Considerations for this method

Very detailed and smooth representation of terrain, especially compared to other laser-cutting methods.

Relatively expensive and time consuming, compared to other laser-cutting methods.
Vertical surfaces, like buildings are not well articulated if sides are not parallel to face and edges of cut material.

Grey museum board most closely matches the cut edge color, but other materials can work, especially if you paint it afterwards.

Different materials may have slightly different thicknesses. Measure material thickness carefully before contouring the model.

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Material options

	METHOD	MATERIAL	COST ($/sf)	TIME: file prep (hr)	TIME: fab (hr)	TIME: assembly (hr)	TIME: total	MATERIAL RECYCLABILITY
	Vertical laser-cut topo	1/16" grey chip (35 18x32" sheets), with basswood dowels and acrylic for water	$41	20.5	5.5	10.5	36.5	yes
	Vertical laser-cut topo	4ply grey museum (35 18x32" sheets), with basswood dowels and acrylic for water	$111	20.5	5.5	10.5	36.5	yes

METHOD

MATERIAL

COST ($/sf)

TIME: file prep (hr)

TIME: fab (hr)

TIME: assembly (hr)

TIME: total

MATERIAL RECYCLABILITY

Vertical laser-cut topo

1/16" grey chip (35 18x32" sheets),

with basswood dowels and acrylic for water

$41

20.5

5.5

10.5

36.5

yes

Vertical laser-cut topo

4ply grey museum (35 18x32" sheets),

with basswood dowels and acrylic for water

$111

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