The following tutorial will guide you through the process of 3D printing architectural models. Without getting out your model-building material, you\u2019ll be able to quickly visualize your idea. It will definitely be more laid back than building your model by hand. Please be advised, that 3D printing an architectural model takes on average around 3-9 hours. The most complicated part is to get the architectural models converted for 3D printing \u2013 but we got you covered here.<\/p>\n
3D Printing Architecture Models #1: Create your 3D Model<\/strong><\/h3>\nIt really is up to you which programs you use to create your vision. For this tutorial, we have designed our 3D printable architecture model in SketchUp Make.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2021\/06\/16c0177ea594489d.png\")
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Before creating your 3D printable architecture model with Sketch-Up you\u2019ll want to choose the template \u201c3D Printing\u201d (see above) in either inches or millimeters. That way you will have your basic scale set up. Don\u2019t mind that the Makerbot 2 is preprogrammed in the template, you can use whatever 3D printer you want.<\/p>\n
Most of the architectural students already have some experience with Sketch-up or similar CAD software. If not, look at our quick tutorial on SketchUp.<\/p>\n
Although you might be familiar with the software, there are some important things to watch out while creating your 3D printable architecture model:<\/p>\n
\n- Do not double your lines! Otherwise, the slicer (that\u2019s the software that makes your file 3D printable) will not recognize your model as a volume.<\/li>\n
- Before you convert your model, delete the Makerbot Box around your planned model, so all you see is the model itself, as in the picture below.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2021\/06\/83b8ba0424a0afbb.png\")
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3D Printing Architecture Models #2: Convert your 3D Model into a .dae File<\/strong><\/h3>\nWe have converted our SketchUp 3D model into a .dae file by exporting it as a 3D model and saving it as COLLADA File (*.dae). You can achieve this by clicking on the file and choosing Export > 3D Model > Export.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2021\/06\/b9223c9537116ca4.png\")
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![](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2021\/06\/520d56ae902f8d7e.png\")
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3D Printing Architecture Models #3: Turn Your 3D Model into an STL File<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe next step is to turn your 3D architectural model into an STL file, which is the right data for any 3D print job. To do this, please download Meshlab. It\u2018s open-source system for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes.
\nIt provides a set of tools for editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, texturing, and converting meshes \u2013 exactly what we need for our 3D architectural model.<\/p>\n
Import your file into the software. Click on the file. Export Mesh as\u2026 -> Save as an STL File Format (*.stl). And we\u2019re done here.<\/p>\n
Now you can save your file and either go to one of the following stores around you or continue with your own printer. Save your file.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2021\/06\/fad3bf1ff64bef6a.png\")
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![](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2021\/06\/faea9efacdcea5a9.png\")
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![](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2021\/06\/97442e299ff8d783.png\")
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Now, there are two options for you to continue with your 3D printable architecture model:<\/p>\n
\n- 3D Print with a professional 3D printing service. All you need now is to upload your generated STL file to the service and choose the material. To get the best price available, go here<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- 3D Print your architecture model by yourself \u2013 that\u2018s what we\u2018ll show you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
If you already own a 3D printer or have the possibility of using one, please continue with the following steps.<\/p>\n
3D Printing Architecture Models #4: Prepare the 3D Printing Process<\/strong><\/h3>\nSTL files are somewhat like a generic blueprint for every 3D model, not only 3D printable architecture models. Unfortunately, this means you have to prepare it for the 3D printer you want to use for the job. In order to get your architectural 3D model 3D printed, you need another piece of software. Now you\u2019ll want to install the free software Cura<\/a> and start it up.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2021\/06\/9a8cfba16a68417b.png\")
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Cura is a great little program provided for free by 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker. It slices your STL file into many layers, so the printhead can follow the path laid out by the software. First, you will have to set up the printer profile and choose the data for the material you want to print your architectural 3D model with.<\/p>\n
After uploading or dragging your architectural model into Cura it might appear as a very small dot on the simulated print bed. That\u2019s not a problem at all. Simply select your tiny model and then press the feature scaling. You\u2019ll need to experiment around, depending on how big you want your model to be.<\/p>\n
3D Printing Architecture Models #5: Start 3D Printing<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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3D Printing Architecture Models #2: Convert your 3D Model into a .dae File<\/strong><\/h3>\nWe have converted our SketchUp 3D model into a .dae file by exporting it as a 3D model and saving it as COLLADA File (*.dae). You can achieve this by clicking on the file and choosing Export > 3D Model > Export.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
3D Printing Architecture Models #3: Turn Your 3D Model into an STL File<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe next step is to turn your 3D architectural model into an STL file, which is the right data for any 3D print job. To do this, please download Meshlab. It\u2018s open-source system for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes.
\nIt provides a set of tools for editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, texturing, and converting meshes \u2013 exactly what we need for our 3D architectural model.<\/p>\n
Import your file into the software. Click on the file. Export Mesh as\u2026 -> Save as an STL File Format (*.stl). And we\u2019re done here.<\/p>\n
Now you can save your file and either go to one of the following stores around you or continue with your own printer. Save your file.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Now, there are two options for you to continue with your 3D printable architecture model:<\/p>\n
\n- 3D Print with a professional 3D printing service. All you need now is to upload your generated STL file to the service and choose the material. To get the best price available, go here<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- 3D Print your architecture model by yourself \u2013 that\u2018s what we\u2018ll show you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
If you already own a 3D printer or have the possibility of using one, please continue with the following steps.<\/p>\n
3D Printing Architecture Models #4: Prepare the 3D Printing Process<\/strong><\/h3>\nSTL files are somewhat like a generic blueprint for every 3D model, not only 3D printable architecture models. Unfortunately, this means you have to prepare it for the 3D printer you want to use for the job. In order to get your architectural 3D model 3D printed, you need another piece of software. Now you\u2019ll want to install the free software Cura<\/a> and start it up.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Cura is a great little program provided for free by 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker. It slices your STL file into many layers, so the printhead can follow the path laid out by the software. First, you will have to set up the printer profile and choose the data for the material you want to print your architectural 3D model with.<\/p>\n
After uploading or dragging your architectural model into Cura it might appear as a very small dot on the simulated print bed. That\u2019s not a problem at all. Simply select your tiny model and then press the feature scaling. You\u2019ll need to experiment around, depending on how big you want your model to be.<\/p>\n
3D Printing Architecture Models #5: Start 3D Printing<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\nThe next step is to turn your 3D architectural model into an STL file, which is the right data for any 3D print job. To do this, please download Meshlab. It\u2018s open-source system for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes.
\nIt provides a set of tools for editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, texturing, and converting meshes \u2013 exactly what we need for our 3D architectural model.<\/p>\n
Import your file into the software. Click on the file. Export Mesh as\u2026 -> Save as an STL File Format (*.stl). And we\u2019re done here.<\/p>\n
Now you can save your file and either go to one of the following stores around you or continue with your own printer. Save your file.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Now, there are two options for you to continue with your 3D printable architecture model:<\/p>\n
- \n
- 3D Print with a professional 3D printing service. All you need now is to upload your generated STL file to the service and choose the material. To get the best price available, go here<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- 3D Print your architecture model by yourself \u2013 that\u2018s what we\u2018ll show you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
If you already own a 3D printer or have the possibility of using one, please continue with the following steps.<\/p>\n
3D Printing Architecture Models #4: Prepare the 3D Printing Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n
STL files are somewhat like a generic blueprint for every 3D model, not only 3D printable architecture models. Unfortunately, this means you have to prepare it for the 3D printer you want to use for the job. In order to get your architectural 3D model 3D printed, you need another piece of software. Now you\u2019ll want to install the free software Cura<\/a> and start it up.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nCura is a great little program provided for free by 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker. It slices your STL file into many layers, so the printhead can follow the path laid out by the software. First, you will have to set up the printer profile and choose the data for the material you want to print your architectural 3D model with.<\/p>\n
After uploading or dragging your architectural model into Cura it might appear as a very small dot on the simulated print bed. That\u2019s not a problem at all. Simply select your tiny model and then press the feature scaling. You\u2019ll need to experiment around, depending on how big you want your model to be.<\/p>\n
3D Printing Architecture Models #5: Start 3D Printing<\/strong><\/h3>\n
- 3D Print your architecture model by yourself \u2013 that\u2018s what we\u2018ll show you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2021\/06\/c15b59ca52774ba3.png\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2021\/06\/9d3427cb9f6de512.png\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2021\/06\/ccec790628dd027c.png\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2021\/06\/eafe0a697010f74f.png\")
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