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Overview
From basic models for concept exploration and project initiation to complex, finished displays for graphic presentations, 3D printing is covering all bases—and more—for architects today.
With an ever-growing range of materials and processes, the world of AM technology is never short of a solution – regardless of budget, lead time requirements, or the level of detail the model entails.
Wave goodbye to the long, laborious, hand-crafting techniques of the past, and say hello to new realms of design freedom and modelling precision. Affordable, readily available prints of your plans facilitate an iterative 3D design process that takes your ideas from the early concept stages to construction quicker than ever before. Advancement of machinery continually enables new levels of definition, and increasingly exotic material options allow for the texture changes and colour schemes you need to create eye-catching visual replications.
At LPE, we’ve been bringing the plans of architects across the UK and Ireland to life for 30 years now, bringing them accurate, cost-effective, and time-efficient modelling solutions. With over 20 in-house printers, we have the extensive machine capacity required to meet all your modelling needs, regardless of size, scale, and definition. Our expert team of modelmakers will work with you hands-on throughout the design process, providing advice and consultation as and when you require it.
Why do architects use 3D Printing?
- Flawless modelmaking – With models produced to match CAD files accurately, the potential for errors in the model-making process is eliminated.”
- Cost-effectiveness – Material and labour costs are kept to a minimum, by an additive machining process that removes the requirement for human crafting and optimises material efficiency.
- Quick, easy iterations – You and your client have the liberty to modify your design at any stage, for no additional fixed costs, with a 3D version of the updated model in front of you within days.
- Identify design flaws – With real-life scale models of proposed builds, this can be done more easily and reliably than any computer simulation would allow.
Why choose LPE for your architecture requirements?
- Advanced printing capabilities with an expansive range of material and finishing options, for astonishing display models
- Secondary painting, finishing, and polishing, – so your model is ready for presentation upon delivery
- Large build volume capabilities, for sizeable planning projects and wider scale-metric options
- LED lighting and special 3D-printed parts for enhanced presentations and real-life lighting effects
- Swift lead times permitted by our extensive machine capacity and overnight operations, facilitating a rapid iterative design process
- Next-day delivery across the UK & Ireland
- Highly experienced team of engineers and modelmakers to help you unlock the full potential of 3D Printing
- Over 30 years of experience in architectural modelmaking, including assembly, lighting and finishing
LPE Recommended Materials & Processes for Architecture
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Stereolithography (SLA) - Watershed
Applications include: Highly finished/polished plastic parts which can simulate complex architectural features, High-definition scale models
Watershed is a water-clear, water-resistant material which can be finished, painted or polished to simulate any surface – windows or walls. Tough and ABS-like functionality means parts can be handled in situ but with an accuracy and definition to amaze customers.
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Digital Light Processing (DLP) – Tough-BLK 20
Applications include: Ultra-High-resolution scale models
Tough-Blk 20 is an ABS-like, strong material with industry-leading environmental stability. Parts feature an exceptional surface finish, high precision, durability and long-term stability which make them suitable for fast turnaround, multiple scale models.
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Vacuum Casting - PX225
Applications include: Excellent moulding simulated parts, photo shoots and multiple parts to fill large-scale models
PX225 is an opalescent thermoplastic-like resin similar to ABS/PC, so is an ideal solution to produce functional components for both prototype and end-use requirements. The material can be pigmented to match exact brand / corporate colours and can even be used to replace injection moulding for low-volume requirements.
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Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) - Nylon (PA 2200)
Applications include: Tough scale models, multiple parts
Laser-sintered parts made from PA2200 have excellent material properties with high strength and rigidity. A tough nylon which can be handled and worked with easily. Parts can be painted and finished to give excellent scale model representation.
Interested in finding out more about the materials we offer?