3D Printing for Architects
3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing technology where a three-dimensional object is produced by arranging successive layers of material. 3D printing, also referred to as rapid prototyping, is an automated technique whereby 3D objects are rapidly made on a reasonably sized machine linked to a computer that has blueprints for the object. The idea of 3D printing for custom manufacturing is exciting to almost everyone. This innovative technique for creating 3D models using sinkjet technology saves cost and time through eliminating the need to design; traditionally, glue and print jointly separate model parts. Today with 3D printing, you can make a full model in a single procedure using 3D printing. The fundamental principles include materials cartridges, conversion of code into an observable pattern, and flexibility of output.
3D printing for architects is not a new concept. In architecture, 3D modeling has mostly been for rendering and visualization purposes. 3D printing needs a watertight solid model that involves geometric surfaces, which fit together properly; they contain no overlaps or gaps with each feature of a solid constructed in CAD (every side of a cube has to be modeled even if one or more of the sides will be inserted in another solid object). Although every operation in solid modeling might produce any number of intersecting elements or new faces, the model has to remain a solid, single body. Each subtraction or addition of material leaves a totally joined, "watertight" solid structure in a single part file, which is used for all manufacturing and design data.
For architects the design stage starts and ends in two-dimensions. In order to produce 3D prints the architect has to reconstruct the original 2D blueprint as a 3D model. For an architect using 3D software to visualize designs, he/she is off to a good start and 3D printing might very well be an issue of slight preparation as well as a few workflow changes. For those architects who have not experimented with 3D printing or have been hesitant to attempt the constructing of an architectural model in a modern 3D format, and build a physical 3D model, learning to build a physical 3D model might appear complex. Fortunately, the process of producing a 3D file and print of the architectural concept is straightforward and can be made routine for nearly all structures
The greatest asset and biggest hurdle is a basic comprehension of 3D space as well as its conventions as seen in contemporary 3D software. While knowledge of 2D drafting is a valuable skill, it does not offer the means of making models in 3D space. Orientation and translation orientation of objects, navigation of a scene, and once easy drafting will need a bit more consideration in 3D. On the flipside, there are many advantages to creating in 3D; for example, you are no longer restricted by the ability to envisage the projections of 3D ideas onto a 2D drawing plane. Many features that were once confusing or unclear in a 2D elevation view have become instantaneously understandable by simply rotating the object as if it were in your hand.
Modeling Software
To produce the .stl files need for the 3D printing procedure, an architect will need to choose a 3D modeling package. Usually, the choice boils down to preference because almost every modern 3D software package has the capacity to export/import industry standard 2D geometry (DWG, AI, DXF, etc.); the majorities have excellent organizational and workflow tools ((i.e. layering, history). Additionally, each one has some way of exporting either to .stl directly or to a format which can subsequently be translated into .stl using a third party software package.
3D printing for architects is not a new concept. In architecture, 3D modeling has mostly been for rendering and visualization purposes. 3D printing needs a watertight solid model that involves geometric surfaces, which fit together properly; they contain no overlaps or gaps with each feature of a solid constructed in CAD (every side of a cube has to be modeled even if one or more of the sides will be inserted in another solid object). Although every operation in solid modeling might produce any number of intersecting elements or new faces, the model has to remain a solid, single body. Each subtraction or addition of material leaves a totally joined, "watertight" solid structure in a single part file, which is used for all manufacturing and design data.
For architects the design stage starts and ends in two-dimensions. In order to produce 3D prints the architect has to reconstruct the original 2D blueprint as a 3D model. For an architect using 3D software to visualize designs, he/she is off to a good start and 3D printing might very well be an issue of slight preparation as well as a few workflow changes. For those architects who have not experimented with 3D printing or have been hesitant to attempt the constructing of an architectural model in a modern 3D format, and build a physical 3D model, learning to build a physical 3D model might appear complex. Fortunately, the process of producing a 3D file and print of the architectural concept is straightforward and can be made routine for nearly all structures
The greatest asset and biggest hurdle is a basic comprehension of 3D space as well as its conventions as seen in contemporary 3D software. While knowledge of 2D drafting is a valuable skill, it does not offer the means of making models in 3D space. Orientation and translation orientation of objects, navigation of a scene, and once easy drafting will need a bit more consideration in 3D. On the flipside, there are many advantages to creating in 3D; for example, you are no longer restricted by the ability to envisage the projections of 3D ideas onto a 2D drawing plane. Many features that were once confusing or unclear in a 2D elevation view have become instantaneously understandable by simply rotating the object as if it were in your hand.
Modeling Software
To produce the .stl files need for the 3D printing procedure, an architect will need to choose a 3D modeling package. Usually, the choice boils down to preference because almost every modern 3D software package has the capacity to export/import industry standard 2D geometry (DWG, AI, DXF, etc.); the majorities have excellent organizational and workflow tools ((i.e. layering, history). Additionally, each one has some way of exporting either to .stl directly or to a format which can subsequently be translated into .stl using a third party software package.
3D Printed Architectural Models
Stereolithography (SL) is commonly recognized as the first 3D printing procedure; it was definitely the first to be commercialized. SL is a laser-based procedure that works with photopolymer resins, which react with the laser and cure to create a solid in an extremely precise way to create very accurate parts. It is a complex procedure, but simply put, the photopolymer resin is held in a vat with a movable platform inside. A laser beam is directed in the X-Y axes over the surface of the resin based on the 3D data supplied to the machine (the .stl file), whereby the resin hardens exactly where the laser hits the surface. After the layer is finished, the platform inside the vat drops down through a fraction (in the Z-axis), and the laser traces out the subsequent layer. This continues until the whole object is finished and the platform can be lifted out of the vat for removal.
· DLP (digital light processing) is a similar procedure to stereolithography in that it is a 3D printing procedure that works with photopolymers. The main difference is the light source. DLP utilizes a more conventional source of light, for example an arc lamp, with a deformable mirror device (DMD) or a liquid crystal display, which is applied to the whole surface of the vat of photopolymer resin in a single pass, normally making it faster than SL.
Creating Your Model
Most of the time an architect will be creating his/her 3D model based on some kind of existing information but there are instances when a structure is simple enough (or maybe the architect is designing an early concept model) that meriting the making of a model from concept to completion completely in a 3D software package. A good place for any architect to begin is to decide on a scale that they will construct in. As long as the architect plans ahead and keeps their SPF size and scale factor in mind there is no basis not to model at 1:1 scale. Modeling at 1:1 allows an architect use, as a basis, their knowledge of common sizes for windows, ceiling heights, doors, etc. Any features that an architect plans to build will be governed by his/her SPF size for the project
Organizational Techniques
The same organization tools that are accessible in a 2D drafting program are accessible in most 3D design programs. These include grouping, sets, layers, as well as different kinds of hierarchy relationships. Like most design work, there are several ways to do the same thing; what can be achieved with layers can be similarly achieved with proper hiding, grouping, and freezing of objects. Select a method that works for you and stick with it. When it comes time to revise your model you will be happy you took the time to organize your project and updates will not turn into time-consuming searches for objects in a dizzying maze of splines and vertices.
· DLP (digital light processing) is a similar procedure to stereolithography in that it is a 3D printing procedure that works with photopolymers. The main difference is the light source. DLP utilizes a more conventional source of light, for example an arc lamp, with a deformable mirror device (DMD) or a liquid crystal display, which is applied to the whole surface of the vat of photopolymer resin in a single pass, normally making it faster than SL.
Creating Your Model
Most of the time an architect will be creating his/her 3D model based on some kind of existing information but there are instances when a structure is simple enough (or maybe the architect is designing an early concept model) that meriting the making of a model from concept to completion completely in a 3D software package. A good place for any architect to begin is to decide on a scale that they will construct in. As long as the architect plans ahead and keeps their SPF size and scale factor in mind there is no basis not to model at 1:1 scale. Modeling at 1:1 allows an architect use, as a basis, their knowledge of common sizes for windows, ceiling heights, doors, etc. Any features that an architect plans to build will be governed by his/her SPF size for the project
Organizational Techniques
The same organization tools that are accessible in a 2D drafting program are accessible in most 3D design programs. These include grouping, sets, layers, as well as different kinds of hierarchy relationships. Like most design work, there are several ways to do the same thing; what can be achieved with layers can be similarly achieved with proper hiding, grouping, and freezing of objects. Select a method that works for you and stick with it. When it comes time to revise your model you will be happy you took the time to organize your project and updates will not turn into time-consuming searches for objects in a dizzying maze of splines and vertices.
