BimScaler Blog – Digital fabrication in BIM refers to the process of using digital technologies to create physical objects in the construction industry. This method involves the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software, 3D printing, and other advanced tools to streamline the production of building components. Let us learn more about digital fabrication, including its technologies and tools, as well as how to implement it.
Also known as additive manufacturing, digital fabrication is a methodology that combines virtual design and construction (VDC) with building information modelling (BIM) to create physical objects from digital models using computer-controlled machines.
BIM-based digital fabrication can help designers, contractors, builders, and engineers improve the efficiency of the design, construction, and manufacturing of prefabricated products. BIM allows the visualisation of fabrication designs digitally.
Additive manufacturing can help transform the construction industry by enabling faster, cheaper, and more sustainable building practices.
For example, companies can design, produce, and transport components before the start of a project, which can reduce the cost of labour on-site and excessive material costs. Digital fabrication can also help ensure that the downstream phase of manufacturing has minimal ambiguities and enough information to fabricate with minimal waste.
To create three-dimensional models of objects in additive manufacturing, you’ll need to use a CAD technique called solid modelling.
See our post, ‘Solid Modelling: What it Is and How it Differs From Surface Modelling‘, for additional information on the method.
Benefits of Digital Fabrication in BIM
Benefits of digital fabrication in BIM include improved accuracy in construction, reduced errors in fabrication, and increased efficiency in project timelines. Generally speaking, the approach provides the following advantages:
- Inclusive Integration for Greater Transparency: BIM-based practices promote the integration of design, manufacturing, and construction processes. This enables higher transparency, better collaboration opportunities, and interoperability among stakeholders in the additive manufacturing process.
- Simplified Procurement Process: BIM-based digital fabrication reduces the workload of the procurement teams for construction and improves productivity at the same time.
- Improves Productivity of Workflow: Digitised BIM-based models in the fabrication domain enhance work quality, collaboration, and overall productivity.
- Cost and Time Efficiency: By enabling precise and accurate fabrication of components, digital fabrication can lead to significant cost savings and a reduction in construction time.
- Quality Control: Additive manufacturing allows for better quality control as it reduces the chances of human error during the fabrication process.
- Sustainability: By optimising material usage and reducing waste, digital fabrication can contribute to more sustainable construction practices.
Technologies and Tools
Digital fabrication tools and technologies fall into two categories: additive and subtractive manufacturing. These two categories are the primary ones for the physical object creation process.
Additive manufacturing (3D Printing) is the process of building objects by adding material layer by layer. Common materials used in 3D printing include plastics, resins, and metals. 3D printers can create objects from digital models in file formats like STL or OBJ.
Meanwhile, subtractive manufacturing is the process of removing material from a solid block or sheet to form a desired shape or object. Subtractive manufacturing techniques include laser cutting, CNC milling, and routing. These methods are compatible with a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, foam, and even metal.
Meanwhile, various technologies and tools are being used to create digital models. In this process, the digital model is primarily created on a computer with software.
These tools include computer-aided design (CAD) software, which is used to create digital models that will be manufactured using additive or subtractive methods. Another tool is 3D scanning, which captures an object’s physical properties and converts them into a digital model for later processing. Finally, additive manufacturing software applications and other software tools are used to visualise, modify, and test designs before converting them into CAM files for fabrication.
Implementation Strategies
Implementing digital fabrication in BIM requires a strategic approach. Here are some key strategies, according to United BIM:
1. Prefabrication of the Project
The process begins with the decision to implement digital prefabrication for project management. Digital prefabrication speeds up the schedule, improves efficiency, and streamlines the entire process.
All the stakeholders work collectively for achieving the desired goals. At the same time, the process helps in reducing costs as every effort is channelized, preventing wastage of material due to poor field processing
2. Digital Fabrication Process Proposal
After deciding to implement digital prefabrication, a detailed proposal for the digital fabrication process should be developed. This proposal should outline the specific technologies and tools to be used, the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, and the expected outcomes.
3. Adoption of BIM Software
Implementing additive manufacturing in BIM requires the use of BIM software like Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD Fabrication, Navisworks, and Revizto³. These software solutions offer unique features and capabilities to help construction professionals create and manage their BIM models effectively.
4. Training and Skill Development
For successful implementation, it’s crucial to provide training and skill development opportunities to the team members. This ensures that everyone involved in the project is familiar with the BIM software and digital fabrication techniques.
5. Continuous Evaluation and Improvement
Once the digital fabrication process is implemented, it’s important to continuously evaluate its effectiveness and make necessary improvements. This could involve regular meetings to discuss challenges and successes, as well as the use of analytics to measure the impact of digital fabrication on project outcomes.
Remember, the implementation of digital fabrication in BIM is a strategic process that requires careful planning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
In addition to digital fabrication, you can incorporate architectural drafting into the BIM process. That technique is a subset of technical drawing that focuses on creating precise and detailed plans, elevations, and sections of structures.
Learn more about it in our post, ‘Architectural Drafting: Definition, Techniques, and Applications‘.
Conclusion
Using digital fabrication and BIM together offers previously unheard-of chances for creativity, efficiency, and sustainability as these two fields continue to transform the construction industry.
Modern building design and construction can be driven by construction professionals who embrace the advantages of digital fabrication and use appropriate technologies and implementation strategies to navigate the constantly changing landscape.
So, are you ready to implement the BIM process for your construction project?
BIMscaler’s consulting and management services will provide you with end-to-end BIM usage for your project, starting with BIM/model management, content management, project start-up, project meetings, and end-user support, including as-built documentation creation.
As a leading Australian provider of BIM services, BIM Scaler assures you of a professional and effective BIM implementation for your building project.
