JAA Architecture, with offices Downtown along Laura Street near Hemming Plaza, is using the latest technology to create scale models of the firm's designs.
Using a 3-D printer, dimensionally accurate models of any object that can be designed using standard computer software can be produced within a few hours.
JAA principal John Allman said the technology represents a complete shift in how objects may be fabricated.
"Up to this point, 99 percent of manufacturing has been subtractive," Allman said.
An example of subtractive manufacturing would be using a lathe to carve away material to create a machine part.
"The 3-D printer allows us to do additive manufacturing," said Allman.
"We love gadgets, but it's useful for my business," he said.
James Miller, JAA architectural craftsman, said using the 3-D printer allows him to create much better architectural models than if he used the traditional method of gluing together cut paper or cardboard.
Since it faithfully follows the architect's design of the object, a building for instance, what is fabricated with the 3-D printer is an accurate scale model.
Miller said the printer works by adding layer upon layer of a molten plastic material, similar to the material used to manufacture cellphone housings. Depending on the size and complexity of the model, the process can take as long as eight hours to complete.
Miller said the same printer he uses has been tested by NASA as a possible component of the planned manned mission to Mars.
"This printer will work in zero gravity. If the astronauts have one of these with them on the way to Mars, they could manufacture spare parts for the spacecraft if they needed to," he said.
JAA was a venue and exhibitor during the One Spark festival in April and showcased the 3-D printing technology.
"People kept asking if we could use the printer to make them a bobblehead. Yes, we can," Miller said.
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