|
|
| |
| Why build a model? |
 |
| Most people struggle to understand a 2D blueprint and models can be immensely helpful for clarifying design concepts. This saves time and identifies misconceptions much earlier in the process. The most powerful example is when a roof is removed and interior floor layouts can be seen detail. |
|
|
Aren't 3D Renderings good enough? |
|
|
Computer visualizations are nice and impressive. However the client is still viewing something in 2D. The benefits of building a pghysical model are...
- Superior Understanding. Being able to 'walk around' a model, to peer down a hallway, to remove the roof and see the floorplan layout...these are priceless at creating an emotional connection with the property that a computer screen or rendering just can't do. There is something intangibly powerful about seeing a miniature scale model of a real-life idea.
- Emotional Response. For some 'left-brain' neuro-connective reason, people love to see miniature objects at scale, as it helps them develop an emotional connection with the idea. Renderings do not create this connection.
|
| |
|
|
|
| I am not looking for a lot of detail, what would be the most affordable way to produce a massing model? |
|
| Massing models are best built using the Powder Printing process. It is the least expensive process in our modeling technology tool box, and yet still does a great job with intricate detail. |
|
| The down side is that the Powder Printing process is the smallest printing platform of the 5 printing methods. Also, the durability of the material is lowest. The models can still be 'handled with care' without worry. Just be mindful of the limited interactive abilities due to the semi-fragile nature of the powder. |
|
|
|
| How does the finishing texture and paint get applied? |
|
| The finishing detail occurs as a secondary process. On the QuickARC finishing team, we have adapted the skills of traditional high-end model makers to apply the specified finish to result in photo-quality realism. |
|
|
|
| What type of 3d printed model can be finished with paint and texture? |
|
| All of the 3D printing processes available at QuickARC make models that can be textured and painted to accomplish the photo-realistic surfaces that you seek. |
|
|
|
| Can a stucco finish be added to the model? |
|
| Yes, our model finishers will add “scaled” stucco to a model upon request. |
|
|
|
| How can I be sure the paint I request will match when my model arrives. |
|
| The QuickARC finishing team uses the same paint, derived from the same paint spec, that will be applied to the actual structure when it is built. |
|
| We maintain the color codes of the top suppliers of builder paint, such as Sherwin Williams, Frazee, Duron, etc. If your project call out for Frazee 6110, our finishing team will source the exact paint from the manufacturer. |
|
|
|
| How do I best take advantage of your 3D printing equipment in a way that can save me money? |
|
| The cost of a 3D Print is based on a number of geometric factors, with each factor contributing differently to the pricing calculation for each 3D Printing process. From a 'printing' perspective, there are 2 primary factors that affect cost... print material and printer time. |
|
| So when you create a 3D file that will be printed, you will minimize the cost by |
|
|
|
|
minimizing the amount of material used in the print (reducing volume) |
|
|
minimizing the print time (usually the height of the model) |
|
|
|
| For example, if there is a thick solid base on the bottom of your model, a good technique for cost reduction is to reduce the thickness, and hollow out the inside and bottom of the “box”, leaving a 0.100" thick wall to support the structure. If the geometry is simple, why waste the material? For more information on cost saving techniques, once you upload your file to QuickARC, ask for a model "cost saving review". Your Sales Manager will quickly analyze your model's geometry and reply with some model adjustment suggestions that will help reduce cost. |
|
| In some instances, the process you choose may not be the most cost effective way of building your particular geometry. For example, the Solid Laser Printing process is most cost sensitive to how tall the model is: the taller the model, the slower the process. |
|
|
|
| Why is it in some cases I am asked to thicken or exaggerate some of the smaller detail in my model? |
|
| The QuickARC 3D Printing equipment can build just about every detail at any size, however that does not mean it is recommended. It is not likely that thin and tiny features will survive routine handling. |
|
| For example, a trellis detail that is extremely thin (less than .050") will print just fine. However it will also break as soon as it is physically handled. We want our interactive models to easily withstand routine handling, so we request that the client exaggerate and thicken some detail. |
|
| A good rule of thumb is to make the thinnest elements of your model no less then .05" at the model scale. |
|
|
|
| What is the lead time for building my model? |
|
| Lead time depends on the type of project, the size of the models, and the complexity of the required finish. |
|
| Some models can be ready to ship in 2 days, while others may take 10 days. |
|
| If you would like to get a jump start on planning, consult with a QuickARC Sales Manager as soon as you have the model 70 % complete. We are happy to review the design and provide a close lead time estimate for you, so that there are no surprises once your model is ready to print. |
|
|
|
| Do I need to manually model in “support structures” to help my model build properly? |
|
| No, each 3D printing process automatically creates and manages the supports necessary to produce a great model. |
|
|
|
| What software can I use to design a 3D computer model, so that QuickARC can then print the model? |
|
| All 3D Printers require the .STL file format. The good news is that most 3D CAD systems available today support the .STL format as an export or 'save as' option. Many plug-ins are also available to download that will export a STL file. |
|
| The 'SECRET' to getting good .STL files from your design software is to use design techniques knowing that your model is intended to be exported to .STL, and then 3D printed. |
|
| Popular 3D CAD software includes AutoCAD, Revit, Microstation, FormZ, Rhino, and SketchUp. |
|
|
|
| What if my .STL file fails, or is of poor quality? |
|
| An .STL file can 'fail' due to open or missing geometry, failure meaning that the .STL file cannot be used to get a good 3D print. QuickARC uses several .STL file software tools that can help “auto fix” these files. If we cannot fix the file, we will contact you with screen shots and recommendation on what repairs need to be done to make the .STL file printable. |