3D Systems Helps Wyma Engineering Print Scaled Model of Their Warehouse

As 3D printing moves towards higher-quality details and more compatibility with multiple colors, the architectural industry has found this emerging technology to be an adequate tool for creating realistic 3D scaled models of their blueprint plans. In the past, we’ve seen Materialise’s Magics Software showcase the ability to efficiently create 3D printed architectural models, while companies such as Render3DQuickly have arisen to strictly provide 3D architectural rendering services. To some extent, these 3D printed models have even been seen as works of art, having been put on display in established museums like the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.

Still, the primary use for these 3D printed architectural models is to help companies and architects showcase their blueprint plans in a more detailed and realistic fashion. Recently, the agricultural and produce handling equipment manufacturing company Wyma Engineering utilized 3D printing to showcase their consultative approach to designing pack-houses and process facilities. In order to create this 3D printed blueprint, which was presented at a European expo, Wyma Engineering enlisted the help of 3D Systems’ On Demand Parts Manufacturing service, Quickparts.

In a matter of weeks, Quickparts created an entire scaled model of their complete warehouse floor, using 3D Systems’ ProX 800 SLA Production 3D Printer. According to 3D Systems, this professional-grade printer is capable of meeting or even exceeding the accuracy of injection molding, and also prints up to four times faster and has over two times higher resolution than other competitive 3D printers. To produce an accurate portrayal of Wyma Engineering’s fruit sorting line in the warehouse, they utilized Accura Xtreme, a tough and temperature resistant plastic material with a similar look to molded polypropylene (PP) or ABS.

Once this complex, intertwining replica fruit sorting equipment was 3D printed, the final surfaces were pained in a royal blue to help bring out the details of each part. Once completed, the entire model spanned a 2000 x 2000 mm area, and was reportedly a huge success at the expo show. From photos alone, you can instantly see the intricate details of the factory floor in tact, almost appearing as if it were an aerial shot of the actual inner workings of warehouse from miles above.

Having established themselves as a global leader in agricultural equipment over the last four decades, Wyma Engineering clearly sees 3D printing technology as an increasingly important aspect to showcasing the formatting of their agricultural and produce handling equipment to their clientele. In a warehouse with densely packed equipment and extremely intricate assemblies, conversing or showing a 2D blueprint just doesn’t do Wyma Engineering’s factory floor justice. But, with the 3D printing prowess of 3D Systems, the global enterprise was able to take people on a tour through their facilities with a finely detailed and color-finished 3D printed scaled architectural model. Have you used 3D printing for architectural projects? Discuss further in the 3D Printed Wyma Blueprints forum over at 3DPB.com.

[Source: 3D Systems]