Exhibition and display models are often required within a very tight turnaround, the most recent model we have completed for an exhibition had a two week lead time. The model was to represent a 3D training chart, consisting of polystyrene balls and arrows to lead the client around the training points.

We had been requested to produce 2 models of Sanyo cameras for use as an advertising campaign. Our customer sent us cameras for use as reference purposes to match the colours and details. As 3D CAD was not available, the cameras were 3D digitally scanned and data was produced from this. We were able to directly CNC machine the 1.5 metre high models from these 3D CAD files.

Architectural models are often requested by councils when buildings in the area are to be built or modified.

We have recently completed a model of a block of apartments. Made on a scale of 1:100, we used architectural elevation drawings from the architect to design CAD files for us to manufacture from. The height of these apartments must be in relation to the existing surrounding buildings. This model will enable the council, residents and local business owners to view how the proposed building will finally look before planning permission is considered.

Our skills are often called upon to produce models to be used in exhibitions, the most recent we have completed were three models of mobile phones and holders.

Each unit was different and made up of 12 separate parts, the bases of the models were a charger unit, pager unit and answering machine unit. Our customer supplied us with fully surfaced CAD files, from which we could directly machine the pieces.

Amongst the many trophies and awards we have produced, one prominent award was for 6 highly polished chrome finished rats.

The customer allowed us to use an original of the award in order for us to make a silicone mould and then vacuum cast the rats in polyurethane plastic. We chose to use the vacuum casting process as the rat award had detail, and these can be highlighted in this process. As we are sometimes working to a tight budget, vacuum casting is also a very cost effective way of producing replica models, and a multitude of finishing techniques can be attained to create effects such as gold, silver, bronze, antique or a distressed finish, and many other surface appearances that can be requested.

As well as producing one-off prototypes, we are also highly capable of manufacturing low volume quantities. We have been requested to produce 10 wall plaques for an international jeweller, to be mounted in each of their worldwide stores.

The customer supplied us with 3D model data, from which we produced a mould by CNC machining high-density modelboard. The plaques were then produced in GRP, (Glass Reinforced Polyester) or Fibreglass.

In addition to our modelmaking and prototyping workshop, the precision engineering half of the factory on our premises is also used in the production of certain projects. CNC machining can achieve some design features requested by our customers, for example we were asked to manufacture several differently designed aluminium parts to be used as a feature on a major office building in London.

The architect supplied us with 3D model data, this was used to CNC machine wooden patterns for us to sand cast.

Tight deadlines are often called for on many of our prototypes and models, no matter what the size. One of the largest jobs we have produced stood at 2 metres tall, when we were asked to manufacture 3 models of the iconic Japanese collectible toy, the Bearbrick. These were required within two weeks.

For ease of manufacture and assembly each Bearbrick model was machined as 6 separate parts, the limbs, head and body. These parts were CNC machined using our customer’s 3D CAD model data in low density foam.