1. 3D Printing
The tool of the future

2. History of 3D Printing
First patent for Rapid Prototyping Technology (Dr Kodama)
Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) Patent (Charles Hull)
(SLS) Patent (Carl Deckard) – 1989
FDM Patent (Stratasys) – 1992
SLM (MCP Technologies) – 2000
RepRap Concept ( Dr Bowyer) – 2004
Commercial available Reprap – 2009
Alternative 3d printing processes at entry level market
3d Printing was originally called Rapid prototyping technologies

3. 3d Printing Techniques Technology Process Advantages Disadvantages
Plastic based material
Metal or Brass
Resin 
Multicolour
Fused Deposition Modelling
Material Extrusion
Strong Parts  Easy to print yourself
Poorer surface finish and slower  Requires support structures
Yes
Selective Laser Sintering
Powder Bed Fusion
No support required  High Heat and Chemical Resistant  High speed
Precision limited to powder particle size  Rough surface finish
Direct Metal Laser Sintering
High-density components  Intricateness
Finishing step is a mandatory
Electron Beam Melting
Good printing speed  Less distortion
Needs finishing  Caution required when dealing with X-Ray
Stereolithography
Photopoly- merisation
Complex Geometries  Detailed parts  Smooth Finish
Post-finishing required  Requires Support structures
Digital Light Processing
Concurrent production  Complex shapes and sizes  High precision
Thickness limitation  Limited range of materials
Continuous Liquid Interface Production
Thickness limitation  Large choice of resins simulating different properties
Multijet et Polyjet
Material Jetting
Good precision  Good surface finish  Use of multiple materials and colours  No removal of support material
Slow Build Process
Binder Jetting
Jetting
Lower Price  Enables colour printing  High speed
Limited choice of materials Fragile parts
Selective Deposition Lamination
Sheet Lamination
Lower Price  No toxic materials  Quick to make large parts
Less accurate  Non-Homogenous parts

4. SLS - Powders
Titanium
Nylon
Stainless Steel
Multicolour Sandstone

5. SLA/DLP - Resins

6. FDM - Plastic ABS PLA LayWood Carbon Fibre LayBrick PLA ABS HIPS NYLON
LayCeramic
Magnetic Iron
Stainless Steel
High Temp PLA
PolyCarbonate
Carbon Fibre
LayBrick

7. Uses in Architecture
Easily transform sketches and model drawings (digital) to tangible models.
Perfect tool for shape studies
Print complex shapes and highly detailed designs that will be too time consuming if they were build by hand e.g.: complex facades, interiors, environmental elements (cars, trees, people), roofs etc. 
Design freedom: Double-curved surfaces and specific details often require considerable time and are difficult to create.
Potentially more cost effective that traditional methods

9. Case studies Core part of building printed as one piece
Fortus 250mc 3D Printer
Technology: FDM
Material: ABS Plus
Quote: “Eventually the Dimension 3D printer will overtake the cardboard model. In a few years’ time, more and more companies will have one and if they don’t, it will be like walking into an office and there being no photocopier. - See more at:

10. Choosing the correct technology
FDM and PolyJet share some similar applications and benefits. But while they overlap, each platform has its own distinct advantages

11. Uses in Construction
Building printing refers to various technology that use 3D printing as a way to construct buildings
3D Print Canal House
Three-year project
A full-size canal house in Amsterdam
WinSun
5 story apartment in 24 Hours
Print – 1 day
Assemble – 5 days
Printer 20ft x 33ft x 132ft (H x W x L)
Concrete reinforced with recyclable material

12. What next…

13. The Future

14. Conclusion
Not the silver bullet but rather another useful tool in the architects toolbox
Don’t perceive 3d printing as a complex technology
Complex technology – Establish good working relationship with service provider/modelmaker

15. Questions

16. Sources http://www.lpfrg.com/en/professionals/architects/

17. Recommended reading
Digital Craft – 3D Printing for Architectural Design by Bryan Ratzlaff