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Looking to build 3d model

bpp

New Member
I have a customer looking to build a 3d model of a building for a fundraiser and price is not a concern. I looked into 3d printing but no one is willing to do it in a 2 week time frame. They want it big like 5 feet wide. Is this something that can be done via flatbed printer and cutter. Who can build such a template for me?
 

GAC05

Quit buggin' me
Will it be displayed inside or outside? If it's going inside, get some 3mm to 6mm PVC. It's easy to cut, glue(HH66 will weld PVC), and wrap. You can plot or print your templates out of cheap vinyl. If it's going outside, you will want something more substantial, maybe 1/4" plyform.
 

netsol

Premium Subscriber
is the clock already ticking on your 2week deadline?
call stratasys (they are the giant in the industry, they invented 3d printing)

i believe the stratasys complex Is in Eden prairie Minnesota.

ask for a referral or a list of 3d printing bureaus near you

i Am drawing a blank on the name of the company who makes “grand format” 3d printers, I might have literature from them t the shop
 

animating1

New Member
As someone who 3D prints (not at this scale), and not knowing anything about the building you are trying to create/recreate, I can tell you that even with the fastest printers, that timeline is not likely to be feasible unless you happen to be right next door to a print farm with multiple Bigrep, or Modix, or other large format machines. First off, you need to have a digital 3D model to work from (which will have to be modeled if you don't have one already), which then has to be cut into pieces small enough to be printed on whichever printer they are using, most of the largest being a max. of 1-meter sq. footprint. Then, there is the actual printing; the material used would be determined by where and how long the model is sitting and its durability for shipping and assembly based on that size. As far as printing it would not be super fast, larger nozzles with pellet-based print heads will speed things up a bit, but larger nozzles mean more texture to the surface due to the larger layer lines which would make it difficult to adhere anything to without some kind of surface prep which could be very time-consuming. There is a lot of nuance I am leaving out as well, but sufficed to say, it is not an easy task. But who knows if you already have a model and money really is no object...

Ultra-conparison.jpg

This is from Modix

IMHO, GAC05's suggestion is likely your best bet, take all the outside surfaces and Router cut them as req., build a simple internal frame and skin it with the cut sheets. If cost is no object and the clock is ticking, this would be my approach, since you are also more in control of the finished product.

 

Vassago

New Member
Tbh.. If they say money is no object, then unless they are a multi multi millionaire - I'd take it with a pinch of salt.

Yes..it can be done relatively cheaply - but.. It depends on IF they have a suitable 3d model.

3d printing would cost a fortune and take a very long time.

If you sliced the model so you only had the exterior features on 2d panels you could cut it on a router, but it all depends on what they have NOW...

Even doing it that way would take time.

Many people think 3d printing is easy.. It is for the most part, but it takes time and isn't cheap. Plus the cost of preparing the model.
.
So before ANY work is done.. Ask them how much THEY think it'll cost. It might be realistic.. Or it might not.

No point wasting your time if their unlimited budget is actually unrealistic.
 

GAC05

Quit buggin' me
Another option: If you are not handy with hand tools or machinery that can remove fingers or limbs, hit up a custom cabinet maker or carpenter. A decent shop should have all the tools to build something like this in a short timeframe if they are looking for work and the budget is right.
 

Vassago

New Member
Another option is to simply print elevations on plywood and manually cut them out.. Its all down to what they want
 

lora

New Member
I have a customer looking to build a 3d model of a building for a fundraiser and price is not a concern. I looked into 3d printing but no one is willing to do it in a 2 week time frame. They want it big like 5 feet wide. Is this something that can be done via flatbed printer and cutter. Who can build such a template for me?
I can help you with 3D modeling and 3D printing. DM if you decide to go this route.
 

JBurton

Signtologist
3d model of a building for a fundraiser and price is not a concern
I'd find an ice carver, have him do it, deliver for the fundraiser, and tell the customer he gave you no more directions than 3d. Honestly this would be the coolest/most impressive for some suits drinking cocktails, and also possibly the fastest way to get it done. It won't be 'accurate' or to scale, but 2 weeks is a tight timeline.
 

NextGenCLN

New Member
I have a customer looking to build a 3d model of a building for a fundraiser and price is not a concern. I looked into 3d printing but no one is willing to do it in a 2 week time frame. They want it big like 5 feet wide. Is this something that can be done via flatbed printer and cutter. Who can build such a template for me?
If you still have a need we may be able to help, please send me a message and we can connect via phone or email. We have routers and a 3d printer but based on the size I think doing panels and assembling them is more realistic and cost effective.
 

MikePro

New Member
seems like a job for a student at your local school of architecture.
they handbuild these things out of cardstock & popsicle sticks all the time for assignments, I'm sure they'd love to get paid for one.
 
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