W-1d
3D Printing for Architecture Design
Deep Dive into 3D printing with an intense focus on how we, architects, can take the most advantage of it. Gain confidence in the subject to discover its power, know the tool’s advantages and disadvantages so you manage where to use it. And learn the basic criteria to have a clean and completed 3D Printed Model. But also prepare for very useful fails, these will also help you gain experience in this topic.
Understand the interface, tools and settings of two free programs that will help you create a good Gcode for your 3D Print. Support your design process by implementing 3D Printing as a design tool by first understanding what it is, how it works, what kind of problems does it present, and how you can fully unlock its features for the benefit of your architecture projects while always serving The Idea.
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Exercise 1
The Flat Cube
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Exercise 2
The Bridge
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Exercise 3
The Colonnade
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Exercise 4
The Master Plan
About the course
This course is intended for architects who want to integrate 3d Printing technology into their design process and have some extra time to dive into the subject. We will start by understanding the its mechanics, history, the different methods used, and most importantly: how it can be integrated into helping clients, professors or colleagues understand your architectural idea.
This course will take you through diverse 3d printing techniques, working in Fused Deposition Modeling, (FDM) and show you in detail how to successfully produce your first model.
Skill level and duration
Intended for the curious and the absolute beginners, or for self-taught users who would like to restart with a fresh structure.
The course is 6 chapters long, each with a lecture of no more than an hour and an integrated practical exercise, each requiring between 30 to 45 minutes. In total, allow for two full afternoons.
Recommended Model Tutorials
For a quick start on this subject it is recommended to follow the Following Tutorial:
x-W1d: “3d Printing for Complete Beginners” available using:
Prusa Slicer following this link
Ultimaker Cura following this link
To prepare your Own 3D Models to 3D Print in this Course follow:
-1d First 3D Printable Model available using:
Rhino following this link
ArchiCAD following this link
In this course you will learn
What it is and its history
3D Printing Methods
Time, Costs and Quality are Relative in 3D Printing
FDM as a Design Tool
The Cardinal Rules of 3d Printing: a Synthesis
The materials you will need
Latest Version of Ultimaker CURA, Installed and Running (necessary)
Basic understanding of Prusa Slic3r, or Complete the Course “Cu-0 Ultimaker CURA Foundations” (necessary)
Own FDM 3D Printer compatible with Prusa Slic3er (recommended)
Complete the Exercise PDF provided before starting on your own. Otherwise we will provide you some. (recommended)
Course Content
5 Videos
4 Provided 3D Printable Models
PDF Exercise for preparation
Full Tutorial Script with searchable commands
0. General Concepts
Let’s get into the history, the mechanics, and the evolution of 3D printing to understand why it has become such a big tool across countless industries and disciplines. We will finish up the chapter by looking into an important piece of software that allows for the translation of the virtual model into the physical: The Slicer.
Choose your software and follow the exercise
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have never opened PrusaSlicer or would like to get a foundational understanding of the Software, I invite you to follow this link to the Foundations Tutorial of PrusaSlicer. It will be a good hour spent either learning how to navigate it or furthering your knowledge.
If you have never opened Ultimaker CURA or would like to get a foundational understanding of the Software, I invite you to follow this link to the Foundations Tutorial of Ultimaker CURA. It will be a good hour spent either learning how to navigate it or furthering your knowledge.
1. 3D Printing Methods
Currently there are many ways in which 3D Printing can be used, in these courses the idea is to define coherent uses specifically for architecture design. Before we do, let’s have a look at the different processes available in order to understand the context of 3D Printing. How many configurations are needed to print a simple cube? Think about not only the quality of the model produced, but also of how we set our 3D Printer to produce it, considering time, quality, materials and minimizing risk of (technical or creative) failure.
Choose your software and follow the exercise
PrusaSlicer Script
1. Import File
Drop the STL from the file.
You can do it too going to File >Import STL
2. Skirt
Go to Print Settings > Skirt and Brim
Change Values:
Loops minimum: 10
Distance from object: 50mm
Skirt Height: 1 layer
Draft shield: Unchecked
3. Slice
4. Check the First Layer
Take the Slices Bar at the Right part of the screen all the way down.
You can Verify if all the model touches the plate.
5. Export G-code
Click on the Export G-code button.
Save the file with these categories:
LASTNAME_MODEL NAME_SCALE_MACHINE_PRINT TIME
Ultimaker CURA Script
1. Import File
Drop the STL from the file.
2. Skirt
Go to Print Settings > Build Plate Adhesion
Change Values:
Build Plate Adhesion Type: Skirt
Skirt Line Count: 10
Skirt Distance: 50mm
3. Slice
4. Check the First Layer
Take the Slices Bar at the Right part of the screen all the way down.
You can Verify if all the model touches the plate.
5. Export G-code
Click on the Export G-code button.
Save the file with these categories:
LASTNAME_MODEL NAME_SCALE_MACHINE_PRINT TIME
2. Time, Money, and Quality are Relative
Time, quality, and costs are relative in 3D Printing. There are pros and cons for each 3D Printer and understanding these will allow you to better pick the one you want to invest in. In the meantime, we will focus on the cheapest and most versatile one. Then we will exercise best practices when using support structures in your architectural models. For example, you will not believe what we are going to show you here: We can print in the air! This is a great hack that helps us save time by not supporting something that doesn’t require it.
Choose your software and follow the exercise
PrusaSlicer Script
1. Import File
Drop the STL from the file.
You can do it too going to: File >Import STL
2. Support On + Slice
Select on the Support Settings: Everywhere.
Reduce Skirt to fit the plate borders.
Select Object > Right Click > Add Support
3. Add Support Blocker + Slice
Select the Bridge Model
Create a Support Blocker: Right Click > Add Support Blocker
Scale Support Blocker.
Reduce Skirt to fit the plate borders.
4. Slice!
5. Check first Layer
Take the Slices Bar at the Right part of the screen all the way down
You can Verify if all the model touches the plate.
6. Export G-code
Click on the Export G-code button.
Save the file with these categories:
LASTNAME_MODEL NAME_SCALE_MACHINE_PRINT TIME
Ultimaker CURA Script
1. Import File
Drop the STL from the file.
You can do it too going to: File >Import STL
2. Support On + Slice
Select on the Support Settings: Everywhere.
Reduce Skirt to fit the plate borders.
Slice!
3. Add Support Blocker + Slice
Select the Bridge Model
Create a Support Blocker: Object Commands > Support Blocker
Click on the Model
Scale it and Move it
4. Slice!
5. Check first Layer
Take the Slices Bar at the Right part of the screen all the way down
You can Verify if all the model touches the plate.
6. Export G-code
Click on the Export G-code button.
Save the file with these categories:
LASTNAME_MODEL NAME_SCALE_MACHINE_PRINT TIME
3. FDM is a Design Tool
Now that we know why we picked FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), let’s identify the nuances between a quick working model and the final presentation model to identify where we can fit this tool. We will further our practical knowledge by understanding what Brim is, and how to use it. This tool is required because the movement of the production of the 3D model needs some stability, and if you are having thin elements it could place the process at risk, using the Brim this way could save your 3D Print.
Choose your software and follow the exercise
PrusaSlicer Script
1. Import File
Drop the STL from the file.
You can do it too going to: File >Import STL
2. Turn Brim On + Slice
Check Brim Box aside the Infill.
Turn Support Off.
Slice!
3. Modify Brim + Slice
Go to Print Settings.
In Skirt and Brim change Brim to: 5.0mm.
Slice!
4. Check First Layer
Take the Slices Bar at the Right part of the screen all the way down.
You can Verify if all the model touches the plate.
5. Export G-code
Click on the Export G-code button.
Save the file with these categories:
LASTNAME_MODEL NAME_SCALE_MACHINE_PRINT TIME
Ultimaker CURA Script
1. Import File
Drop the STL from the file.
2. Turn Brim On + Slice
Print Settings > Build Plate Adhesion.
Build Plate Adhesion Type > Brim.
Slice!
3. Modify Brim + Slice
Go to Print Settings.
Brim Width: 5.0mm.
Slice!
4. Check First Layer
Take the Slices Bar at the Right part of the screen all the way down.
You can Verify if all the model touches the plate.
5. Export G-code
Click on the Export G-code button.
Save the file with these categories:
LASTNAME_MODEL NAME_SCALE_MACHINE_PRINT TIME
4. Use Cases
In this last step we will navigate through 6 case studies in the development of most architectural projects. You will understand what is possible starting with an urban model, passing through scaling and ultimately landing at the construction details of a facade. Finally, we will sum up our journey through practical exercises by giving you an array of useful tips on how to optimize printing time.
Choose your software and follow the exercise
PrusaSlicer Script
1. Import File
Drop the STL from the file.
You can do it too going to: File >Import STL
2. Break Objects
Select object.
Select the Button Split to Parts in the upper tools.
Arrange as you need.
Slice and check the time! 6h12m
3. Clear Infill + Slice
Go to Print Settings > Infill
Set Fill Density: 0%
Slice and check the time! 4h10m
4. Set Perimeters to 1 + Slice
Go to Layer and Perimeters > Vertical shells.
Change Vertical Shells > Perimeters: 2
Slice and check the time! 3h20m
5. No Bottom + Slice
Go to Print Settings > Layer and Perimeters
Change Solid Layers > Bottom: 0
Slice and check the time! 2h30m
6. Add Brim + Slice
Activate Brim.
Go to Print Settings > Skirt and Brim
Change Brim width: 4mm
Slice and check the time! 2h50m
7. Reduce Top Layers
Go to Print Settings > Layers and Perimeters
Change the Solid layers > Top 1
Slice and check the time! 2h39m
8. Export G-code
Click on the Export G-code button.
Save the file with these categories:
LASTNAME_MODEL NAME_SCALE_MACHINE_PRINT TIME
Ultimaker CURA Script
1. Import File
Drop the STL from the file.
You can do it too going to: File >Import STL
2. Break Objects
Open Marketplace.
Select Plugins > Mesh Tools > Install.
Select object.
Right Click > Mesh Tools > Split Model into Parts to Break Model.
Arrange as you need.
Slice and check the time! 7h24m
3. Clear Infill + Slice
Go to Print Settings > Infill
Set Fill Density: 0%
Slice and check the time! 4h44m
4. Set Perimeters to 1 + Slice
Go to Print Settings > Walls
Change Vertical Shells > Perimeters: 1
Slice and check the time! 4h07m
5. No Bottom + Slice
Go to Print Settings > Top/Bottom
Change Bottom Layers: 0
Slice and check the time! 2h40m
6. Add Brim + Slice
Activate Brim.
Go to Print Settings > Build Plate Adhesion
Change Brim width: 4mm
Slice and check the time! 3h00m
7. Reduce Top Layers
Go to Print Settings > Top/Bottom
Change Top Layers 1
Slice and check the time! 2h12m
8. Export G-code
Click on the Export G-code button.
Save the file with these categories:
LASTNAME_MODEL NAME_SCALE_MACHINE_PRINT TIME
5. Cardinal Rules - A Synthesis
In this chapter we will summarize the cardinal rules of 3D printing which you should use as a guide for every project. You will also discover that 3D printing is not only for those who own a 3D Printer, but for anyone with a creative mind who wants to create an actual object.
Choose your software and follow the exercise
PrusaSlicer Script
1. Principles
Enter www.hubs.com.
Get to Instance Quote.
In Our manufacturing capabilities you can see all the services you can get.
2. One Example
Click on. Get an Instance Quote
Select. 3D Printing > FDM
Drop the G-Code File.
3. Setup
Select Quantity
Select File Units Millimeters
Select Process FDA
Select Material PLA
Select Type of PLA Proto PLA
Select Infilll 30
Select Layer Height 100mm
Select Color White
You can Upload Techincal Drawing
Select Print Orientation Rotate the Model
Add Additional comments. #3DJony
4. Pay and Wait for the Package!
Ultimaker CURA Script
1. Principles
Enter www.hubs.com.
Get to Instance Quote.
In Our manufacturing capabilities you can see all the services you can get.
2. One Example
Click on. Get an Instance Quote
Select. 3D Printing > FDM
Drop the G-Code File.
3. Setup
Select Quantity
Select File Units Millimeters
Select Process FDA
Select Material PLA
Select Type of PLA Proto PLA
Select Infilll 30
Select Layer Height 100mm
Select Color White
You can Upload Techincal Drawing
Select Print Orientation Rotate the Model
Add Additional comments. #3DJony
4. Pay and Wait for the Package!
6. Sources
For the development of this course, an array of media, entries, and documents were consulted which I aim to list here. Please report any reference that might be missing so it can be promptly added.
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