The benefits of speed and affordability revealed themselves from the start. In early 2006, a real estate developer was forced to make significant revisions to a downtown city block known as the Metropolitan Miami ("The Met") project, a mix of condos, stores and entertainment venues in the heart of downtown. The developer needed entirely new physical models within two weeks for an important meeting with city officials. He thought he was out of luck until he heard about The Realization Group's new, ultra-fast architectural model turnaround. Tapanes produced the model of the complex, including two towers that stand more than two feet tall each, well within the deadline. It would have taken four times as long with traditional laser cutting methods.
In another example, a retail office and residential complex in nearby Coral Gables called Lancaster Plaza ordered a model of its premises for marketing purposes. Impressed by the speed, quality and the price of the work, the company the next day ordered 100 models one for every new tenant. The Realization Group turned around the order in an astonishing two days. "Architects cherish tradition and are appropriately skeptical about new technology," says Tapanes. "We're earning their approval of 3D printing, however, by producing affordable high-quality models in record time. Clients who were dubious at first are now saying, 'You did this? That big? That fast? For how much? Oh, wow, the detail looks good!'
"The lower costs of creating models with the Color Jet printer are letting The Realization Group offer customers two or three 3D printed models for what used to be the price of one. In-house 3D printing is also fueling new sales. "I just feel more comfortable now when a customer or prospect starts inquiring about physical modeling. For the first time, I can guarantee affordability, I can guarantee the work will be done on time, and I can guarantee there won't be any complications because we're doing all the work ourselves in-house," says Tapanes. More customers can now take advantage of modeling services because The Realization Group has found a way to make it more affordable. "We can now offer clients a wide range of models at various price points and lead times, including the fastest turnaround in the greater Miami region," Tapanes says.
The result of the new speed and affordability of in-house 3D printing is that The Realization Group and its clients are sharing in the cost savings and the positive impact of the new service. Demand for the service is escalating rapidly as architects and their clients witness the speed and affordability of the models they can obtain.
"Clients love the models. The turnaround is fabulous, the price is great, and the detail is all they need," says Tapanes. "My clients are demanding, but they're delighted with this new service.