3D printer for architectural models

AEC- Architects, Engineers, and Construction experts can understand the real importance of creating tangible and accurate 3d printing scale models. With such a model, they can easily make their clients visualize the ideas vividly and realistically. If you look at the traditional method of model designing and building, you will find it costly, tedious, and dependent on the skilled person.

However, 3D printing has dramatically revolutionized how professional architects used to explore designs and make models. With the best 3d printer for model making, one can create highly accurate, durable, and involved building models faster and spending less money.

It has been proved that having the best 3D printer to print those models will let the expert carry out multiple iterations exceedingly fast. Creating a complex structure model was a challenging process that used to take months earlier, but now it is a matter of some hours.

Besides, they are also very cost-effective. Some studies have proved that using a 3D printer can save around 75 percent more money than traditional methods. How? The house models are 3D printed from the plastic and resin material, which keeps the cost low.

On the other hand, a 3d printer for architectural models can create highly detailed and intricate structures. This can be a handy feature when it comes to impressing a potential client through presentations and at a sales meeting. And if the clients want any changes, they are free to instantly suggest some of the ideas, and they can quickly visualize them in the new 3D-printed modes. No matter how complex the project is, when you have the best 3D printers, you can easily convert the design into a beautiful model in a few days. So, it can be said that there are two crucial applications of 3D printers for architecture:

1. 3D printers to create detailed and realistic architectural models.
2. 3D printers to build low-cost models to understand the building creation process.

Get the best 3D printer for maximum benefits

With the rapid advancement of 3D printing technology, companies are now putting more effort into coming up with easily accessible 3D printers that can be used by everyone. After creating a major revolution in different industries, such as automotive, medical, education, fashion, and more, 3D printers are now gradually influencing the global architectural industry positively.

If you plan to start your own construction company and witness better success, you should implement the 3D printing technology for building architectural models. Creating such models in this field is considered as a tangible solution for different challenges. When 3D architectural models are created, those models can be tested parallel to different concepts and used for various design iterations.

But how to choose the best 3D printer? This can be challenging as the market is full of different types of 3D printers. But for maximum benefits, you need to buy the ideal one. Don’t worry that this buying guide will offer you all the crucial information you can make the right decision. So, keep reading and explore more.

It is a fact that the role of architectural models making in the construction or building design process is crucial. Today, these are not just considered a presentation tool; they are the most innovative product. When creating a building, first, you need to create a perfect architectural model of the building. So, what do you mean by architectural models? Why should you create them? To find the answer, go through this chapter properly.

1.1, What is architectural model?

In simple words, an architecture model can be defined as an abstraction of a system. You can say that the model is an approximation that covers various properties of the system or original product. Architecture modelling covers identifying the subject’s characteristics and expressing those characteristics as models to make the subject understandable for all.

It can be said that the models are the physical 3D artefacts and allow proper visualization of data. Furthermore, the model itself is a fantastic object of beauty that can be appreciated by the viewers.

These models are quite elaborate and carefully developed to adequately represent the building’s exact aspect and surroundings. While building an architectural model, special attention is given to depicting some essential building elements, such as stone, glass, patterns on the walls, and more, and the crafters make them look real.

Traditionally, the models were made using a card, foam board, and balsa wood by hand. However, the recent developments in technology have witnessed the utilization of advanced digital methods of model making, for example, 3D printing and laser cutting.

Such models can be seen in different forms, created using different materials and modern or traditional techniques. The modern methods have enabled faster and detailed model production as an architectural model making has become a crucial requirement.

1.2, Function of architectural models

As most aspiring architects and professional architects know, creating a perfect design model is the most crucial aspect of attaining success. Architectural buildings are the best way for the architects to bring their imagination and ideas to the real and show the residents and clients a proposed building that a 2D drawing can never achieve.

In today’s architectural industry, the modes are considered a bridge between the architects’ design philosophy and presenting the clients’ design ideas. These models play an essential role in the construction, planning, sale process, marketing, and more. Have a look at some crucial functions of the architectural models.

1. For better communication and overview

Perhaps the most important reason why such models are very important in the architectural industry is that the models can effectively highlight the planned structure’s features and utility in a perfect way. You may not get that level of detail through a computer-made model design or image.

The models will also help investors and clients imagine how the final design will look after the construction is done by visualizing through the 3D models. On the other hand, a perfect architectural model will help the professional architect explain the building’s features and design effectively, leading to a better communication process.

If you want to show how the building windows will let the light filter through space, a 3D model can be ideal for getting it done. The architectural models are connected to reality, enabling your team and clients to better understand the scope of the construction project.

What’s more? Any changes to the model design can be done before the building’s construction work is taking place to ensure accurate results.

In most cases, the model can be considered a “demo” to your customers and clients. For example, a video game maker may release a beta version or demo to analyze the general public’s appetite. So, create the best quality and highly detailed 3d printing scale models using the best 3D printer now and impress your clients. This way, you can also enjoy better business growth.

2. Helps in better sales and marketing

How can you make people go for your project? It is easy to market a consumer product or food product, but how to market your building effectively? For this, you can always use a properly developed and 3D printer architectural mode. It has been proved that an architectural model can be utilized as an ideal sales tool for effective marketing and selling of real estate.

Demonstrating and featuring a well-developed tangible visualization of the projects lets you and your clients create a better excitement level about the property. This will lead to the positive reception of the project. In selling and marketing, architectural models can be precious. Using the model, you can show the potential buyers the location of the project and the surroundings.

What’s more? For example, different natural elements, such as night and afternoon shade, can be easily demonstrated by displaying the model’s sites. It may be noted that models are not just for the firms and architects; they are also very useful for clients and externals stakeholders.

A report published in the “Architect’s Journal,” architecture models are vital in any creative process. When the architects put together the model, it let them see their imagination and ideas in a miniature form. This way, they get time to consider what more can be done to improve the design. An architectural model will allow you to see the unseen flaws, and you can take your design to the next level.

3. Suitable for public display and guidance

The models can also be served as a perfect sitemap for the massive complex. For instance, a sitemap and city for a park offer the visitors a clear idea about where they are currently standing and how to reach the desired location. You may also have seen such things in shopping malls. On the other hand, local people can also benefit from the model making and exhibition as they will a proper understanding and awareness of the project. They will also get to know how the new project can affect them, positively or negatively.

4. The models can help you in getting necessary permits and approvals

Don’t just think that architectural models are not only developed for demonstrative and aesthetic purposes. Your models can be a crucial component of different legal processes necessary to get approval for the project. Some housing owners’ associations and governments require architectural models to ensure that the project is legal and follows the local development requirements. Besides, it also proves that the surroundings of the project are good.

This way, you can get all the required construction permits faster for your building projects. By analyzing the architectural model, the regulators will get a better understanding of the projects. If there is no model, your construction projects can be rejected by the authorities. In fact, with models, you can quickly get the permits and start working on your projects. So, build a perfect 3d printed building model now and increase your chances of getting the permits faster.

5. Plays a significant role in fundraising

If you don’t have enough money for your project, you need to attract more investors to invest in your project. But attracting investors is not an easy task. First of all, you need to make them believe that your project can generate more profits. Besides, you need to show them how the final construction will look like. This is where 3D printing can help you a lot.

Using 3D printing, you can create a mini model for your project. A 3d printed architectural model can effectively inspire investors’ confidence, enthusiasm, and understanding. This will trigger them for investment. So, what are you waiting for? Create a 3D model now and get ready to attract sponsors and donors to complete your project successfully.

6. Helps in generating the future architectural idea and abstracts

Future 3d print house model for the designs that are not generally built by utilizing today’s construction technologies may help people think about the coming year’s possibilities.

Apart from all these things, the models can boost the project speed and help plan the process. Once done with the model building, you can use the models as a solution to the centre and adjust your efforts based on the priorities that need to be done.

Once you start your construction work with builders and contractors, showing the models’ required works can help them understand their work effectively and save time. This will increase your project speed. Besides, every person can use the model to track their progress towards the project. Faster your project construction speed and keep your client satisfied using a 3d printed building model.

1.3, Types of architectural models

Architectural models have been used for years to effectively portray the designs to bring the design to life. Starting from basic structures to scale models having coloured patterns, you can go for any style you want. But what are different types of architectural models that you can use in this industry? Keep reading to know more.

1. Conceptual models

Speaking about the conceptual models, they are generally created during the initial architectural design stage. It helps the architects to see the sketches, beginning form, desired shape, and more. This is the very first approach to the design. In the construction industry, conceptual models are used to study the architectural project’s crucial characteristics and the spital layout and the project’s surrounding environments.

Even though sketching is generally used as a beginning point for model development, now most architects are creating a physical model that allows them and the clients to explore the ideas in 3D. In general, all the conceptual models are created using inexpensive materials, such as foam, balsa wood, cardboard, and more, modified simply and faster.

As cheap materials are used, it can be said that such models are a very cost-effective way to examine different aspects of your architectural design. Once developed, you will find it relatively fast and easy to manipulate based on the client’s requirements.

2. Working architectural models

Once you are done developing a proper idea about your model design, you can now try to covert the design into a working architectural model. The project’s primary purpose is to analyze the design better, come up with new solutions, and show the progress of the project simultaneously.

In general, working models are created using different types of higher quality materials that can quickly reflect accurate specifications in the design. You can use materials like metal, wood, concrete, and more such materials.

All the architects use working architectural models to communicate detailed shapes, form, scale, material, and other essential elements, such as the building’s façade.

The model will have a perfect level of presence and texture that will be quite difficult to represent digital work or drawings. At this stage of the construction project, the client may see an early model and understand how the final work will look. Developing such models may take more time, but these are very useful.

3. Presentation models

Talking about the presentation models, they come with a higher level of detail compared to the initial physical models. Such models can reflect your finished product’s scale and materials. It can range from a mock-up room explanation to town planning.

The project’s surroundings and context are generally included in the presentation of architectural models to showcase how the architectural design will fit the landscape and surrounding architecture. These types of architectural models are generally developed in detail to offer the decision-making bodies and clients a real reflection of the design.

Some certain viewpoints are addressed by demonstrating the building façade and projects’ other elements. For instance, to bring the model into life, the architects can add different types of trees and bushes made of different materials and colours. Some parts can also be made of resin using a 3d printer model maker. Besides, real leaves and branches can also be added.

Some architectural models are categorized based on their functions. Have a look at those model types.

Models classified based on their functions

1. Landscape model

The landscape architectural models can come with different types of specific features of the project. In general, such models may include the evolution of the projects, the topography, different settlements, such as parks, farms, and other major facilities that the projects have, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and more. Landscape models are developed to effectively study building layout changes, terrain, and other potential environmental factors.

Here, different scenarios can be recreated for the concerned departments and authorities to develop new project development plans. 3d printed model railway buildings can also be created in such models. The models can significantly help the public consultation processes. It has also been seen that landscape architectural models are used to attract clients and investors. You can also this to offer people a detailed insight about how their living condition will be.

2. Urban planning models

When it comes to urban attracting donations and investments or promoting urban development, most authorities use the urban planning architectural model. These models are divided into two different types. There are older parts and the updated parts. The older urban panning models can help people to know how the places looked like in the past. On the other hand, the updated urban models are used to talk about how the place will look after a few years. The models can be of different sizes and shapes.

Watching this, people can get knowledge about the development of the place, including city landscape, transportation planning, land use planning, and more. These models look highly interactive, and you can control the model’s functionalities using the touch screen. When you touch the relevant image, lighting zones will be displayed. For example, you can consider the “Doha City Planning Architectural Model” that includes around 1000 miniature buildings made of resin material.

3. Office building models

Such models are created using high-quality materials to gain fine details and offer the clients a realistic and impressive presentation. In general, this is widely used for building exhibition and marketing. The models can quickly bring the design to life by creating different lighting setups, textures, building façade, surrounding landscape, people, and vehicles.

4. Villa models

These models are crafted on a small scale, for instance, 1:50 or 1:25. Such models use different mechanized components to demonstrate the entire interior designs like the lighting fixture, furniture, garden, swimming pool, and more. Most of the developers use such models to showcase their building projects.

5. Residential building models

These models are quite helpful for client approval, design presentation, pre-construction approval, and more. With this, the investors and buyers will better understand the design as the mode will show building materials, path layout, roads, entrance, and more.

6. Hotel models

The hotel models are created to show the investors and guests the features of the hotel. The developers use different lighting effects to distinct residential and commercial areas while highlighting the extraordinary designs. Some models come with a simple water gushing system to highlight the hotel’s fountains and swimming pools.

7. Shopping mall models

The models showcase the interior design of the shopping malls. The principal objective of such models is to attract merchants and investors. They can have LED billboards, backlight signage, and other things to enhance the models’ appearance.

8. Stadium models

The stadium architectural models are used for two primary purposes. They are the best way to express the stadium’s design concept. Besides, they can demonstrate the seating plan. The developers also add manicured grass and electric light for a better look.

9. Museum model

In different cities, museums are considered as the landmark of the city. So, the city government and authorities need a detailed and elaborate museum architectural model to attract people. Such models are developed using high-quality materials and 3D printers.

10. Theme park architectural models

These models are generally used to generate interest among clients and for public display to attract many investments. Such models can effectively tell the theme stories. The model may include waterfalls, speed circuit, startle castles, and more to make the model appear realistic.

11. Factory models

The model speaks about the entire structure of the factory and how it will operate. It may include waste treatment process, manufacturing unit, administrative block, and more. You can also add trucks, workers, trees, and landscaping details to it. All these things can be made using the best 3d printer for architectural models.

12. Airport models

In general, the airport model is used to demonstrate airport operation and represent the competitions’ design. It may be noted that some airport models are developed for only private collection. A model can include airport hotels, passenger bridges, terminal buildings, cargo, taxiways, control towers, airport runway, and more such things.

13. Interior models

Interior architectural models are developed based on different functions, for example, office, residential interior models, industrial and commercial interior models. The models will have removable to roof to demonstrate how space will look once completed.

14. Shipyard models

The models can be divided into different working zones based on the nature of the work. There can be an assembling area, docking area, coating area, fabricating area, preassembling areas, and more. To make it look super attractive, you can add different types of ships, cranes, buildings, shipbuilding facilities, and more.

15. Bridge models

Such architectural models are generally developed for exhibitions and architectural model design competition. The models come with a higher level of detailing to demonstrate the movement and features of the bridges. For instance, if you are making a bridge model with a suspension system, you can use copper wire and resin or filament for casting.