Has anyone used the laser cutter to make architectural models?

Discussion
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Hi, I would like to make an architectural model for a friend - I am not an architect, have never made one so am looking for some inspiration and tips in terms of style / process / materials.

It won’t be hugely detailed - I only have basic plans. So I’m thinking just cut the structure and then maybe etching some details.

I was initially thinking to cut it from ply which would involve doing some sanding/finishing, I wonder if anyone has made one from other materials?

Any images / suggestons/ advice would be very welcome - thanks for your help!

Nick

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Never made an architectural model myself, but one of my friends made one out of white acrylic or possibly styrene for part of her final year civil engineering project and it looked absolutely beautiful

This is just a random picture I got off Google but it gets the idea across, super clean and neat

image
image.jpg1024×687 130 KB

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thank you - yes that looks great and is the kind of thing I have in mind (albeit simpler). That finish is why I’m not sure about using ply as it seems it would be quite a lot of work to get it to that look. Maybe acrylic is an option then. Thanks again

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Hey Nick. We built models from balsa wood most of the time. It’s easy to handle, glue and spray if you need to. Foam board also works if you’re looking to do a white model, but the edges are tricky to conceal, but still looks very professional. Sean’s works well with the white card, you’ll just have to be quite accurate with your joints and cuts.

When you’re glueing the whole thing together, get yourself a large syringe and a 1mm gauge needle. Fill the tube up with contact adhesive and you’ll be able to neatly glue everything in place, just watch out for the needle, when you’re working up close, it has a habit of wanting to find your eye :open_mouth:

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Thanks - and do you cut the balsa on the lasercutter, or the foam board? I don’t back myself to make accurate enough cuts otherwise.

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We just used a knife and a ruler. I’m sure balsa wood and foam board could be cut in the laser? Perhaps there is some info on the tool page or Trotec’s website. If it’s not too complicated, you could laser all your lines into the surface of the material and finish up with a ruler and knife. You’d then have no burning or cleaning to do.

Keep us updated with the progress, I’d love to see how it progresses.

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you could laser all your lines into the surface of the material and finish up with a ruler and knife

thats a great idea. thanks.

If I achieve this I will definitely post progress

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You can use this tool to bevel the edges of the balsa wood to make perfect joins.
https://www.pyramidmodels.com/shop/product.php/1346/45_degree_cutting_tool_for_foam_and_balsa

Disclaimer: I have never used one!

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that looks like it can be 3d printed

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well that was hard i found 2 models :smiley:

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I’ve got one of these bevelled mount/foamboard cutter kits you’re welcome to borrow for as long as you need, been kicking around at home unused for ages:

Holla if you need.