topic Re: 3D printing in Collaboration with other software

3D printing

Anonymous — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:42:02 GMT

Hi everyone, I just did a quick search on zcorp, and found some posts from last year where people seemed to have issues getting a good 3D print from an AC model. We're a service bureau, specializing in architectural models using the ZCorp printer mostly, and some SLA as well. We've also been using AC for a couple of years, with great success. If anyone has questions on the process, I'd be happy to help. You can see many examples of these models at alchemymodels.com.

Re: 3D printing

Anonymous — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:48:26 GMT

Cool. Can you post pics of some models you've made from ArchiCAD?

Re: 3D printing

Anonymous — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:04:25 GMT

Sure. Here's a residential model. We also do a lot of monochromatic models. On the color ones, textures (image maps for roof, stone, etc.) convey from AC. Sometimes, we'll paint solid colors by hand if the raw color doesn't come out really good. We have a gallery of these models at our site. Most of the residential models there were done in AC. We've also done several commercial models in AC (shopping centers and condos).

Re: 3D printing

Laszlo Nagy — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:29:50 GMT

How much did it cost for you to get this 3D printed?
And another question: Would this price be feasible for residential projects? I mean, could you build it into your price so that the client would pay for it?

I am actually interested in at what size project would 3D printing could be part of the architectural service package. I guess for larger buildings, tens of thousands of square feet, that is not a problem, the cost is minimal compared to the cost of the architectural fees on the whole project.

Re: 3D printing

Anonymous — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:43:29 GMT

Although cost is an issue, models like this are typically required by architectural review boards in many custom home communities. The costs are in line or lower than a traditional model builder, but the time to build is less. Additionally, with this process, the client approves renderings of the project before we build the physical model. This is in sharp contrast to the traditional method where a model maker builds the model, and then will meet with the clients to go over changes that need to be made, resulting in more time to fix the model.

As for building this into the architectural fees, most of our clients bill their client separately (with a small upcharge) for the model. If you're considering that a client may just like a small model for their desk, a 1:16 scale or smaller would be more feasible in size and cost. Here's an example of a house built at about 1:30 and 1:40.

Re: 3D printing

Erika Epstein — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:49:50 GMT

What time frame to create and costs for the models you show?
Did I miss your website?

Re: 3D printing

Laszlo Nagy — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:50:53 GMT

jtbraun wrote:
Although cost is an issue, models like this are typically required by architectural review boards in many custom home communities. The costs are in line or lower than a traditional model builder, but the time to build is less. Additionally, with this process, the client approves renderings of the project before we build the physical model. This is in sharp contrast to the traditional method where a model maker builds the model, and then will meet with the clients to go over changes that need to be made, resulting in more time to fix the model.

As for building this into the architectural fees, most of our clients bill their client separately (with a small upcharge) for the model. If you're considering that a client may just like a small model for their desk, a 1:16 scale or smaller would be more feasible in size and cost. Here's an example of a house built at about 1:30 and 1:40.

Thanks, nice stuff.

If I had the money I would probably buy some of these machines and start such a 3D printing service in Hungary.
I think there is market for it. If its cost can be similar to that of a model maker's model, then there is definitely market for it.

Re: 3D printing

Dwight — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:13:46 GMT

"jtbraun" Here's an example of a house built at about 1 wrote:

Great: Big key fobs.

"Don't leave home without … home!"

Re: 3D printing

Anonymous — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:27:28 GMT

Not sure how to take that, but I'll try to explain the rational behind the small models pictured. The same AC file used to build those two models was used to build the large, 1:8 scale model pictured here. Once we have the computer file, we can scale it up or down as necessary, and build. No additional work necessary.

Let's say you have a client that is building a big spec house. The cost of a 1:30 or 1:40 model here, once we have the good AC file is neglible, maybe $100 or so. Some clients use such models in their marketing to send to very hot prospects.

Or, you can use them as big key fobs. Your choice .

Re: 3D printing

Dwight — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:35:36 GMT

no offense meant. I was just astonished with the coins.

Re: 3D printing

Anonymous — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:43:38 GMT

Thanks.

Re: 3D printing

Dwight — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:54:53 GMT

You might compete by hand with conventional models, but the sub-miniature is owned by the machine.

Re: 3D printing

Anonymous — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:04:30 GMT

Perfect for snow globes too!

Re: 3D printing

Gary Lawes — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:35:47 GMT

Just to say we are offering this service in the UK for anyone interested.

ArchiCAD models are absolutely superb as they are generally very well structured, and with the ability to seperate stories by increasing storey settings in AC it is esay to create a model with lift off roofs and storeys.

Large models can easily be assembled from a number of 3D prints and superb details can be pulled from the model and printed in 3D using the marquee.

With all textures applied as they apear in ArchiCAD. The end result is a rugged model far stronger than traditionaly made models, that look absolutely superb. Our prices are typically £450 per single model.

Gary

Re: 3D printing

Dwight — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:37:07 GMT

let us see.

Re: 3D printing

Gary Lawes — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:13:28 GMT

Hi Dwight,

I have just dragged this one from the back of my car and photographed it. It is an assembly detail for a rendering system manufacturer, based on a timber framed building. It gives a good example of how well the textures are carried through and are mapped, if you wish I can post a rendering of the ArchiCAD modelfor texture comparison.

All the best

Gary

Re: 3D printing

Dwight — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:18:04 GMT

this is printed in one block and not assembled in any way?

Re: 3D printing

Gary Lawes — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:29:11 GMT

Yes in one block, it is almost the full size of the platten, so it is close to the maximum that can be printed in a single file.

Re: 3D printing

Gary Lawes — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:31:57 GMT

I should say that this is a duff one, which is why I had it at home here. You may see some traces of powder on the right hand edge that were not fully removed before fixing.

Re: 3D printing

Dwight — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:32:18 GMT

wow. all them colors.