The creation of a 3D printed object is produced using 3D printing technology. In 3D printing technology, an object is created by laying down consecutive layers of material until the object is formed. Each of these layers can be observed as a thinly sliced cross-section of the object.

What is 3D printing technology?

3D printing technology or additive manufacturing is a process of creating 3 dimensional solid objects from a digital file.

3D printing technology is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing which is cutting out a piece of metal or plastic, to be precise material. For example, a milling machine.

3D printing enables you to create complicated shapes using less material than traditional construction methods.

How 3D printing technology is used in Architecture?

The architectural industry has developed so far. Just beyond the production of drawings that would take days to a simple click producing multiple drawings with various expert reviews. Improvements in digital software, artificial intelligence, and high technology have met the way to further design explorations. With the help of the industry, the presentation and practice of 3d printing have been a productive change. 3d printing has occurred in more precise, accurate, and determined ways to break down complicated design models, giving a leap of opportunities for the industry to develop.

Also Read: 5 Representations of Technology in the World of Architecture

Benefits of 3D printing technology in Architecture:

1. A new generation of designs.

We have turned around regular box structures either due to the lack of tools to draft them or inadequate construction technologies to complete the design in reality. There possess many limitations before 3D printing. The practice of 3D printing and equal advanced software that provides us the freedom to explore design in infinite geometry and forms of shape has helped flourish the designing skills of a designer even further. Due to this at a considerable level, the process of designs and modeling and the architectural approach has begun to change.

2. We perceive with the eyes.

With a rapid brainstorming and constantly developing design process, as designers, one requires to verify the design through models after reaching an appropriate stage. 3D printing developed over advanced technology can understand complicated structural geometries and give excellent guidance for further explorations. The availability to print physical models with different materials and colors helps break the ice of understanding between the clients and designers to get a hold of the design.

3. Labor force reduction.

3D printing technology has definitely ended in low use of the labor force and saved a lot of time. The speed of development increases significantly while having a 3D printer, print real scale structure models. While a set of labor is involved in one project, having a 3D printer allows them to distribute it in different other projects. Collectively, speeding up the construction work on multiple project sites.

4. Time-saving.

In the field of Architecture, automatic development is the equivalent. Even at a second shift construction, works do shape up and progress further. This demands an important time slot to deliver and justify the planned design in reality. However, with 3D printing technology, time-saving has been an important advantage. The printers can print models in a small-time period and also have the capabilities of making multiple prototypes.

5. Financially beneficial.

As the Architecture industry is a million-dollar industry, money is the game-changer. 3D printing allows architects and designers to build models at workshops and studios. This process gives a stronger base to deliver design ideas to the clients. With in-house printers like Ultimaker S5, FormsLabs Form3, and many more it becomes an effortless modeling process. In short, it is financially sustainable and impactful in the design method.

Also Read: The Best Designing Software That Every Architect Must Use

6. Magnifies detailed designs.

It is difficult at times to deliver complex detailings and minute parts of a huge design. 3D printing technology effortlessly creates a niche to give the possibility of complicated design structures. Due to the help of 3D printing technology details or features that are impossible or difficult to create out by hand, can easily be achieved through 3D printing technology. Thus, it gives better clarity of the design as well as its actual scale impact. It also gives a short knowledge about the sun and its shadows which ultimately brings the model to life.

7. Conceptual testing aid.

3d printing technology helps architects to test the designs, allowing them to analyze the loopholes and conclude out improvement zones. It does not only helps with the creativity to develop further but also improves productivity. It provides a base to understand out the potential of the design in the actual context. Architects and designers can additionally analyze the models for structural analysis, material choices, and light and ventilation during the design process.

8. Enhanced technology and multiple prototypes.

The presence of 3D printing technology systems has significantly replaced the traditional methods of the design procedure. While the design was just based on 2D drawing it has now moved to 3D computational renders and 3D solid models of a specific scale. It has begun to detailed design, visualization in a real context, and process drawings through a gradual process, additionally producing models has become an easy job.

10. Way ahead of Housing.

The technology is not just limited to printing houses but now enables designers to further 3D print models of a whole town or city. It can be achieved with the highest accuracy and within a couple of hours with the help of the proper equipment and printing materials. This is also helpful to examine model variations in an affordable way to design faster and hassle-free.

Future of 3D printing in Architecture.

3D printing technology has developed and experimented with various elements of a built form. From 3D printed houses where people can live to 3D printed bridges, this technology covers the way towards a bright future full of opportunities. Some of the applications of 3D printed real designs are 2D-3D floor plans, 3D architectural modeling, 3D walls, and many more which have shown to be quicker to build and cheaper to construct. It has also experimented in the furniture industry building chair, tables, and other products.