3D Printing Architectural Scale Models

FOR A FRACTION OF THE COST

Helping you communicate your designs better!

We are offering you, your clients and investors the possibility to have a miniaturized, precise and highly detailed physical copy of any architectural project at any stage of the process.

3D Printing delivers the most direct way from on-screen visualization to touch and feeling representation. The technology is rapidly spreading, and the costs are decreasing. With up to 75% of savings and turnaround time of hours and days (after the proper files are completed), it is becoming the new medium to present a project.

Explore more design ideas. Communicate better with your investors. Get more projects.

You now have the opportunity to interact with your clients and investors more appropriately. Get them motivated, increase involvement and engagement for a fraction of the cost and time of the conventional model making means. With accuracy up to 0.02 mm, a project can be seen and examined as never before!

What do we do?

We specialize in converting existing 3D files, blueprints and sketches into correctly optimized 3D Print ready files for multiple additive manufacturing technologies. By working with us, you will get to experience at first hand and learn all the possibilities this progressive technology has to offer.

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most common files we work with

but not limited to:

WHY IS 3D PRINTING A GREAT TOOL FOR ARCHITECTURAL MODEL MAKING?

I. Completely supports the digital workflow. The only things needed are the proper 3D file (compatible with the 3D printer requirements) and the machine will do the rest.
Idea -> Sketch -> 3D Design -> 3D Print -> Present

II. Provides great detail and precision straight out of the printer. Rough to medium quality prints start at 200 microns when very fine and intricate models can be achieved with precision up to 16 microns. (100 microns = 0.1mm)

III. Cost effective. Up to 75% price decrease compared to traditional model making techniques. We offer 3D Printed Floorplans starting at only $350.

IV. Time efficient. Models can be printed overnight and finished within a few days after the correct files are completed. Turnaround time for a simpler project is about 7 to 10 days while more elaborate and complex requests could take up to a month to be completed.

V. Complexity is almost free. Intricate shapes and forms don’t present a challenge and come free of charge as long as we can design it in 3D. Thus, encouraging creativity and liberty of imagination.

VI. Easy iteration. Make minor or significant changes on the fly at no additional 3D printing costs. In the early stages, this tool allows you to test multiple design concepts quickly and inexpensively while delivering high quality, true to life models at the final phase of a project.

VII. Less assembly. 3D Printing virtually eliminates the need for piecing numerous amounts of components together, setting you free to get on the most relevant assignments.

VIII. A scale of use. No project is too small or too big for the technology. A different result can be accomplished for each and any budget. From cityscapes to home interiors, design problems are now discovered early on in the design process.

IX. BIM compatibility. An easy and efficient path from BIM to 3D Print. By already working in a BIM environment, you are one step closer to reliable 3D-print-ready files.

X. Multiple copies. Obtain several duplicates of the same design and use it as a gift to sponsors and high-level business executives. This feature is not only handy but also uncommon, considering the old ways of making models.

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3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES AT YOUR DISPOSAL

Most model making companies stick to only one 3D Printing process period and this is limiting the client – you. We provide you with multiple options, free consultation, and optional education so you can find the perfect balance between price, quality, and speed. Let us help you impress your clients and investors and position your practice as a high tech!

Fused Deposition Modeling
FDM

FDM is the most popular, wide-spread 3D printing technology today. The entry-level material extrusion desktop machines have evolved enough to a level where almost any design will be produced with exceptionable quality and serve its purpose. FDM 3D printing is the quickest and the cheapest way to gain valuable insights for an architectural project. The models are made with biodegradable plastic and are perfect for early-stage study models, floor plans, cityscapes and site plans.

Selective Laser Sintering
SLS

Utilizes nylon powder material fused by laser to create highly accurate, detail-rich models combined with absolute design freedom. With minimum detail feature up to 0.2mm and wall thickness up to 1.0mm, SLS allows for the most complex and intricate models to take physical dimension. The prints are durable, reliable and the most accurate way to showcase a design. The technology is perfect for more complex projects and models where small features have to be present and accuracy is of importance.

Color Jet Printing
CJP

Presents full-color CMYK capabilities. That’s right, we can print models in 3D while simultaneously applying color textures to a design for a vividly realistic maquette. The prints are made out of sandstone material and later post-processed to enhance the color appearance. A downside of this process is the brittle material used and how relatively poorly detailed the geometry has to be for a successful print job. Nevertheless, the advantage of having a complete, photo-realistic, render-like scale models is not to be overlooked.

THE CHALLENGE

Architects design in 3D, but those files are not 3D Printing compatible period! To begin the process, one has to be familiar what Additive Manufacturing has to offer. The technology, just as any other comes with limitations, specific requirements and various capabilities.

The first step is knowing your options and selecting the right 3D printing process for your project. Second, understanding how the technology works, the material properties, the pros and cons, the design guidelines and most importantly how to break them so you can get the most out of it.

Finally, translating the designs for 3D printing. That is undoubtedly the most challenging part of the whole process. That element is purely a technical task and could be very time consuming and intense activity at first for someone new to 3D Printing.

THE SOLUTION

We are here to help you turn your architectural files into 3D printed copies with no technical knowledge required from your side. Our goal is to provide a sustainable way for architects and developers to work together with clients and investors by offering you our professional expertise and high level of flexibility.

We ensure the file preparations process is conducted promptly and efficiently without any changes to the architectural design. Furthermore, optimizing those files for proper and money-saving 3D printing, scale models are delivered quickly meeting the expected standard.

Don’t spend countless hours trying to communicate your ideas, taking your focus away from the more critical task your jobs requires. Bring faster, more energetic project lifecycle to the table with 3D Printing now!

3D PRINT YOUR PROJECT

PRICING & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARCHITECTURE – 3D PRINTING AND VISUALIZATION

GENERAL
Every project is unique, so the pricing for each is different. The cost depends on the time necessary to 3D design, the quality of the 3D print and the volume of 3D printing material used. For each project, based on your current and future requirements, a detailed estimate will be sent with all the tasks that we can carry out for you. Thus, allowing you to select the options that best fit your needs and budget. It is essential to provide us with as much information as possible (project files, plans, sketches, reference images, topography, etc.) for the best results.
3D MODELING
The 3D Modeling process includes scale modifications in order to create a 3D-printable file of your project that’s in accordance with all your requirements and for quick and inexpensive digital fabrication (3D Printing). Communication is a main factor – we can design, modify and optimize the files more quickly and efficiently when your revisions are quick and well described.
3D PRINTING
Once the files are done, your blueprints are ready to come to life! Depending on the modeling features, details and complexity, we will give you different 3D printing options that best fit your project. In the early stages of the design process, we can produce a low cost monochrome 3D print for proofing of concept. As the design phase comes to an end, we can deliver high-quality sales models.
3D RENDERING & VISUALIZATION
For many projects at this stage, most of the 3D modeling work has been completed. Once again, every project is unique; therefore, different conditions may apply, but in general, we are offering you high-quality, photorealistic 3D renderings at a lower price compared to other companies’ services when combined with 3D printed scale models.

What type of file is required ?

We can work with any file format that describers best your project. Some of the common software file formats we works with are: all BIM files (Revit, ArchiCAD etc.), PDF, SketchUp, Rhino3D, AutoCAD, 3DS Max, Maya and more.

If you can design it, we can print it!

Send us your 3D files. If they are ready to 3D print you will receive a quote and we can move forward immediately. Sometimes the files we receive require some work in order to bring them to life. If that’s the case we will send you a detailed description of what we have to do and how much it will cost.

How much does it cost to 3D print a model?

This depends on several variables: size of the model, monochrome or full color, features like terrain, interior walls, stairs, furniture, or any other objects you would like included. Another big pricing factor is the 3D Printing technology, which will determine the level of detail possible. Send us your files and will get back to you with a recommendations and well described quote.

What is the largest model you can 3D print?

The maximum build volume of the 3D printers we work with are:

FDM – Fused Deposition Modeling

Dimensions: 290 × 275 × 250 mm

Materials: PLA(bio-degradeble) and Wood-like

SLS – Selective Laser Sintering

Dimensions: 650 × 350 × 550 mm

Materials: Strong and Flexible Nylon, White only

CJP – Color Jet Printing

Dimensions: 250 × 380 × 200 mm

Materials: Full Color or White SandStone like material

While this is the largest model sizes we can print in a single piece, the final size is almost unlimited considering we can print the model in multiple pieces!

Can you transform 2D plans to 3D? How much that cost?

We specialize in taking 2D ideas and turning them into 3D realities. The price depends on the size and complexity of your project and whether your final scale model is in full color or monochrome. For example on average the modeling stage of a model could be as little as $250 for a simple floorpans and all the way to $5,000 for large and complex models with a lot of different parts and features.

How strong are the models? Can they be shipped?

PLA, Wood-like and Nylon scale models are quite strong, there won’t be any issue with them at all. The Sand Stone option is brittle, more fragile and can break if dropped. We handle all 3D printed models with care and have them professionally packaged before shipping.

What is the turn around time ?

For most 3D printed models the turn-around time is close to 10-15 business days. However every project is different thus an estimated time will be provided with the quote. The main factor is the communication between us. We can design, modify and optimize the files more quickly when your revisions are quick and well described.

How do I send you my project files?

The best way to send us your files for revision and free quoting is through cloud services like: Dropbox, WeTransfer, Google Drive or others. Simple send us a link the uploaded files via e-mail or use our Contact Us page.

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Tell us a little bit about your project or ask any questions here. We will get back to you promptly.

3D Printing Architectural Scale Models

Helping you communicate your designs better!

Explore more design ideas. Communicate better with your investors. Get more projects.

What do we do?

most common files we work with

WHY IS 3D PRINTING A GREAT TOOL FOR ARCHITECTURAL MODEL MAKING?

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES AT YOUR DISPOSAL

Fused Deposition Modeling
FDM

Selective Laser Sintering
SLS

Color Jet Printing
CJP

THE CHALLENGE

THE SOLUTION

PRICING & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

3D MODELING

3D PRINTING

3D RENDERING & VISUALIZATION

START A PROJECT

Recent Posts

Newsletter

I’m Looking For

3D Printing Architectural Scale Models

Helping you communicate your designs better!

Explore more design ideas. Communicate better with your investors. Get more projects.

What do we do?

most common files we work with

WHY IS 3D PRINTING A GREAT TOOL FOR ARCHITECTURAL MODEL MAKING?

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES AT YOUR DISPOSAL

Fused Deposition Modeling FDM

Selective Laser Sintering SLS

Color Jet Printing CJP

THE CHALLENGE

THE SOLUTION

PRICING & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

START A PROJECT

Recent Posts

Newsletter

I’m Looking For

Fused Deposition Modeling
FDM

Selective Laser Sintering
SLS

Color Jet Printing
CJP