Building Physical Models for the Masses

3D Ventures Utilizes Technology to Build Low Cost Physical Scale Models

Ordering a physical model along with a set of plans will soon become standard thanks to Michael and Beth White at 3D Ventures.

When you think of a scale model shop it usually consists of something like a toy factory with sounds of saws ripping and busy bodies painting. But, at 3D Ventures it’s everything but traditional. With a 3D printer dubbed “Merlin” which operates much like a standard ink-jet printer on one wall and a 3D workstation on the other they are at the forefront of changing traditions.

3D Venture’s process involves converting two dimensional data (napkin drawings to architect’s files) into three dimensional computer models which can then be rendered or produced into physical scale models. 3D Ventures combines 3D Printing, a technology from the rapid prototyping industry, with time tested hand modeling techniques to produce monochrome white or specific color models with a plethora of options. 3D Venture’s models are modular and also more durable than the classic “Do not touch!” models, enabling them to be taken on-site if necessary. The price for a 3D printed model is usually 1/3rd that of traditional modeling in less than 1/6th of the time. But, if the project is modeled using BIM software, which conveniently outputs 3D printable files, the cost and time can be cut in half! If BIM is used models can start as low $150.

BIM adoption is rapidly increasing driving demand for 3D printed scale models. In a recent study conducted by RSMeans Business Solutions, a division Reed Construction Data, 96 percent of offices sampled adopted the use of BIM within the last 12 months and nearly half of all the respondents estimated that all projects will use BIM within one or two years.

A 3D printed model is to scale models what Google SketchUp is to the 3D modeling world, it is a fast and effective low cost communication tool. The current models may not have the photo-realism of a Hollywood set but it doesn’t break the bank either. As BIM capabilities improve and 3D printing machines offer more features the realism will improve. Relaying designs and concepts in a format the client can connect with, at an affordable cost, has put 3D printing at the forefront of visual communication tools.

Google SketchUp to 3D print in a few days? 3D Ventures is doing just that. Google SketchUp has become an effective and cost efficient method for 3D communication and now that communication gets physical. “We use Google SketchUp because of it’s ease of use and rapid global adoption to creating our physical models and 3D renderings. Although designing for building scale models in SketchUp can more time intensive we have streamlined our workflow to a point where clients have also requested our low cost SketchUp 3D rendering service for basic visualizations,” says Michael . If you are planning on sending them your SketchUp files for 3D print, they will gladly accept them, but, there are a few design practices which can reduce your cost even further which are available on their website ,www.3DVentures.com, along with short videos explaining the process.

As the use of BIM is rapidly adopted, scale models are being seen at multiple stages of the collaboration process not to mention as a standard in the final stage. With BIM use on the rise and the current low-cost / on-demand 3D printing capabilities, seeing a 3D Venture’s model with your set of plans may be sooner than you think.

About 3D Ventures
3D Ventures is a pioneer in rapid 3D printing technology for architects, engineers, and end-clients providing quality visualizations as 3D renderings and physical scale models. Their models such as residential / commercial buildings, city / business development models, geospatial land models with image / map overlays, and Google Earth and Google SketchUp models are globally available.