What does 3D printing add to architecture in Egypt?
3D printing enables architects and designers to create low-cost 3D architectural models with a high level of precision.
There are two main applications of 3D printing for architecture: 3D printers to create low-cost architectural models used as study models during the creation process, and 3D printers to build realistic and detailed architectural models, often used to promote a project by showcasing the final result in 3D, in a visually striking way.
3D printing low-cost architectural models in Egypt
The Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology is well adapted for 3D printing basic architectural models.
Higher productivity
3D printing saves time in the early design and creation phases by reducing the lead-time for architectural model production and allowing quick tests of concepts and iterations.
While it can take several days to build an architectural model manually using wood or foam, 3D printing can deliver results in just hours. A 3D printer can operate overnight for the larger models, which take longer to print.
Lower production costs
To assess volumes and general structure of the building, they need to be 3D printed using a single plastic material and a small number of colors, thus keeping the production costs to a minimum.
The 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys claims that modeling costs can be reduced up to 75% by using 3D printing.
“3D printing is changing the way that we explore designs and the fact that we can design something and then in a couple of days you have a 3D printout. That’s tremendously exciting.”