Before the growth of 3D printing reaches epidemic proportions I have decided to give some insight into basics as well as the advantages of the 3D printeing in terms of design and architecture.
ABS/PLA Plastic printers - are the most commonly used. The reason for this is that the plastic is relatively cheap (Approx. AUD $50.00 per Kg) It is also the simplest additive method for creating prototypes, simply melting layers of plastic and printing a single layer at a time.
Powder Printers - are more expensive and less common than the plastic. They use starch and gypsum plaster as the powder with water the binding agent (colour can be added to the binder). The print requires infiltration of wax, glue or similar to add strength for handling the final model.
1 - Saves time as you may already have the digital model
2 - Easy to use and produces relatively fast results compared to conventional methods
3 - It is becoming increasingly more affordable
4 - Can become a design tool within the architectural firm
5 - Vast array of materials available
Types of Printers
ABS/PLA Plastic printers - are the most commonly used. The reason for this is that the plastic is relatively cheap (Approx. AUD $50.00 per Kg) It is also the simplest additive method for creating prototypes, simply melting layers of plastic and printing a single layer at a time.
Powder Printers - are more expensive and less common than the plastic. They use starch and gypsum plaster as the powder with water the binding agent (colour can be added to the binder). The print requires infiltration of wax, glue or similar to add strength for handling the final model.
Desktop Printers
One is able to buy a standard desktop printer starting from AUD$ 600.00. The technology is rapidly increasing and the prices are becoming more achievable. The software is quite simple to use especially if you are familiar with Google Sketchup and other 3D software. The models that are most commonly used in Australia are the UP 3D printer series. These desktop printers are able to print an average size of (L)130mm x (W)130mm x (H)100mm. Printing time varies on the complexity and resolution of the model, but an average quality large print will take approximately 6 hours.
Materials
There are many variations in colour, texture and materials that are becoming available. Almost any colour can be found and in a plain to a metallic finish. Transparent plastic, bendable plastic/rubber, a mix of ABS and timber (Laywood), glow in the dark just to name a few. The same goes for the powder types available at present. There are new products coming out every day.
Advantages
The advantages of 3D printing are almost limitless. One can transform their visualization from a 3D computer model to a physical product in a matter of hours with little to no supervision. This is perfect for communication between designers and clients or to challenge the design team, encouraging dialogue as early as concept stage through a series of mock up models.1 - Saves time as you may already have the digital model
2 - Easy to use and produces relatively fast results compared to conventional methods
3 - It is becoming increasingly more affordable
4 - Can become a design tool within the architectural firm
5 - Vast array of materials available
Limitations
There are some limitations in terms of the size that is available to us as consumers and architectural firms. This is simply a matter of time as they have begun making printers on a large scale that will literally be able to print the final products in a flat pack nature, for assembly on site. Or possibly the final 3D house will be able to be printed without need and added cost of construction workers.
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