Comprehensive design of the 3D printing process for architectural models. A case study: the medieval walled enclosure of Priego De Cordoba (E1:200)

Abstract

Nowadays, an object can be viewed both physically and virtually. In both cases, the visualization process consists in a continuous variation of the observer’s perspective. When looking at objects, visual interactivity is achieved by the tandem formed by human vision and the position of the observer. 3D technology allows the viewer to delve into this aspect: starting from a virtual reconstruction. It is possible to go from the virtual 3D reconstruction of a model shown on a display to a real element materialized by means of a scale model or prototype. The innovation of this research lies in the development of an efficient method for printing 3D models, with a specific emphasis on material and time savings. This study aims to obtain the three-dimensional physical model of the walled enclosure of the city of Priego de Córdoba in the Middle Ages, at its time of greatest historical development, i.e., in the late 15th century. To this end, 3D printing technology was applied, which is an innovative method for the realization of architectural scale models. The performance of 3D printers, with different printing formats, was evaluated in terms of efficiency and quality of the architectural scale models. Our theoretical assumption showed that material saving is determined by the orography slopes of the model. Obtaining slopes with values in the range of 1–5%, a large format printer is the most suitable option; in the range of 5–15%, the medium format printer is recommended; and, for a slope greater than 15%, the small format printer should be used.