Laser technology is practically everywhere. In fact, architecture has benefited greatly from laser technology because at every stage of the project it can help turn an architect’s ideas into reality. Although some architects today choose to display their models and prototypes through rendering, there is still a very large market for companies that laser engrave and cut models.
Architectural structures are models created by architects, contractors, and even urban planners to physically illustrate the final structure for different purposes:
Helps to identify design problems or malfunctions that did not appear during the design stage
It helps to illustrate what the future project will look like and make it easier to persuade the client to invest in the idea.
The architectural model can be a visual attraction in the real estate company.
A good project requires a high-quality mockup or prototype and a high level of detail, and laser technology can help create three-dimensional objects.
5 ADVANTAGES OF LASER MACHINES TO MAKE MODELS
Miniature scale models can be made with incredible detail thanks to the high precision of laser machines. But what advantages do laser machines provide?
1. EASE OF USE
Laser cutting and engraving machines allow you to work easily, it is similar to printing a design on a home ink printer. You just have to set some parameter in control software, than the machine will do the work. Fast and easy!
2. VERSATILITY
CO2 tube laser engraver are even more versatile tools, expanding the range of possibilities for the company. You can engrave and cut almost any material such as cardboard, cardboard, wood, acrylic, polypropylene, among others. In short, make mockups in any shape and material you can imagine.
3.QUILE AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGY
In case you didn’t know, laser technology is quieter and cleaner than other subtractive digital manufacturing technologies (like the CNC milling machine). Thanks to the Super Silent Fans cooling system, the work environment is even quieter and with a good extraction system, you can even put it at home.
4 TOOL FOR METHACRYLATE AND WOOD
Since methacrylate heats up when cutting with a CO2 laser, the edges of these pieces are smooth and shiny. This is an advantage for all people who want to make methacrylate models because they avoid having to polish after cutting, just like when using a CNC milling machine. On the other hand, the laser cutter allows you to adjust the power and thus be able to minimize the charred effect of the wood, to obtain high quality results.
5. HIGH RESOLUTION AND CUTTING ACCURACY
Thanks to the small diameter of the laser beam, the resolution and precision that can be achieved are higher than any other subtractive digital manufacturing technology. These systems achieve a more complex cut, minimize material waste and achieve a perfect fit for your designs. Achieve incredibly detailed results!
MATERIALS FOR LASE CUTTING
The most common materials for the manufacture of laser models are pressed cardboard, corrugated cardboard, MDF, plywood, natural wood and acrylic.
Your choice will depend on the type of model and level of detail you want to achieve. For basic models or with a low level of detail, different types of cardboard or DM are usually used. For highly detailed and realistic models, materials such as natural wood, cork or methacrylate are preferable.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MODELS
There are many types of models that can be made using laser cutting:
- Railway models
- Aeromodelling
- Naval modeling
- School mockups
- Interior design projects
- Architectural models
- Military models
- Scenarios for role-playing games
- University projects
- Furniture models
- Decorative mockups
- Self-modeling
And within the architectural models we can differentiate some more:
Building models
Building models are a scale representation (usually between 1:50 to 1: 500) of a home or residential building, depending on the size of the building and the level of detail that you want to give to the model.
Topographic models
Topographic models represent the terrain on which an urban planning project, or a landscape, will be built. They are usually manufactured with materials such as cardboard or DM of more or less thickness according to the scale of the model that, once cut with laser, are glued layer after layer to achieve the contour lines.
Detail mockups
Detail mockups represent important or complex details of a project. They are usually made on a larger scale and help to assess different forms of construction or to get a more realistic idea of how the finishes, textures or colors will be.
