly in the design process.
Added Design Possibilities
3D printers allow architects to design freely without worrying about human-errors being introduced in the final output. 3d printed architectural scale models are immaculately accurate. This freedom empowers architects to push the boundaries of design while having the possibility of rendering multiple-copies faster than ever.
Better Perspective
No amount of drawings, blueprints, or digital 3D models can emulate the “real-life” perspective offered by 3D printed architectural scale models. Architects can identify, test and assess the scale-model for design flaws taking correctional measures before construction. These visually appealing scale models can also be leveraged in promotions and presentations to clients.
CASE STUDY INDIAN WESTERN RAILWAY
3Idea has successfully delivered 3D Printed Ashoka Emblem to Western Indian Railway. This 3D printed model was used as wall mount in luxury trains specially run for ministers and VVIP’s. Indian Western railway workshop personal Mr. Nitin Mayekar visited our facility and explained his requirement. They were using traditional method of die casting to produce metallic models but due to products high weight and cost, they wanted to explore 3D printing. They came up with ceramic mold of the Ashoka emblem and asked us to 3D scan and re-produce or reverse engineer using 3D scanning methodology. We suggested them 3D modeling as an alternative because it can provide better resolution to 3D printed output. They wanted to cost efficient method hence opted for 3D modeling.