Glossary: Architectural 3D Printing with Fixie

A. Core Technologies & Methods

Additive Manufacturing

Layer-by-layer fabrication of physical parts from digital files. In architecture, it enables complex geometries and rapid, repeatable models without the material waste typical of subtractive methods. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Stereolithography (SLA)

A resin-based 3D printing process using UV light to cure liquid photopolymer into solid layers. Valued for smooth surfaces and fine details—ideal for presentation-grade architectural models. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Large-Format SLA

Industrial-scale SLA machines that print big models (or many parts at once) with high accuracy, streamlining architectural modelmaking compared to foam/CNC workflows. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)

Filament-based printing. Useful for prototypes but less suited to showcase architectural models due to visible layer lines and finishing overheads versus SLA. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Subtractive Manufacturing (CNC, Foam Cutting)

Material is removed from a block to create shape. Great for certain forms, but can generate waste and require longer setup and finishing compared with SLA for architectural display models. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

B. Model Types & Use Cases

Architectural Presentation Model

A showcase-quality physical model highlighting form, façade articulation, and key site relationships for clients, investors, and exhibitions. Frequently produced via SLA for premium finish. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Massing Model

A simplified, clean representation of overall volume and site fit, used to study proportion, context, and planning scenarios.

Context/Site Model

Captures the project and surrounding buildings/topography to communicate urban fit, views, and overshadowing relationships. Often printed in segments and assembled on a baseboard.

Planning/Submission Model

A physically robust, legible model optimised for authority review—clear massing, accurate footprints, transportable and durable for repeated handling. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Competition Model

A high-impact statement piece with premium finish, consistent color/texture harmony, and removable massing or “plug” components for iteration.

C. Digital Files & Preparation

CAD to Print Pipeline

The end-to-end path from BIM/CAD (e.g., Revit, Rhino) to watertight, scaled STL/OBJ ready for printing—includes unit checks, mesh repair, and tolerancing. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

File Repair / Model Fixing

Detecting and resolving non-manifold edges, flipped normals, holes, and self-intersections that would block slicing. (See “Model Plugs” under Pricing for related service items.) Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Minimum Feature Size

The thinnest element that will reliably print and survive post-processing/handling at a given scale. SLA supports finer details than most methods; scale-dependent.

Wall Thickness

A design parameter ensuring parts are printable and strong (thin walls may warp or fracture). Adjusted when scaling architectural models.

Slicing

Converting 3D geometry into layer instructions and supports for the printer. Orientation, layer height, and support strategy are chosen to optimise surface quality and build success.

Orientation

How the part is angled on the build platform. Affects visible surfaces, support placement, print time, and risk of cupping/peel forces.

Supports / Rafts

Temporary resin structures that hold overhangs and stabilise parts during printing. Removed after printing and the nubs are finished smooth.

Tolerance

The permissible dimensional variation. Critical for interlocking assemblies (e.g., removable roofs, plug-in towers) and multi-part site models.

D. Printing Parameters & Materials

Layer Height

The thickness of each printed layer. Smaller layers → finer detail, smoother finish, longer build; larger layers → faster builds with slightly more visible stepping.

Photopolymer Resin

UV-curable liquid used in SLA. Different resins trade off stiffness, impact strength, heat resistance, and finishing characteristics.

Build Volume

The maximum printable size of a single part on a given machine. Large-format platforms enable bigger site sections and fewer joins. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Isotropy (Near-Isotropic Properties)

SLA parts typically exhibit more uniform strength across axes than many filament prints, contributing to cleaner post-processing and durability in handling.

E. Post-Processing & Finishing

Wash & Cure

Initial post-processing: parts are washed to remove uncured resin and UV-cured to reach final material properties.

Support Removal

Careful detachment of supports, followed by sanding/spot-filling to restore a continuous surface.

Sanding, Priming, Painting

Progressive sanding (dry/wet), high-build primer to hide micro-stepping, and paint systems (matte, satin, or gloss) to achieve cohesive architectural finishes.

Masking & Two-Tone Detailing

Selective masking for glazing bands, material breaks, or landscape stripes that enhance legibility at small scales.

Assembly & Bonding

Joinery of large models from multiple prints using alignment pins, adhesives, and internal stiffeners for transportable, robust models.

Plug-In Elements (“Model Plugs”)

Swappable or removable components (e.g., tower massings, roof plates) used to iterate design options without reprinting the full site. (See Pricing.) Fixie - Architects' Assistant

F. Pricing, Timelines & Logistics

Cost Per Cubic Centimetre (Material Usage)

Model print cost is calculated on the volume of material used; finishing, assembly, delivery, and special services are additional. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Model Plugs (Pricing Line Item)

Quoted per plug for fixing/creation to enable option swaps or iterative design presentations. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Lead Time

Total time from file receipt to finished model. Influenced by build volume, finishing scope, and queue. (Contact Fixie for current schedules.) Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Delivery & Crating

Packaging and shipping tailored to model size, fragility, and distance. Charged separately and dependent on location. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

G. Fixie Services & Platform

Architectural 3D Printing Specialist

Fixie focuses on architectural modelmaking, drawing on sector-specific experience and workflows optimised for architects—from file prep to finishing. Fixie - Architects' Assistant+1

3D Model Architecture Services

End-to-end service: professional 3D model printing, architectural modelmaking, and large-format capability geared for designers’ needs. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Industry-First Architectural 3D Printing Platform

A sign-up-only platform offering interactive costing updates and flexible planning—even for first-time users—aimed at simplifying model ordering and management. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Sectors & Clients

Practice-tested with leading global firms and innovative studios across scales—purpose-built for the architectural sector. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

H. Quality, Communication & Review

Surface Finish

The visual and tactile quality of printed and finished surfaces. SLA naturally yields smoother skins, reducing finishing time for presentation models. Fixie - Architects' Assistant

Accuracy

How closely the model dimensions match the digital intent—critical for façades, alignments, and modular assemblies.

Color Strategy

Limited, legible palettes that emphasise massing hierarchy, circulation, or landscaping without visual clutter.

Design Iteration

Using plug-in parts, sectional splits, and modular bases to iterate forms quickly and cost-effectively between reviews.

I. Common Architectural Elements in Models

Façade Expression

Fenestration, mullions, and articulation simplified to scale while preserving rhythm and proportion.

Landscape & Hardscape

Plazas, paths, planters, tree canopies, and site furniture represented with consistent thickness and legible textures.

Baseboard / Plinth

The substrate that supports the site or block model, designed for transport and display stability.

Sectional Cuts / Reveal Roofs

Removable roofs/floors or slice-throughs that expose interior organisation and circulation strategies.

J. Practical Considerations

Scale Selection

Balancing detail legibility and footprint. Common architectural model scales often require feature thickening to preserve edges and fins.

Part Splitting & Keys

Breaking large prints into transportable sections with hidden keys/dowels for clean seams and easy assembly.

Magnets & Fasteners

Embedded methods for repeatable assembly/disassembly of parts during presentations.

Handling & Care

Guidelines for lifting, dusting, and storing SLA models to preserve edges, corners, and painted finishes.