A new 3D printing technology capable of producing full-color, transparent resin models has been unveiled. This technology allows for the creation of architectural models that accurately simulate glass, water features, and interior lighting. By mixing colored and clear resins during printing, the system can achieve gradients and transparency levels that mimic real-world materials.

The breakthrough lies in a multi-nozzle printing system capable of depositing micro-droplets of different resin types with extreme precision. This allows for "voxel-level" control over material properties, meaning a single pane of "glass" in the model can have a tinted top edge and a clearer center. When paired with integrated LED lighting, the resulting models offer stunningly realistic diurnal and nocturnal presentations.

This is a major advancement for projects emphasizing transparency and light. Renzo Piano Building Workshop has already utilized this technology for a museum project, creating a model where the glass roof accurately filters light onto the miniature gallery spaces below. "It’s the closest we’ve ever come to letting a client 'walk through' a building before a single brick is laid," said a project architect. The technology is currently expensive and limited to high-end applications, but costs are expected to fall rapidly, making it accessible for a wider range of projects within the next three to five years.