Top 4 reasons architects love 3D printing

When architects use 3D printing they are able to combine the realism of a physical object with the precision of a virtual 3D model, and it’s perhaps no surprise the industry has embraced the technology as warmly as it has. Gone are the days of architects using wood or foam to create scale models, with more and more adopting 3D printing to build and showcase their designs.

Here are the top four reasons architects love 3D printing.

Better visualisation

Being able to present a tangible 3D printed object allows an architect to communicate a design idea to both colleagues and clients better than almost anything. By creating a 3D printed architectural models removes the guesswork associated with technical drawings, allowing architects to pitch an idea that truly reflects their vision.

Shorter Timescales

It’s no secret that time is money, and the architectural industry is no different. A 3D printer is able to bring a design to life much quicker than traditional methods, not to mention the drastically improved accuracy. 3D printing is particularly useful for those designs with intricate detailing, such as double-curved surfaces or complex facades.

Quality and Variety

There was a time when 3D prints were faceted and fragile, but industrial 3D printers are now able to print models at an incredible level of detail and with smooth surface finishes. No matter how complicated a design, 3D printing means architects don’t have to compromise when it comes to their designs.

There is also the wide range of materials that are now available for architects to choose from, with Polyamide (SLS) the most widely-used material for architectural models. Add to that SLA materials such as EvoLVe 128 and SLA ClearVue, all perfect for building parts and prototypes for functional testing, architects have a variety of quality options available to them.

Combining 3D printing with more traditional methods and paint and finishing allows more complex and detailed models to be created with much-reduced lead times, greater accuracy and higher quality.

Flexibility

3D printing provides more flexible with your models. If the client wants to make a change to a design, architects can simply edit the file, share it with colleagues and re-print the object. If a second scale model is required, it can simply be printed again. Not only does this save money and time, it also allows more creative freedom for both architect and client.