Local architects considering 3-D printing technology

It takes Ubl Design Group several weeks to make display models of buildings. With a 3-D printer they could do it in a day.

Some local architects are considering using 3-D printed models as a new way to showcase designs to clients.

The printers have made it possible to make functional 3-D objects from car parts to medical supplies by printing them out. Besides the automotive and medical industries, the technology also is being used in aerospace, manufacturing and by the military.

A designer can make a digital 3-D model using design software and send the model to the printer. The material is selected and the printer releases thin layers of the material upon each other to make the object.

Many of the printers, including those made by Minnesota-based Stratasys, can print more than 100 materials to create objects out of rubber, hard plastics, polyurthane and more.

Jeff Ubl of Ubl Design Group said his company was approached about the technology several years ago. The marketer was originally catering to manufacturers. Ubl did not get involved with the technology at the time but said now he would definitely consider it. The issues would be price.

For it to be really valuable to us it would have to be something inexpensive, he said.

These printers are starting to become more accessible, said Eric Johnson, design visualization specialist for JLG Architects. He said the price range varies by how much you need a printer to do: You can spend anywhere from $15,000 to $150,000.

Johnson said JLG has been using 3-D design software for 20 years and the company is looking into getting a printer in the near future. He said being able to use the printer to make models would be a substantial benefit to the company.

For clients its tremendous, he said. Its a great way for them to move around the model.

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Local architects considering 3-D printing technology