3D Printing for Architects | Model Making — 3D People UK

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USE 3D PRINTING FOR:

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Presentation Models

3D printing is a cost-effective way to bring your architectural designs to life. Produce high fidelity presentation models at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional model makers. Use our service and let the model do the talking for you.

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Detailed Plugs

Highlight your designs with crisp cityscape plugs that fit into your already existing context area. Use our express service to produce up to date models of your latest design just in time for client meetings.

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Context Areas

Use real topographical data to produce accurate context models. For larger models, we can divide them into smaller square tiles, offering a cost-effective method to represent the surrounding geography.

WHY USE 3D PRINTING TO CREATE ARCHITECTURE MODELS?

3D printing is used in Architecture, Engineering & Construction to produce beautiful scale models. The high level of detail, rapid speed of production and reliable repeatability has made 3D printing an integral tool for architects to visualise and communicate designs to their clients. 3D Printing produces models accurate to the CAD data which eliminates possible mistakes in the model making process.

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How architects work with us:

Architectural models made in 3D CAD are appropriately scaled and prepared for 3D printing. The size, colour and finish of the model will determine which materials are suitable for your project. We often utilise several types of printing technologies within a single project to highlight key areas and reduce costs. Most models can be 3D printed within 2 - 4 working days using our express service.

1. Prepare 3D Files

Share your 3D models with us at the desired scale. Preferred file formats are STL, OBJ and STEP files. If you do not have a 3D file, we offer a CAD design service to generate the model for you. Often models will require file fixing, we will quote this for you once the files are received.

2. Consultation

The size, colour and finish of the model will determine which materials are suitable for your design. We often utilise several types of printing technologies within a single project to highlight key areas and reduce costs. Discuss your project with one of our technical consultants for advice.

3. Print & Deliver

After file fixing and print optimisation is complete, we 3D print the models in our London based factory. Everything is printed and assembled before shipping directly to you or your client. We also source acrylic display cases for a premium addition to your presentation model.

RECOMMENDED materials for architectural models:

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MATERIAL

PA12 Nylon (SLS)

Naturally white, SLS is perfect for general architectural models requiring detail, resilience and durability. Its colour base is great for showcasing light and spatial dynamics.

 

Standard
5 - 7 Days

Express
2 - 4 Days

MATERIAL

PA12 Nylon (MJF)

Naturally grey, MJF offers a slightly finer resolution, making it the top choice for models with intricate details. Known for its robustness and durability, this material stands up to handling while its unique colour lends itself well to urban environments and detailed facades.

 

Standard
5 - 7 Days

Express
2 - 4 Days

some of our architecture clients include:

Customer examples

 

 Architecture FAQ

+ Why does scaling down 3D CAD models cause file errors?

Architectural models made in 3D CAD are usually created at 1:1 scale. When they are scaled down to an appropriate size for 3D printing, many of the features will end up too small or thin to be 3D printed. For example, a 100mm thick feature will become 0.5mm thick at 1:200 scale, this is too thin to print. To repair these errors, the model will require 3D file fixing before it can be printed.

+ What is 3D file fixing?

Architectural CAD models are created for the design, rendered visualisation and development of buildings. This means that they are usually not made with 3D printing in mind and the mesh is likely to include overlapping triangles, zero thickness geometry, holes, bad edges and unwanted internal geometries. This often means we need to remove or thicken features and fix the files manually. If a file requires file fixing we will send over a quote for the rate shortly after receiving the 3D data.

+ Can 3D People print miniature people, cars and trees?

We can print small items such as cars, trees and people. Our minimum part size is 1 x 1 x 8 mm and our minimum wall thickness is 1mm. As long as the designs for miniature life fits these 2 points we should be able to print it successfully. We do not hold 3D designs for these items so they would have to be provided to us.

+ Can I get an acrylic display case with our architecture model?

Yes can provide display cases for our models. Get in touch and we can add the price to your 3D printing quote.

+ Can I 3D print directly from a SketchUp File?

You will need to convert your SketchUp model into an STL file before sending it to be 3D printed. For best results, scale the file to the desired scale for the 3D printed model, then export as STL and send to print.

+ Can my architecture model be painted?

3D People do not provide any painting services; however, the models we produce are often painted by our customers and look fantastic! We offer various standard coloured materials and often use a combination of different materials to provide a contrast between sections of the model and context area. We often use PA12 (SLS) and PA12 (MJF) together in the same model.