Since its invention, 3D technology has found its way into various industries and has become a staple technology. These sectors include aeronautics, automotive, healthcare, and robotics.
Architecture is another industry that uses 3D technologies to bring their visions to life. 3D architectural modeling, for instance, helps clients, buyers, and builders gain a clearer, better picture of what finished building structures will look like.
3D modeling plays an important role in improving the design and development process as well.
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3D Printing and Architects
3D printing is another technology that is also an indispensable tool in the field of architecture. If you are an architect, making use of 3D printing services in Dubai can offer you these specific benefits:
1. Improved visualization
One of the biggest benefits of having 3D printed objects made is that you have tangible models that you can use in presenting ideas.
A detailed scale model of your proposal or project makes it easier for you to communicate your design idea to your team, co-workers, or clients. With a perfect concrete replica, you can reduce all the guesswork that comes when you use technical drawings and sketches.
The realistic models are not only excellent visual tools that can make your work easier; they also help you create a good impression. 3D printing allows for both external and internal detailed visualization.
Because of this, you can add robust and accurate presentation models with carpets, beddings, railings, rocks, grasses, and plants.
These details give viewers of the 3D printed model a more significant impact.
2. Enhanced visualization of complex designs and details
Aside from the accurate display of interior and outdoor features, models fabricated through 3D printing can also convey clear presentations of more intricate details. Examples of this are textured roofs.
Textured roofs are complex and intricate features that are typically a challenge or impossible to create by hand accurately. 3D printed models, however, can easily capture and display them.
Complex geometrical shapes on the design accurately show up on 3D scale models, too.
Additionally, 3D architectural models are able to demonstrate how shadows and sunlight will look during the day, which would bring the mockup to life. The visual result is something that captures the attention of people who want to invest in high-rise apartment projects.
3. Variety of materials to choose from
With different materials or filaments to pick from, you will have 3D printed models that are not only detailed but will also be visually appealing and realistic. Moreover, your mockup will clearly communicate your idea and the feel of your design.
Using transparent, glossy, or white materials, for instance, can add a sense of elegance to your design. They help enhance the model’s overall aesthetic and highlight how the structure will look in contrast to its surroundings.
Stereolithography (SLA) is currently the most popular material among architects. Many professionals opt for SLA because the material it produces offers the highest resolution, most accurate details and most polished finishes compared to all other options available today. In addition, SLA is cost-effective to use, making it a practical choice for creating large scale models.
If you need colorful components in your mockup, multicolor is the best material to go with. You can also add transparent 3D printed elements in transparent resin or parts in 3D printing metal to come up with a more stunning model.
4. Time savings
In the past, architects and builders usually had to spend days creating a scale model by hand. 3D printing allows you to produce a complete, perfect replica in a shorter amount of time.
When you use a 3D printing service, you won’t have to work or wait too long to have a true-to-life mockup. Once you send your layout to the printer, regardless of how complicated it is, you can continue working on your other tasks and simply wait for the model to be delivered to you once printing is completed.
Using 3D technology can also help you conduct quick tests of concepts and modifications without spending too much time on them. Because of this, you will always have models of buildings, houses, and other structures that meet your requirements and help you with your presentations.
Moreover, to build manual models, you need the help of your team. But by using technology, you won’t need to pull your employees away from their usual tasks to assist you with their project. As a result, they can continue whatever they are doing and be productive in the office.
5. Ease of re-editing, re-printing, and printing multiple copies
3D technology has allowed architects to be more flexible with their designs and models. With this tool, you can modify the layout to meet your client’s request anytime they make one.
To add changes, you only have to edit the file, have your client and co-workers check it, and print the design again.
Additionally, if you need more scale models, you can have multiple copies printed out. This is a feature of 3D technology that all architects appreciate since creating several models that look the same by hand is time-consuming and difficult.
With a 3D printer, you can have as many replicas of your design as you need for your work in a shorter amount of time.
6. Ease of combining new technologies with conventional methods
Although 3D technology allows you to do away with traditional model building methods, you can also use it to improve or complement these techniques. After all, there will be instances wherein you have to utilize both to give your client a better replica of your design.
With a 3D printer, you can add intricate geometric features, such as parametric designs, that are impossible to do manually to a handmade model. The resulting mockup will express your idea more accurately and create a significant impact on your client.
The unique product that resulted from the combination of techniques won’t fail to impress anyone who sees it as well.
7. Eco-friendly
Finally, 3D printing not only allows you to save time and money; it also helps you eliminate waste, which often accompanies the manual creation of models. But even with the reduction in the use of raw materials, you will still have high-quality fine-featured mockups.
Additionally, 3D printing filaments are environmentally friendly. This is because they are produced from recycled bottles of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or biodegradable plant-based materials, or a combination of both. The resulting product, whether used or unused, can be recycled and reused.
Keep in mind that as an architect, you will create hundreds of mockups throughout your career. If you want to help reduce environmental waste, use 3D technology for printing the majority of your models.
3D printing is a valuable tool that architects should rely on. With this technology, you will streamline several processes and be in a better position to deal with your clients and bring your ideas and design into life.
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