From competition-winning scale models to construction-site mockups, Export Commodity delivers precision architectural prints that communicate your vision to clients, investors, and review boards — fast.
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Houston is one of the largest construction markets in the United States, and the firms driving that growth need physical models that match the ambition of their designs. Export Commodity partners with architecture firms, interior designers, general contractors, real estate developers, and construction product manufacturers to produce highly accurate 3D-printed models, mockups, and custom fixtures — on Houston timelines, not online-service timelines.
Whether you need a 1:100 site model for a planning presentation next week or a run of custom hardware samples for a product launch, our in-house team manages the full workflow: file review, material selection, print production, and finishing.
Precision 1:50, 1:100, and 1:200 scale models for presentations, competitions, and planning submissions. Multi-piece assemblies with removable floors, massing models, and detailed facade treatments.
Contour-accurate terrain models from survey data or GIS exports. Show grade changes, drainage plans, and site relationships clearly in 3D — ideal for municipal presentations and environmental reviews.
Furniture layout studies, custom millwork details, lighting fixture prototypes, and finish sample holders. Bring material combinations to life before committing to costly fabrication.
Facade details, column capitals, custom moldings, baluster profiles, and ornamental elements reproduced with sub-millimeter precision. Ideal for historic renovation work and custom residential projects.
Functional prototype brackets, connectors, jigs for on-site layout, and custom fixture components. Test form and fit before sending designs to metal fabrication or injection molding.
High-detail, museum-quality presentation models with white or color finishes. Designed to photograph well, hold up in client meetings, and communicate spatial concepts that drawings cannot convey.
Our architectural portfolio spans a wide range of project types. Here are examples of what clients regularly bring to us:
A multi-piece massing model of a proposed mixed-use tower, printed at 1:100 scale in white PLA with laser-cut acrylic base. Delivered in 72 hours for an RFP submission deadline.
Detailed structural prototype of a custom residential spiral stair, printed in sections for client approval before sending to the steel fabricator. Saved three design revisions in metal.
A 1:10 facade section showing curtain wall, brise-soleil fins, and window frame relationships. Used to refine the design and present to the building committee.
Full-size prototype of a bespoke reception desk in ABS — printed in sections, assembled, and sanded for a furniture manufacturer seeking client sign-off before CNC production.
| Material | Best For | Finish Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA (White/Gray) | Presentation models, massing studies | Excellent — sands and primes well | Most popular for display models |
| ABS | Functional mockups, hardware prototypes | Good — acetone-smoothable | Better heat resistance than PLA |
| SLA Resin | High-detail facade details, small elements | Outstanding — near-injection quality | Best for intricate ornamental work |
| PETG | Site models with clear elements | Good — translucent options | Useful for glazing simulation |
| Nylon (PA12) | Functional hardware, bracket prototypes | Moderate — texture finish | Excellent for load-bearing components |
Our FDM printers hold tolerances of ±0.2mm on standard prints, and our SLA resin printers achieve ±0.1mm. For a 1:100 scale model, this translates to less than 2cm real-world variance — well within AIA standards for presentation models. We review every CAD file before printing and flag any issues that might affect dimensional accuracy. For engineering-critical applications, we recommend SLA resin or our SLS nylon process.
For pure display models — presentations, client meetings, competition submissions — we recommend white PLA or SLA resin. PLA sands and paints beautifully and produces the clean, professional look typical of architectural models. SLA resin is ideal when you need extreme detail on small elements like window mullions or ornamental details. For structural mockups, prototype hardware, or anything that will be handled frequently, we recommend ABS, PETG, or engineering-grade nylon. These materials handle mechanical stress and repeated use far better than PLA or standard resin.
Yes — white monochrome models are one of our most common requests. We print in white PLA or white resin and can deliver them unfinished (showing the print texture, which many firms prefer for massing studies) or sanded and primed for a smooth presentation-quality surface. We can also combine materials: for example, an opaque white body with translucent PETG glazing panels to suggest glass. Multi-part assemblies with removable floor plates or sectional cuts are standard for us.
We accept STL, OBJ, STEP, 3DM (Rhino), and DWG/DXF for 2D-to-3D conversion projects. Revit BIM exports (via STL or IFC conversion) work well for massing models. If your file needs cleanup or conversion, our in-house CAD team handles this at no extra charge for standard projects. For complex models requiring significant rework, we’ll quote the design time upfront. If you don’t have a digital file at all, we can work from drawings, sketches, or reference photos.
Absolutely. We know that architecture and construction timelines are unforgiving — RFP deadlines, client presentations, and permit submissions don’t move. We offer 24-hour and 48-hour rush production on most architectural models. Same-day Houston delivery is available for projects received before 10am. Call us directly at the contact number on our site for rush requests — we’ll tell you immediately whether we can hit your deadline.