Frequently asked questions.
Practical answers for developers, architects and designers planning an architectural scale model or a custom 3D-printed part with S.A. Hameed.
Scales and drawings
What scales do you build architectural models at?
Our completed models run from 1:50 for a single detailed tower up to 1:500 for resort and masterplan models, with 1:100, 1:200 and 1:300 in between. The right scale depends on the site area and the detail you need to show, and we can advise from your drawings.
What drawings do you need?
Floor plans, elevations, sections and a site or masterplan drawing are enough to start. Renders or material references help us match the finish.
Which file formats can I send?
CAD, PDF, Revit and SketchUp files all work for scale models. For 3D printing, STEP, STL and OBJ files are also accepted.
Materials and processes
What materials do you work with?
Acrylic and Plexiglas, PVC and styrene, ABS, polyamide (nylon) for 3D printing, timber such as balsa and basswood, foam board, polystyrene for terrain, card, and metals including aluminium, brass and copper for finishes.
Which 3D printing processes do you use?
FDM with filaments such as PLA, PETG and ABS; SLA/DLP with photopolymer resins; and SLS with polyamide (nylon) powders. We recommend the process once we know how the part will be used.
Can models be illuminated or interactive?
Yes. We have built models with zoned interior LED lighting, illuminated cores and crowns, façade accent lighting, and an interactive resort model paired with a touchscreen.
Sizes and finishing
How large can a single 3D-printed part be?
Single parts can be produced up to 150 × 150 × 150 cm, subject to the process and material chosen. Not every process reaches that size, so the achievable size is confirmed for each job.
What about products larger than that?
Larger products are printed in sections and assembled, then filled, sanded, primed and painted so the finished piece reads as one object.
How much does a model cost and how long does it take?
Both depend on the project — scale, detail, materials, lighting, finish and deadline. We quote each project individually from your drawings and confirm a schedule before starting.
Locations, hours and delivery
Where are you based?
Our Dubai office is at Building 2126, 1st Floor, Studio 110, Nadd Al Hamar, Dubai. Our factory and showroom is at Showroom 7, Al Jeddah Street, Al Jurf Industrial 2, Ajman.
What are your opening hours?
Both the Dubai office and the Ajman factory are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and closed Saturday and Sunday.
Do you deliver outside the UAE?
Yes. We work across the UAE and ship worldwide.
Want to know what affects a quotation? Read our quotation guide, or browse our models.