Looking for feedback concerning architectural models... no, not the CG kind.

[Hazdaz]

I am in the process of trying to start a 3D printing business, and I am wondering what some of you guys that work directly for architects would think about this service. Having a 3D rendering of a building is one thing... having a real 3D physical model of a building is a whole other matter altogether.

I actually think that CG arch-viz people (you guys) are as much of my potential client-base as architectural firms.

I would be very curious to hear any comments you guys might have.

Right now this whole venture is so new that I do not have any good examples yet that I can post up.

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

The technology is still in its infancy. The models are getting better, but still have a long way to go. We are slowly starting to use them, but still with mixed reactions. Since we are a larger office we have the capabilities for 3d priting in house, but of course this is not going to be the case for the vast majority of firms.

Right now, IMO the Zcorp powder based models looks a lot better for architecture than the the resin models. The color options on these model are still bad for the most part, they color don't have a sophisticated look to them.

Also, concerning color, ...several of our designers don't like to put the glue coating on the models because it takes away from their white pristine-ness, and makes them a darker gray. This means they are extra fragile, and break easily.

You might want to consider a rapid prototyping company, over a solely 3d printing company. I think it will give you the most room for expansion, flexibility, and growth.

[Hazdaz]

I appreciate the feedback, especially from someone that has done this before.

Well the venture that I am looking to start would be multi-faceted in that I definitely want to target the arch field, but also other industries too (such as rapid prototyping).

While I agree that the technology is just now starting to really grow, I wouldn't quite say that it's in it's "infancy." For me, that would imply that it isn't quite ready for "prime-time" and I would have to disagree with that. The technology is very sophisticated and very usable for many, many applications right now. I actually think the software end of it (3D models) is more of a limiting factor than the printing technology itself.

You mentioned that you guys don't always use color, and I can understand that sometimes it would make sense to go monochrome, but I think the colors can really make a model pop. I plan on outputting architectural models very shortly, but this is all so new that I don't even have any printed out yet.

I had not planned on posting any pics of test models that I have done simply because they were just that - TEST models, but at the same time, I am rather excited by the prospects, so I figure why now...

[vizwhiz]

use an ABS plastic Type of rapid modeling unit
not sure if it is Zcorp or some other companys

great idea

[Hazdaz]

ABS is very useful for some purposes, but for this industry I don't think it are quite the best solution. Being able to print in color is a big plus in my opinion... ABS doesn't offer that option AFAIK.

[BrianKitts]

We we're looking at purchasing our own unit in house before the market and project load tanked. Personally I've been waiting for the mcor matrix 3D printer to get released.

We push to do everything as green as possible, which most 3D printers aren't. However this one uses paper and glue to build the models, so your waste which is just paper is completely recyclable. Not to mention the stock is as cheap as paper.

http://www.mcortechnologies.com/index.html

If you do take this up as a printing service, the sustainability benefit could be a nice selling point on your brochure.

[Hazdaz]

^ yeah, I remember researching that printer, but it looked like it never got officially released. Also, I believe that it was another monochromatic machine.

The good thing about some of these 3D printers is that the material not used is 100% recyclable to the next project. Also they don't use a ton of power or other resources, so they really aren't that much worse than a large regular laser printer.

I could definitely see "green" being a selling point with many architects.

If you don't mind sharing info like that, I would be curious to hear what kind of volume did your company predict (at least before the crash), if they were serious enough to look into buying a unit themselves??

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

We we're looking at purchasing our own unit in house before the market and project load tanked. Personally I've been waiting for the mcor matrix 3D printer to get released.

We push to do everything as green as possible, which most 3D printers aren't. However this one uses paper and glue to build the models, so your waste which is just paper is completely recyclable. Not to mention the stock is as cheap as paper.

http://www.mcortechnologies.com/index.html

If you do take this up as a printing service, the sustainability benefit could be a nice selling point on your brochure.

What a nice printer.

[ProtoSwift]

Right now, IMO the Zcorp powder based models looks a lot better for architecture than the the resin models. The color options on these model are still bad for the most part, they color don't have a sophisticated look to them.

Also, concerning color, ...several of our designers don't like to put the glue coating on the models because it takes away from their white pristine-ness, and makes them a darker gray. This means they are extra fragile, and break easily.

I agree. Z-Corp seems to make the best machines for producing prototypes on.

I would also recommend a general rapid prototyping business rather than simply a 3dp business targeting only architecture.

From my experience however, the color has looked fine, maybe not the best, but definitely acceptable by any means. The glue coating, however, is a absolute necessity, especially with regards to architecture. There are simply too many thin layers that would be too fragile without the coating, and most models would likely eventually break. However, I have had no negative experiences with the glue coating, and I would even say that it makes the colors come alive a bit more (although, the white does darken slightly).

Hope this helps, and good luck with your venture!

[wasteland giant]

well, as someone working in a practice... well, I think its not a viable business. We have no interest in these. any sort of prototyping the students can model - that or it exists in 3D space and we do a QTVR or animation. If someone sent me an email sayingt they're going to do us this as a service, right into the delete folder.