3D ARCHITECTURAL MODEL PRINTED DIRECTLY FROM VECTORWORKS SOFTWARE ON DISPLAY AT 3D MARYLAND SHOWCASE

 
This week, the first 3D model produced by 3D Model to Print (3DMTP) from Vectorworks® software will be on display at the 3D Maryland showcase launch event located at UAV Solutions in Jessup, Maryland.

3DMTP USA has successfully processed hundreds of files from software commonly used by architects, such as SketchUp, Revit, and now Vectorworks, making them ready for 3D printing.  Extending this service to accommodate Vectorworks software is a breakthrough for both 3DMTP and the architectural community.

With more than 450,000 users, Vectorworks software is a line of industry-specific CAD and Building Information Modeling (BIM) solutions developed by Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. that allow designers to advance their ideas from concept through completion. The Arboleda project displayed at the 3D Maryland event is a model of a multi-story, multi-family residential building located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic that was originally designed by the architectural firm Modo Forma. The design was further reworked by industry specialists at Nemetschek Vectorworks to demonstrate Open BIM workflows using Vectorworks Architect software. This proof of concept project encompasses a series of detailed features, including a complex exterior ‘skin’ with curtain walls and other architectural elements that before 3DMTP were challenging and time consuming to make ready for 3D printing.  The model on display at the 3D Maryland showcase is a 1:360 scale model of the building, standing at 6 inches tall, with a 3DMTP minimum fine detail thickness parameter set at 0.039" (1 mm), which helped to preserve the details for 3D printing.

The initial test print was produced on a MakerBot 3D printer at Direct Dimensions' office.  The model for display was made on a Stratasys Dimensions 1200es 3D printer at a nearby architect’s office.  In addition to the file that was printed, teams at 3DMTP and Nemetschek Vectorworks are experimenting with a series of design options and scales that will help demonstrate the details of the building design from different interior and exterior perspectives. The files can be printed on a variety of 3D printing technologies all supported by 3DMTP.

The 3D Maryland showcase is the perfect venue to introduce this new and unique service, because both Nemetschek Vectorworks and 3DMTP are based in Maryland. 3D Maryland is an initiative of the Howard County Economic Development Authority and the Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship. Funded through a grant from Howard County, it is designed to help build and maintain connections among producers, while fostering innovation in the 3D printing and rapid prototyping industries. Jan Baum, director of 3D Maryland, is a leader in bringing the 3D printing and rapid technology agenda to the greater Baltimore region.

This is an exciting step for both 3DMTP and users of Vectorworks software. We look forward to making many more Vectorworks files ready for 3D printing in the future.

Phil Magenheim - @3DMTP