Cadalyst - ZCorp - June 2008 - (Page 7) 3D Printing in AEC Easier Exports from Revit Support for the growth of 3D printing in the AEC industry has prompted Autodesk to develop an STL export tool that enables users to upload Revit files to Z Corp 3D printers in one easy step. Recently, Autodesk announced the availability of a new STL Exporter for the Revit 2009 building information modeling (BIM) platform. For the first time, users of Revit can export the STL file format for direct upload to Z Corp printers. Previously, Revit users had to convert files to the STL format using third-party software before sending those files to a 3D printer for printing. The new capability underscores Autodesk’s belief that 3D printing will continue to grow as an economic and effective physical-modeling option for engineers, designers and architects. “3D printed models increasingly serve as a critical part of the design process to study design options and improve communication between project members and owners,” said Emile Kfouri, senior platform line manager, Autodesk AEC Solutions. “Our customers are demanding seamless production of 3D models throughout their project lifecycle, especially during the initial formative design stage. STL Exporter for the Revit platform will take full advantage of devices like those from Z Corporation, which are spearheading speed, quality and affordability in the 3D printing industry. We are also looking at other interesting ways to leverage Z Corporation’s unique abilities to print even higher-quality physical models.” Kfouri also remarked that he sees a bright future for the growth of 3D printing. “Today, we see most of the 3D prints being created at the conceptual design stage when the form of the building is being explored and refined. We also see it at the final stages of the design when the 3D print is used as a 3D model to show the design to others. Moving forward, I expect to see 3D printing used at all stages of the design, where even a small portion or a single detail of the design may be printed and studied to make sure that it effectively serves the design. I also see color and textures becoming a very valuable part of the 3D prints, as they add even more to the richness of the information communicated by the designers through the 3D printed model.” The STL Exporter for the Revit Platform generates an STL file from models created in Revit Architecture 2009, Revit Structure 2009 and Revit MEP 2009 software and is available at Autodesk Labs (http://labs.autodesk.com). Traditionally, OBM International used 2D drawings, color perspectives and movies to present project updates to clients. Design teams also utilized such mediums as tracing paper, hand renderings, CAD, 3D visualizations and fly-throughs. “[These tools] were all we had in our arsenal,” Lockhart said. “And these have limitations when dealing with laymen. When we present a 3D model, the clients, who are usually non-technical people, can see exactly what is being presented in a format that they can fully understand and make informed decisions.” Lockhart said that OBM International also uses the 3D models in-house for design critique and assessment. “Currently, our work flow is evolving to include the model as standard practice,” Lockhart added. “As the machine is relatively new, I anticipate that its integration into our practice on a daily basis will promote better designs and value-added products. This new machine has proven to be the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of our architectural presentations.” http://labs.autodesk.com
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