QuickARC – Interactive 3D Architectural Plastic Models

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Architect's Zone - FAQ's

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 emothional connection with the idea. Renderings do not create this connection.

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.

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.

Most builder models include several steps (2D-to-3D conversion, CAD review and approval, Model printing, Model finishing) so these projects will usually take 3-4 weeks.

What if there are changes after the model has been built?

Depending on the change, most of the time an additional piece can be built and added to the model. If the change is drastic like adding a whole new room, the cost to update the model is minimal thanks to the interactive nature of it. For example, only the first floor has been modified and because we build the models floor by floor, only the one section needs to be rebuilt and shipped to you as opposed to traditional modeling where the model is built as one piece.

How expensive is this service?

The cost to make the models has 3 elements... CAD Conversion, 3D Printing, Finishing.

The CAD Conversion and Finishing are nearly fixed costs, no matter what size scale model we make, the CAD conversion and finishing must be done.

We can manage the budget, however, by adjusting the scale of the property. The standard scale is 1/4, where 1 inch on the model equals 4 feet in real life. We can change that scale to fit most any budget, as a 1/5 scale model will cost less than a 1/4, and a 1/6 will cost less than a 1/5, and so on..

How rugged are the models?

Each model is made of plastic, so it is solid thru-and-thru, and therefore much more rugged than the traditional foam board or paper models. The models can easilty withstand normal handling. However we don't recommend that you drop them or treat them roughly, as they are not indestructible.

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