Architectural Model Making; Rapid Prototyping using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology

Turn your creative concepts and designs into 3D reality...

As the UK's leading expert in the production of functional and aesthetic prototype architectural models using Selective Laser Sintering ( SLS )technology, we offer bespoke services to the Architectural and Design industry.

Tactile, 3-dimensional models...

Produced directly from your 3D CAD data, our tough, 3-dimensional architectural models provide a cost-effective, quick and extremely accurate process when compared to other more traditional model-making techniques. Whilst high-tech design software can provide photo-realistic images, a tactile model of a proposed design can play a vital role in securing a tender bid, or used as a demonstration piece at promotional events or in marketing photography.

View examples of our architectural model making service in our Case Studies section

Large, single piece parts in a range of materials...

Complex Roof Architectural Model Our suite of seven SLS machines and comprehensive range of materials enable us to uniquely apply the optimal machine and material to suit your specific requirements. We can build large, single piece parts up to 700mm x 380mm x 580mm, the reduced need for joins thereby increasing strength and functionality.

Bespoke finishing services...

Complexity of design and geometry is irrelevant when architectural model making using SLS models, therefore intricate details can be easily replicated and previously 'impossible' structures and forms created. Our team of skilled architectural model makers offers a bespoke finishing service, ensuring every last detail is taken care of to generate a fully finished model, with minimal time being added to the delivery.

Experts in what we do...

Guggenheim Architectural Model Our highly trained engineers ensure we consistently produce accurate, functional parts with the best surface finish and mechanical properties that SLS technology can provide, in the shortest lead-times possible.

Quality at an affordable price, delivered on time...

In response to the exceptionally high standards demanded by Designers and Architects, we have developed an unconditional commitment to superior quality, timely delivery and unparalleled service systems that enable us to consistently supply accurate and aesthetically pleasing architectural models.

Discuss your rapid prototyping requirements...

To enable you to gain the best results from your proposal, we can offer our advice on the best solutions to meet your Rapid Prototyping requirements. We've found that by becoming involved at the earliest planning stage of a project, our guidance and experience on how to successfully illustrate your design concept using our 3D modelling capabilities gives excellent results, every time.

To turn your creative concepts and designs into 3D reality...
    ...we can supply you with tactile, 3-dimensional models
        in large, single pieces
            in a range of materials
                with bespoke finishing services
                    at an affordable price
                        and delivered on time

Simply supply us with your 3D CAD data, and we will produce a tactile and aesthetically pleasing model using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology. This provides a cost-effective, quick and extremely accurate process when compared to other more traditional model-making techniques.

CAD Image

SLS Model

Fully Finished Model

Our expertise

Our highly trained engineers are experts in the application of SLS technology, and our team of skilled modelmakers offer a bespoke finishing service, ensuring every last detail is taken care of.

Boasting some of the world's largest SLS machines, we can produce large, single piece parts on our EOS P700 Laser Sintering machines up to 700mm x 380mm x 580mm, thereby reducing the need for joins and increasing strength and functionality.

What is Selective Laser Sintering?

Selective Laser Sintering SLS is a process of fusing together layersof nylon powder into a 3D model by a computer-directed heat laser, providing the highest levelof functionality combined with speed that is currently available.

The 3D CAD data of your design is sliced into layers, and the lasers sinter (melt) the powder layer by layer. Additional powder is deposited on top of each solidified layer and again sintered.

The process is self-supporting and parts can therefore be nested together. The 'selective' nature of the lasers enables complex geometriesto be achieved without compromising on functionality. Features as small as 0.15mm can be produced, dependent upon orientation. Wall and section sizes work best with a minimum of 1mm thickness/diameter, although under carefully controlled conditions slightly smaller is achievable.

What are the finishing options?

The layer based construction techniques of SLS offer significant benefits in terms of build speed, however it can sometimes give a stepped surface finish. From a purely functional aspect this is seldom a problem, however from the aesthetic perspective they may require additional finishing.

Our skilled team of modelmakers combines the functionality of SLS parts with high quality aesthetics. Providing a bespoke finishing service, we offer a range of techniques from simply adding a colour or highlighting certain areas, to a fully finished model complete with intricate detailssuch as trees, sign posts, people and vehicles, supplied in a glass display cabinet. All this can be achieved with minimal time being added to the delivery.