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Posted:  17 Apr 2007 23:10   Last Edited By: rapid
Registered User Currently Offline	Posts:  1 Join Date: Apr 2007
I found this interesting article on the Prototyping Magazine...thought I would share it... Architectural model making has undergone a revolution in the past few years. The ability to create scale models directly from 3D CAD data in a matter of hours is a reality and the technology is currently being used by key architectural practices for the creation of proposed and as-built designs. Rapid Prototyping, as the name suggests, is a group of technologies used to create physical prototype models in a short space of time. The technology has been used extensively in product development and automotive design for a number of years, but its level of adoption by the architectural sector is still, by comparison, relatively low. The Technology... There is Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) which forms models from a fine powder and Stereolithography (SLA) which creates models from a liquid resin. Both technologies deliver different results, and their application depends on the requirements of the client. SLS, for example, is ideal when interior details are required within a structure, but because it uses powder its surface finish is a little rough. SLA, on the other hand can provide excellent surface definition and see through models, but the resin-based material can also be brittle and sensitive to warping under heat. The actual model production process is different between SLA and SLS, but the key concept that unites both technologies is that models are built up layer by layer using a laser to cure the build material. For each thin covering of powder or resin that is laid down a solid is formed only in areas where the laser comes into contact with the material. At the end of the build process the material that hasn’t been cured by the laser just falls away revealing the finished model. It’s worth noting here that for SLA models supports are often required to keep the model in place during the build process. These temporary lattice structures, which act a bit like scaffolding, are made out of the same resin as the model but are easily snapped off after the model has been built. Supports are not required for the SLS process as the uncured powder is able to hold the model in place, much like a spoon in a bowl of flour. This is one of the reasons why SLS is often preferred for architectural models, as it is easier to build interior details within a structure without supports  For model production, a degree of hand finishing is often necessary after the build, particularly for SLA models to smooth the surface or to hide marks made by layering or supports. Some clients also require additional finishing on their models such as paint jobs or specific textures. Time and Cost Benefits... Of course one of the major attractions of this technology is the extremely quick turnaround times, which is a major selling point for a rapid prototyping company when offering up Rapid Prototyping as an alternative to traditional model making. In addition to turnaround time, the relatively low cost of models is a major draw for many clients. Models can cost anywhere from tens of pounds to thousands of pounds depending on size, which is the primary driver as this dictates the amount of machine time. Other factors that affect cost include amount of surface finishing, and any required textures or painting. These post processes are all done by hand in house by extremely skilled labour, which is in contrast to the various automated Rapid Prototyping technologies used for actual model production. So with services such as these available what does this mean for the traditional architectural model maker? I have no doubt that RP technology has the ability to replace traditional techniques in various areas of industry, as it has already at many of the top architectural firms. And, while some may feel that the human element and individual style is lost by using these technologies, the cost and time benefits of RP cannot be ignored. And it’s these two factors alone that look certain to push RP model production in the architectural sector to new heights in 2006 Written by Greg Corke, Prototype Magazine "RP for Architecture" Full Article:

Posted:  27 Apr 2007 05:43
Registered User Currently Offline	Posts:  3 Join Date: Apr 2007
I've seen this technology at Purdue University. Rapid prototyping is amazing. I think it's possible to connect users from the Internet directly to the stereolithography machines. That is if a user submits the right information and uploads it to a server at the rapid prototyping company, then the server could automatically feed the information to the SLA machines. The customer could pay with a credit card and the part could be produced with little or no human input. Prototype projects could be made overnight and the remaining parts would sit in a que until the SLA machine was ready for another part. Is this unrealistic?

Posted:  11 Oct 2007 19:10   Last Edited By: rapid
Administrator Currently Offline	Posts:  3 Join Date: Apr 2007
Visit the main website for Metro Rapid Prototype in regards to Architectural Model Making...some of these samples are quite impressive.  I can see that it could be very beneficial to see the model before construction begins on a project to find any flaws upfront. http://www.metrorp.com/architectural_models.php

Posted:  19 Oct 2007 09:35   Last Edited By: rapid
Registered User Currently Offline	Posts:  3 Join Date: Oct 2007
The new Magics 12 is suited with a new file correction tool specially for architectural models. It can greatly reduce file-preparation of architectural models for RP. You can discover more about it on http://www.materialise.com/materialise/view/e ...

Posted:  17 Jan 2008 09:13
Registered User Currently Offline	Posts:  1 Join Date: Jan 2008
hello

Posted:  01 Feb 2008 18:16
Administrator Currently Offline	Posts:  3 Join Date: Apr 2007
From Metro Rapid Prototypings' past experiences, architectural firms seem to use different software which Metro RP is unable to manipulate accurately into a usable .STL file for the SLA machines.  Metro RP would like to annouce that we have new capability in this area of data manipulation and are able to successfully create a usable .STL file data we recieve from architectural firms.  Please visit our main website and view some past projects under "sample models."  Please contact Renee with any questions.

Posted:  21 Oct 2008 17:01
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