Ewan Parry

3d modelling and 3d printing is a relatively fast and inexpensive way to produce physical models to visualise and communicate your design.  

Physical models are a powerful and effective way to engage with stakeholders.  Paper plans and graphics have their place but involve your audience having to do some mental gymnastics to imagine the physical shape.  Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are effective at engaging one person at a time but can be less effective at stimulating group discussion.   Physical models work well alongside 3d graphics, AR/AR and other visualisation techniques.  Create maximum impact with your clients by combining on-screen imagery with a physical model.   A physical model on the table will have your audience leaning in for a closer look. 

The scale and level of detail required depends on what you are trying to communicate.  We can produce the external shape and form or include internal detail with cut-away and lift-off sections.   Take a look at one of our recent projects as an example where internal detail was a critical part of the brief.

For large bulky equipment, it is often impractical or expensive to transport the real item to prospective customers.  For bulky subsea equipment, your client may never see the actual equipment other than in a photograph. A scale model allows you to showcase your equipment anywhere.   For complex equipment, a model can be used to explain its operation to customers, operators or even your own staff.

We can produce models from your existing digital assets, import and process CAD generated with common BIM software or work from your rough sketches and dimensions.    Processing involves unifying loose parts into a single "manifold" object that can be 3d printed.   Where necessary, we thicken walls and adjust levels of detail to make them printable but in a way that respects the exterior dimensions and appearance.    

Where a 3d printed model can really help is in projects requiring extended public and stakeholder consultation.   In cases where you need to communicate clearly with large, non-technical audiences, a model becomes an essential part of your engagement strategy. 

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