Tag Archives: architecture
Infographic: How 3D Printing Works, Industry Growth, Stocks, and More
Want to see all of the key 3D printing industry stats in one place? The team at HighTable.com has published this infographic below, with data from on3dprinting.com and Forbes.
Top 10 Countdown: Most Popular 3D Printing Stories in July 2012
Here are the top 10 most popular stories On 3D Printing brought you in July 2012.
10. America Will Lead the Future of Manufacturing, China Will Follow
9. Infographic: Go On, Print a Liver – The Evolution of Bio 3D Printing
8. Enter the 3D4D Challenge to Win $100K and Change the World
7. Come to London for the Olympics, Stay for the 3D Print Show
6. Always Wanted Your Own Action Figure? 3D Print Your Face [Video]
5. 3D Printing Architecture From the Cloud with 3D Model-To-Print Service
4. Shapeways Opens NYC 3D Printing and Distribution Center
3. 3D Printing Industry Will Reach $3 Billion by 2018 – Report
2. Designed to Win: 3D Printing Could Help Athletes Break World Records
1. 3D Printed Rocket Fuel Espresso Cup Goes Viral, Boosts Sales
Thanks for reading in July!
Top 3D Printing Headlines Last Week: Stocks, Cloud, Virality, Children’s Books, Olympics
A roundup of the top news On 3D Printing brought you from July 9 to July 15.
Monday, July 9
Tuesday, July 10
- Designed to Win: 3D Printing Could Help Athletes Break World Records
- Moddler is Making the Market in High-End 3D Printing [Video]
Wednesday, July 11
Thursday, July 12
Friday, July 13
3D Printing Architecture From the Cloud with 3D Model-To-Print Service
Cloud-based architecture 3D printing service 3D Model-To-Print announced availability of its service in North America after 3 years of development.
3D Model-To-Print (3DMTP USA and 3DMTP LTD) today announces the industry’s first affordable cloud-based service available in North America (www.3DMTPusa.com). Released after three years of development and rigorous testing, 3DMTP’s revolutionary, cloud-based patented technology prepares models to be 3D printed by automatically converting commonly-used architectural software files into 3D printable models, all without the need for costly and time-consuming manual preparation.
3D printing is used in architecture for a more effective and efficient design cycle, and improved visualization between the architect and their audience. The challenge of 3D printing for architects and designers has been the complexity, time, and cost required to prepare 3D design files for printing. With 3DMTP, architects and designers can see a return on investment in about one hour, compared to the traditional manual process.
“The solution that 3DMTP provides is one that has long been needed for our architectural customers,” states Kevin Carr, General Manager of Imaging Division of Mastergraphics — a a 3DMTP USA user, 3D print network member, and both an Autodesk and 3D Systems reseller with locations in Wisconsin, Chicago and Minneapolis. ”Not only does it save hours–even days–in the process of preparing 3D architectural design for 3D printing, it also significantly reduces the cost to prepare the designs, making 3D printing a more usable and affordable option for those wanting to make models of their architectural designs.”
How It’s Done
3DMTP is dedicated to making 3D scaled models printable and available to every architect, developer, and designer at a reasonable price. The innovation is based on cutting-edge algorithms which study the geometric structure of the model, then identify and automatically fix problems that would have prevented it from successfully printing.“We are committed to providing a state of the art experience that will simplify and enable seamless execution of 3D architectural scale model creation,” comments Ilan Sidi, CTO of 3DMTP and the pioneer of the technology.
How to Get Started
First, log in to the 3DMTP Portal. Once you are ready to turn your design into a 3D printable model, upload your design file and set your parameters: scale, profile, and desired 3D printer. 3DMTP automatically processes the file without any additional operator interface. 3DMTP also fixes holes between polygons and facets, repairs reverse surfaces, changes the thickness of walls to minimum print tolerance for the selected printer, fixes non-volumetric geometry (making objects “watertight”), and fixes many other problems of degenerated geometry that otherwise would prevent the model from printing successfully.Become a Member of the 3D Print Network
3DMTP USA is now cultivating a 3D print network in the US and Canada, comprised of 3D printer dealers, BIM/CAD dealers, and 3D print providers such as architectural model shops and reprographics service bureaus.“We are creating this professional network to help support the anticipated demand for printing 3D architectural models, due to the reduced time and cost to ready AEC models. This increased demand will be a direct result of the introduction of the 3D Model-to-Print™ automated technology into the North American markets,” explains Phil Magenheim, Director of 3DMTP USA.
Those interested in learning more about converting their 3D architectural designs into printable 3D models, or those interested in learning more about becoming a member for the 3DMTP print network member, should visit 3DMTPusa.com or contact 3DMTP USA by emailing info@3DMTPusa.com or by calling 301-637-5900.
About 3DMTP
3D Model-To-Print (3DMTP) develops and offers a unique, innovative, patented cloud-based processing service and studio software that can make every architectural 3D CAD, BIM, or SketchUp design a scaled printable model. 3DMTP is a privately owned and funded venture founded by a group of software entrepreneurs and architects who identified a novel and cost-effective solution for automatizing and optimizing the creation of 3D architectural scale models using 3D printing technologies.
Via 3dmtpusa.com.
3D printed architecture photo by post-apocalyptic research institute used under Creative Commons license.
The Debate Over Artistry and Modern Architecture vs 3D Printing
Australian publication Architecture Source has written a series of articles about the impact of technology on traditional architecture and artistry. They initially suggested that design excellence has suffered from efficiencies in technology, or said another way, technology inspires lazy architecture:
When asked by Big Think if he thought technology was dramatically improving design, Yale School of Architecture dean Robert A. M. Stern’s response was mixed.
“It’s made more possibilities, and it has resulted in some buildings of extraordinary beauty,” says Stern.
He proceeds, however, to discuss the drawbacks of focusing on one aspect of modern beauty and architectural greatness that is easy to fall back on using these technologies.
“(In) producing a bland uniformity in our cities, including our city of New York, it’s a question of how much glass is appropriate?” says Stern.While technology has driven this industry into new realms, it is perhaps unwise or even incorrect to suggest it is entirely superior to traditional architecture. Stern notes the greatness of the Pantheon as an example of pre-technology architectural greatness, standing out among numerous other architectural examples that even with our technological foundation have not been recreated or even neared in design excellence.
After much reader response, Architecture Source published a follow up article, taking aim at 3D printing:
The absolute exactness of this architectural development medium means speed and precision are high on the list of positive elements associated with 3D printing. There is no level of human error involved and exact specifications can be tested in miniature form.
It is this lack of the human element, however, that provokes the question: could 3D printing take the artistry out of architecture design?
Herein lies the key point upon which many of our readers have agreed; technology is a tool. Just because writers now use computers instead of pen and paper does not mean that literary greatness is gone. The implementation of modern technology into any of our sectors means elements of tasks presented to us are simpler and can be completed more efficiently. This brings with it the downside that when approached by the lazy or mediocre, results can still be achieved even if they are not particularly groundbreaking.
Our View
Today, 3D printing may be limited in size, scope and precision. However, adoption of this technology and its applications will only accelerate, by consumers, professionals and artisans. And with increased adoption will come improvements over current limitations. Therefore, we fully expect to see 3D printing a legitimate medium for artistry as well as a staple tool for architecture and product design.
Architecture photo by Peter Guthrie used under Creative Commons license.
