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Turn your creative concepts into tactile, 3-dimensional models . |
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As the UK's leading expert in the production of functional and aesthetic prototype models using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology, we offer bespoke services to Architects and Designers.
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.
Produced directly from your 3D CAD data, our tough, 3-dimensional models offer exceptional aesthetics and provide a cost-effective, quick and extremely accurate process when compared to other more traditional model-making techniques. |
| We have a website dedicated to the bespoke services we offer to the Architectural and Design industries; www.3trpd.co.uk/architecture and to follow are some examples of projects that we have played a key role in … |
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"SLS gives 3-dimensional visualisation for sculptor" |
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Sean Henry, a world-renowned sculptor, has created “Couple”; two 5-metre tall bronze figures that stand on the new breakwater 350 metres out into Newbiggin Bay.
However, before Sean could begin work on the full-scale sculptures, he needed a way of visualising his design in 3-dimensional form in a more manageable size, so he commissioned us to produce the figures using our SLS services.
Various sized models were produced and hand painted, some of which were presented to Wansbeck District Council and others sold as limited edition pieces of art in galleries.
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Sean Henry with 200mm scale
models of “Couple” |
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Hand painted scale models |
"Couple" in Newbiggin Bay |
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"SLS creates individual models, quickly and accurately" |
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Lionel Dean of FutureFactories took Philippe Stark's iconic Louis Ghost chair and fitted an alternative back to it. Using a form of intelligent
software the design evolves by rebuilding itself in real-time, finally creating a unique design.
Every hybrid chair manufactured is a one-off and SLS lends itself perfectly to this concept, as individual designs can be quickly and accurately reproduced.
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| SLS model of chair back built in one piece |
Mounted onto Philippe
Stark’s chair |
Lionel Dean says ”3T has some of the world's
largest laser sintering machines and each chair
back can therefore be built in one complete piece, avoiding the need for joins which may
adversely affect the functionality and aesthetic appearance of the design.” |
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"Complex shapes and surfaces create one-off architectural masterpiece" |
 
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We worked with leading architects
Foster + Partners to help them create their state-of-the-art ‘Tree of Reflections’ Christmas Tree for Save the Children’s ‘Festival of Trees’, using SLS technology.
The layering effect and intricate geometries of white-nylon leaves generated a dynamic play of light and shadow which illuminated the surrounding space with shimmering patterns.
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All of the specially designed trees were
auctioned to raise money for Save the
Children. Foster's ‘Tree of Reflections' sold
for £15,000 to Nasa Khan, who presented it
to HRH Princess Anne as a gift. |
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"SLS creates intricate details and gives impressive aesthetic finish" |
Complexity of design and geometry is irrelevant when creating SLS models, therefore intricate details can be easily replicated and previously 'impossible' structures and forms created.
Our team of skilled modelmakers offer 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.
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| SLS model made in one piece |
Finished model |
Diane Oates, Senior Modelmaker for Foster + Partners says
“We have used SLS as a technique to produce components
for our models in the past, and we felt that it would suit the
scale and design of the structure for our model. SLS enables
us to quickly incorporate complex geometric structures into
our
models, which would be extremely difficult to model by hand." |
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“SLS offers solution for fragility and complexity of model” |
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Sean Hanna, a Research Engineer at University College London, worked with Antony Gormley on a ‘Body/Space/Frame’ project dealing with increasingly complex geometries.
The nature of the structure required a Rapid Prototyping process able to construct extremely slender, unsupported members. SLS was the most capable at coping with both the fragility and complexity of the model.
The prototype model we produced gave them a detailed visualisation at a crucial point in the design process and the subsequent refinement of more than half of the 1,500 structural members.
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Sean Hanna, University College of London says "For a structure this
complex, the physical model aided bothevaluation and discussion far more
effectively than any two- or three-dimensional virtual representation." |
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“Generating new forms guide the imagination” |
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Sam Chamoun, a student at the Architectural Association School of Architecture, asked us to produce an SLS model as a proposal for his project as part of his AADRL masters programme.
Digital design tools are used not only to generate new organic forms but also direct towards efficient forms that can be built effectively.
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Sam Chamoun says "When physical modeling
comes to play,
these intricate forms can best be
built using SLS technologies which offer the
best result in relation to the complexity of the
digital model." |
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“Pushing the boundaries of architecture and urban design” |
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Due to the complex organic forms of Zaha Hadid’s design and the need to show an accurately presented final design, an SLS 3D model was deemed the best solution for achieving and meeting their requirements.
Over 2m long, the resulting model gave an incredible visual image of the proposed building when compared alongside the computer generated artist’s impression, giving an actual tactile scale version of the proposal that people could see, touch and feel.
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Dillon Lin, Project Architect for Zaha Hadid
says "When accuracy is required with
complex forms, SLS proves to be an economic
process for producing models of these forms when
compared to other, more expensive options, including making them by hand,
which is
extremely labour intensive." |
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Discuss your Rapid Prototyping requirements . . .
To discuss your project in more detail, please contact:-
Ian Halliday, CEO
Ashley Dixon, Commercial Manager
Stuart Offer, Sales Manager
Trevor Howarth, Technical Sales Engineer
Phil Kilburn, Medical Markets Manager
Sue Burnip, Marketing Executive |
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3T RPD Ltd
Fulton Court
Wofford Way
New Greenham Park
Newbury
Berkshire
RG19 6HD
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1635 580284 | Fax: +44 (0)1635 569857
Email: post@3trpd.co.uk | Web: www.3trpd.co.uk |
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