3D Printing Architectural Models: A Guide to Modeling Strategy and Software Workflow

3D printing presents tremendous benefits over the conventional architectural workflow. Architects and designers can print complex designs with less materials and labor, and rapidly iterate with ease.

A successful transition from CAD model to printable file relies on a baseline understanding of design for 3D printing. This white paper covers how to make smart modeling decisions, from choosing scale to designing for assembly to post-processing, and how to use these strategies in common software ecosystems.

What you will learn:

• Strategies for designing 3D printed architectural models
• Best practices from architecture firms successfully using the Form 2 to produce models
• How to integrate modeling strategies into the pre-print software workflow, including instructions for: BIM (Revit, ArchiCAD) and surface modeling (Rhino, SketchUp)
• Effective post-processing techniques