Cadalyst - January/February 2009 - (Page 19) cadalystlabsreport additional branding opportunities in building models left for sion series from Stratasys, the PolyJet machines from Objet Geometries, and the lower-cost options from 3D Systems as display at project sites. Many architectural models consist of sections and parts that are not closed volumes, or solid examples. This article uses Wohlers’ definition of the term. geometric shapes that can be printed. Architectural firms In the table provided here, the acronym 3DP is used to new to 3D printing should consider working with fullidentify machines using ink-jet–based methods. service 3D print shops that offer assistance to help them The most commonly used file format for 3D printing is convert the CAD model into a 3D-printable STL file. STL, now an available file export option in most architectural and mechanical CAD software. In most cases, the operation to convert a CAD model to STL may be as simple Above and Beyond as File / Save As / STL (as is the case with Autodesk Inventor, the Floor Plan SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER, Andrew Chary knew a 3D and Alibre Design). Some printer was in his future programs, such as Autodesk’s the minute he saw the Revit and 3ds Max, provide intricately detailed models additional tools and options to at an ArchiCAD seminar in parse or mesh models for the 2007. The principal of Andrew best 3D print results. Chary Architect, a high-end resi- Applications Because they’re comparatively cheaper and faster to produce, 3D-printed prototypes have begun to replace traditional mockups in clay, wood, or foam in various industries. In architecture, 3D-printed models are used not just for design review but also for sales presentations. The ability to print embossed text strings and logos on the model’s surface (a feature provided by some service bureaus such as the Colorado-based LGM allows dential home designer, recalled how the 3D-printed models conveyed every aspect of the home design, right down to the brick and roofing materials. A 3D-printed model Chary has owned his Z Corp. Z450 3D of a boathouse by Andrew printer for one year now. The machine generates Chary Architect includes full-color 3D models of buildings and site plans as large as annotations showing direction, 8” x 10” x 8”. Chary believes the 3D printer pays for itself in scale, and the project name. the credibility it brings the firm, the increased sales, and more. Clients love the models, he said. “Holding a model in your hand, there’s a light bulb that goes off. It results in intelligent questions and an understanding of the design that is gratifying.” Chary knows that in the world of 3D printing, he’s a leader among AEC firms. “We went to a Z Corp. user group meeting and found out we were one of only a few architecture firms using a 3D printer throughout the entire design process,” he recalled — for uses including master planning and site adjacency to opening model of a house including windows, furniture, etc. “We even use [the 3D printer] for problem solving, using the model to represent the existing structure and clay to explore possible solutions.” Read the full story at www.cadalyst.com/3DPapps. Additive Fabrication at a Glance Company 3D Systems Year Founded 1986 Prototyping Methods Materials Used Color? Yes Flexible Materials? Yes Transparent? Included Software Yes Input File Formats 3D printing (3DP), Acrylics, resins, stereolithography, powders, metals selective laser sintering, selective laser melting 3DP Composite plastic 3DManage for preparing STL, build files; 3DPrint for system SLC sequencing and control; LS 3.6 for SLS systems; Alibre Design software (with the V-Flash model); Accelerator for 3D printing System software to receive STL files and to prepare and manage print operation Objet Studio, client–server software for file preparation Insight for preparing 3D parts; Control Center for job monitoring; FDM TEAM for managing multiple-user environments ZEdit and ZEdit Pro for color print preparation; ZPrint for preparing CAD files; Mimics Z for beginners to 3D printing STL Desktop Factory 2004 (machine not yet available) 1998 1989 No No No Objet Geometries Stratasys (and Dimension) 3DP Fused-deposition modeling Resin Thermoplastic No Yes Yes No Yes Yes STL, SLC STL Z Corp. 1994 3DP Plaster composite, Yes elastomeric materials (rubber-like), direct casting materials Yes Yes STL, VRML, PLY January/February 2009 cadalyst www.cadalyst.com 19 http://www.cadalyst.com/3DPapps http://www.cadalyst.com
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