Topic Title

Lately, 3D Printing has found lot of interesting applications in numerous fields. I was wondering what Architects think of adoption of 3D printing in Architectural and construction industry.

Please share your opinion or experience about 3D printing and AEC industry.

What do you need to work with? skp, 3ds? or other?
What does a model like the one in the photo cost?
I used to make matboard models at 1/20" to the foot scale for client info only, not for presentation graphics, but haven't done one since I got 3d ability with CAD. It looks like it would take a lot of hours for my 3d model to be complete enough to crank out a model like that, more cost out of my pocket, plus the cost of the model.
Very nice model, though.

For architecture I think it's getting more rare where a client wants an actual full model unless it is for public display. The models are stuck at a single scale, and what ever detail you have you are stuck with. No room for easy revisions and refinements, varying detail levels, lighting, etc. Kind of all the same reasons we don't draw by hand anymore. A good 3D model they can navigate with something like kubity is usually enough for most, or custom fly throughs with chosen focal points. For custom shapes, profiles and molds there could be a use for it in part building for detail work and such.

The augmented reality shown is nice for the sales pitch like what they showed and maybe creative big league stuff that is just outside my scope. VR based on a 3D model would be more appropriate in the near future looking at the tech I see coming down the pipe. is a little too early I think, but it might wow some now while the tech catches up. It will be the future, but think we are still 5-10 years off to semi-mainstream. CD's will still rule the day for some time after.

Outside architecture, 3D printing is going to change the world we all use everyday, and soon, if it hasn't already.

I think there is a definite place for 3d printing. I don't think it limits you at all. When you model something in CAD you are limited to that model and that level of detail until you change it. Same thing with printing. The difference is that you can hold it in your hand, depending on the size, and view it from any angle. And for some people, that might be easier than view it on a computer, even with a giant screen. I have a personal 3d printer that I have been playing around with, but I haven't used it for anything serious yet. But I see no reason why this can't become a great tool.

The cost to model and print something like this is prohibitive in most cases. Unless you have a 100 million dollar project that your trying wow investors and charm your local councilman I see it as a passing fad in architecture. For smaller scale prototypes like mechanical parts I see it's value.

In addition, the level of detail is limited by the scale of the model. I've prepared some of my own models for 3D printing and had to dumb down the detail to the point the client was not satisfied with what he was going to receive for his $$$ and decided to not go ahead. Keep in mind you have the cost of the 3D model before you even consider 3D printing.

Robert

This is something we'd like to explore more and make use of as the cost becomes more affordable. It would be great if future versions of DataCAD supported some type of output for 3D printing.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation has a impressive 3D printed model.
The scale works well and its impressive to see in person:
http://www.architecture.org/experience- ... ago-model/

Impressive!

I had an opportunity to see NYC's model at Queens museum. It is quite fascinating to see in person.



The model is not 3D printed though (It was created in 1964 for World Fair but they keep updating it from time to time to reflect current state of the city)

More info here:

Impressive....and all hand made!
I'll have to put that on my list if we ever make it to NYC.

Here's some more impressive 3D printing work:
http://www.jacobgubler.com/#/3dprinting/

Thanks for the feedback and weblinks.