Cadalyst - ZCorp - June 2008 - (Page 3) 3D Printing in AEC not, the architect may have to deliver the changes and, perhaps, submit a new model to the client. All told, the model-making process could take months, potentially delaying or losing the project entirely. With the quicker and more intuitive world of BIM, relying on handcrafted architectural approximations of a design project is an outmoded and costly habit. But imagine the possibilities if model-making were faster and cheaper — and more accurate — to produce. The 3D model could be used as a valuable resource throughout the design process instead of as a formality upon completion of the design phase. Z Corporation’s series of 3D printers are making these possibilities a reality. Improved Visualization When Z Corporation brought to market the first 3D printer that could produce 3D models in a matter of hours, it introduced a world of new possibilities. Without the constraints of time, cost and space normally required by a prototyping machine, a design firm could suddenly afford to use 3D models early and frequently to provide a better visual image. Ever on the cutting edge of design technology, Thom Mayne’s award-winning architecture firm Morphosis was an early adopter of 3D printing. “We have two 3D printers in house, so design [on the Wayne L. Morse U.S. Courthouse in Eugene, Oregon] always started in 3D from day one,” said Marty Doscher, IT director with Morphosis. subcontractors and the civil authorities. “A 3D printer is more than a prototyper,” said Partha. “It has become a project management tool. In fact, Partha said, “3D printing is a breakthrough that I believe will redefine technical communication for the next 200 years. Every design should be represented in 3D, and soon will be. It is my sincere desire that all architects move to 3D soon. Every customer of iKix has come back repeatedly for subsequent projects. They have found the benefits irresistible.” Partha offers the real-world example of a recent urban residential project that consisted of hundreds of clustered units. The client was happy with the plans, but when he saw the 3D printed model, he immediately worried the units were too crowded together. The architect moved a pool and fitness club into the center of the site to ease the congestion. This is a solution that all parties would have otherwise missed – until the buildings were halfway up. Civil engineering projects need physical models, too, according to Partha. When officials are planning to build a highway overpass, for example, they must plan temporary traffic flows over the various phases of the job. Having 3D physical models for every stage eliminates confusion and improves construction efficiency.
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Cadalyst - ZCorp - June 2008 Cadalyst - ZCorp - June 2008 Cadalyst - ZCorp - June 2008 - (Page 1) Cadalyst - ZCorp - June 2008 - (Page 2) Cadalyst - ZCorp - June 2008 - (Page 3) Cadalyst - ZCorp - June 2008 - (Page 4) Cadalyst - ZCorp - June 2008 - (Page 5) Cadalyst - ZCorp - June 2008 - (Page 6) Cadalyst - ZCorp - June 2008 - (Page 7) Cadalyst - ZCorp - June 2008 - (Page 8)
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.