5 Ways Technology Is Boosting the Model Making Industry

Our-Design-Engineers-utilising-CAD-software

The internet has benefited a wide range of industries, with bespoke model making being no exception. File sharing and communication technologies allow companies and clients from around the globe to share concepts, ideas and images with us, allows us to send renderings and updates back in real time, and allows our work to reach a global market of customers if the clients choose to share it through an internet marketing campaign or share a picture of it on their social media sites. Here are a few ways technology is giving the model making industry a boost:

Communication

Always being able to get in contact with a client and keep them updated on how the job is going assures the client that everything is above board, and instantly being able to contact them about any issue instils trust. With the use of email and instant messaging growing over the last few decades, just get in touch if you want us to keep you posted; updates and pictures of your model are only ever a conversation away. Our website has allowed more global clients to find us, and more communication between us and prospective clients.

CAD

Showing rendered images and designs of how a finished model will look allows clients to make changes before manufacture has begun. Designs can be tested and stressed using FEA; this can showcase issues before they arise, and all copies and changes can be instantly sent to the client through the wonders of email. Our design engineers can create a CAD of your model, or if you need a scale model of an existing item (for a Point of Sale display or an edited prototype) we can use laser scanning to reverse engineer the item with incredible precision.
Using Software in the model making process
Our Design Engineers utilising CAD software to design a project

CAM

CNC milling allows us to mechanically create models rapidly and in a variety of materials, including wood, metals and model board. With 22 CNC milling and turning machines ranging from 3 to 5 axis, we can turn CAD drawings into functioning models much faster than traditional model manufacturing – perfect for clients with a tight deadline who don’t want to sacrifice quality. We’ve modelled and manufactured projects for a range of industries, from large scale displays to precise multi-faceted prototypes, which are quickly and efficiently manufactured by our expert engineers.

creating technically difficult models
Utilising 3D printing technology to create artistic designs

3D Printing

Having over a decade of experience with 3D printing, we can manufacture and design items accurately and quickly. Combining rapid prototyping techniques with our expert model makers and our paint shop, we can create a wide array of finishes on SLS and SLA printed material to create an impressive finished product. Combined with our knowledge of CAD software, we can create intricate shapes and amazing designs, as well as 3D printing logos and models for a range of industries.

Constantly learning new skills through the internet, and through new software and services, allows us to regularly push the boundaries of new technologies, as well as learning and sharing experiences of different methods to utilises old technology too. This has led us to finding new ways of combine old and new technology; we’ve 3D printed and hand-painted models which traditionally would have taken weeks to make by hand. We’ve utilised CAM software to design the packaging to keep a model safe in transit. We’ve hand modelled sculptures out of clay, built on a CAD-designed structural support. All in all, the combination of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and over 70 years of model-making expertise means that we can manufacture models in a fraction of the time without sacrificing the excellent quality we are known for.

Having such a wealth of information at our fingertips also allows us to find other high quality manufacturers; these contacts, who often specialise in other niche areas of manufacture, allows us to team up and create the best quality product in the shortest time.

For more information on any of our manufacturing processes or to schedule a consultation, email [email protected] or phone us on 01277 365500