Architectural Metalwork and the Benefits of Using 3-D CAD for Design and Production

Blog | December 8th, 2016

Quality pieces of architectural metalwork benefit from the weathered hands of an expert artist, but this romanticized methodology doesn’t work efficiently by itself. Yes, the hands of an expert designer are always welcome, but he (or she) needs someone that can bridge the chasm that exists between design and production. Well, a 3-D CAD service isn’t a “someone,” but it sure does form a solid bridge between all concepts to creation of disciplines.

What is 3-D CAD? 

We’d be careless in the extreme if we were to just throw acronyms around and expect everyone to follow along. As abbreviations go, CAD is a very powerful one. It expands to mean Computer Aided Design. In essence, an engineer can create any object in computer space. From here, he can feed the design to a machine shop and transform the virtual object into a physical construct. It doesn’t take much imagination to see the benefits of CAD, for absolutely anything can be produced in software.

The Benefits of 3-D CAD 

As this drafting technique incorporates all three dimensions into its workspace, it has the capacity to create a more intuitive design experience. That experience then translates readily through multiple layers inside the software. Obviously, there are creative elements to layout, but this art-oriented level overlays the engineered sections and complements the architectural design. That’s the beauty of this format, its ability to embrace several fields, including all of those that define architectural metalwork.

Kicking Away Architectural Limitations 

Back in the day, architectural principles had character, but they were fairly restricted by staid dimensional laws. Some walls popped out while windows broke a few structural lines, but the designs were relatively flat. Modern structures disdain these old conventions. Curves and complex arcs now dominate building profiles, which is why the benefits of 3-D CAD for design and production are coming to the fore. Basically, CAD software uses this enhanced geometrical workflow to ensure art, design, and engineering acuity meet happily in the middle.

The ability to pull build an object in computer space represents a formidable resource. The software accurately models architectural accents and high-functioning structural assets. Next, a machine shop translates the virtual product by turning it into a solid construct. As the final parts are hoisted into place by a crane, we’re tempted to take stock of matters. Yes, 3-D CAD is a powerful tool, but it can’t take architectural metalwork beyond the concept stage without the cranes, welders, and craftsmen who do the heavy labour.

Stecor Engineering & Fabrication

1/13 Crawford St, Braeside VIC 3195

Mobile:  0419 562 284
Phone: (03) 9028 4130
Fax:   (03) 8669 4400

Optimized by NetwizardSEO.com.au