Model Builders Inc Blog

The Saudi Aramco Exhibit is in a high-tech museum near Saudi Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran and is dedicated to energy education. There are 8 permanent sections to find out about oil production, Saudi Aramco's history and Arab-Islamic history. Also included are many temporary exhibits. Important information is combined with fun for youngsters and the family as well. There is a 3-D film "Energy to the World", a variety of ingenious hands on displays and interactive computer games to involve, intrigue and educate visitors. Every year the exhibit attracts tens of thousands of school children and international visitors.

The Saudi Aramco Exhibit opened in 1987. It features three dimensional models such as the 7' high detailed oil rig model shown below. 

Oil was first discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1938 and ARAMCO later became the largest oil producer in the world. The exhibit dramatically tells the story of the petroleum industry and relates it to over 10 centuries of Islam (from the 7th to the 17th Century) technological advances and heritage. By the mid-ninth Century Arabic had become the international language of scientific thought.

Recently a National Geographic book "1001 Inventions - The Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilization" (now in its Third Editon) and a traveling exhibition "1001 Inventions" (originally opening in the United Kingdom in 2006) has exposed millions of people to the Muslim technological advances and heritage. Currently the "1001 Inventions" exhibition is at the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC until February 3, 2013. We like to think "1001 Inventions" exhibit is based on the pioneering ARAMCO Exhibit that opened in 1987.

This 7' high oil rig model scale is 1/2"=1'-0" or 1:24. The model is in a scale that people can relate to and easily comprehend the entire oil rig as well as the details.

Oil Rig Model - Traveling Block, Hook and Swivel

Visitors are inherently attracted to a highly detailed model such as this oil rig that looks realistic. The traveling block and hook above are part of the hoisting system. Below them is the swivel which is part of the equipment that rotates the drill. This is a Loffland Brothers Rotary Rig. 

The model is all brass construction that is silver soldered into a very strong welded bond that enables this fine level of model detail as well as durabilty. It will withstand exposure to extreme temperatures if it is ever displayed outdoors or transported in a vehicle that is not air conditioned. 

Oil Rig Model - Monkeyboard

Fine detail like the monkeyboard platform is possible with the strong silver solder welding of the brass. The monkey board is used as the oil rig man’s work platform. The monkey board is located at a particular height in the derrick or mast. It is the same height as single, double or triple pipes.

Oil Rig Model - Crown Block

The crown block is a fixed set of pulleys (called sheaves) located at the top of the oil rig mast over which the drilling cable is threaded. The companion blocks to these pulleys are the traveling blocks. By using two sets of blocks a great mechanical advantage is gained. Consequently small steel drilling cable (3/4" to 1-1/2" diameter) can be used to hoist loads many times heavier than the cable could support as a single strand.

Colorful museum catalogs at the entrance (according to the Saudi Aramco World magaine November/December 1992 issue) go right to the point of the Exhibit that "it is meant to be a place for joyful learning...a carvansary for the curious" revealing secrets about the past, present and the juxtaposition of the two".

If you have any questions or would like to discuss oil rig models, site models, ship models, plant layout or process models, industrial models, nuclear training models, topographic models or other projects contact us at Model Builders, Inc. 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

Nuclear training models can be very effective in improving safety and reducing radiation exposure. These training models are often of a nuclear steam generator, a nuclear condensor, a nuclear reactor or even a nuclear plant site.  

The models are a focal point of planning and training discussions.  They provide a clear understanding of the entire process and the specific details of the parts and areas where workers will be doing upgrades, repairs and maintenance.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) rates each nuclear plant on radiation (rad) exposure. Training in advance of going into areas where an employee can be exposed to radiation normally shortens the amount of time they are there.  This helps employee safety and minimizes rad exposure for meeting NRC requirements.

Nuclear Steam Generator training model 48" high (1:16 scale) with intuitive diagram

The nuclear steam generator shown above is a highly detailed training model used at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in Maryland. There are many features in this new model that improved training compared to the use of a prior model that had not yet been upgraded. Instead of numbers on the model and a list of numbers with the name of each part next to the model this new model uses the intuitive diagram just below the above pictured model to correlate (with black lines) the part name to the part in the model. It also uses red (hot) and blue (cold) arrows to show the process flow of the water and steam. Comprehension of how the steam generator works is quick using this cutaway model and its intuitive diagram.

Primary and Secondary Steam Dryers

Above is a cutaway view of the primary (blue tubes) and above them the secondary dryers (in white) to show where the steam flows. The output from the steam generator is dry steam which goes out from the top of the steam generator and then into the turbine which generates electricity.

The lower half of the steam generator model shows tube bundles (containing hot water) in lattice grid assemblies and one of the manways (with the bolts) in the middle. Every bolt on the manway covers and every latch on the hatch doors is shown on the model which is important as there is a specific sequence that should be used when opening each one.

For more information on this and other nuclear models please reference a 5 page interview titled "Bill Baines: On the use of steam generator modeling at Calvert Cliffs" in the April, 2003 issue of Nuclear News magazine published by the American Nuclear Society (ANS). Go to this link docs/2003-04-01-NuclearNews-SteamGeneratorModel-ModelBuildersInc.pdf .  

Calvert Cliffs also has a scale model of their reactor vessel and its internals.  Bill Baines, the program administrator for the Engineering training program, oversees the initial and continuing training of about 180 engineers and analysts at the plant.

In the U.S. nearly 20% of power comes from 104 reactors which were mostly built between 1967-1987. Upgrades to existing equipment such as to the two Calvert Cliffs steam generators are where scale models are used for planning meetings as well as for training. The models allow everyone to see how the old and the new steam generators differ and what the workers could expect to encounter.The models provide project personnel with a visual 3-D model that shows how components might interfere with each other during removal and installation.

The US Department of Energy and some nuclear plants are also using a site model for planning and reviewing security procedures on a regular basis. Communication is easier when everyone is looking at the entire area being discussed.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss nuclear training models, site models or other projects contact us at Model Builders, Inc. 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

The Rock River Water Reclamation District (RRWRD) in Rockford, IL uses this interactive plant layout model to explain to school groups, customers and the public the sequential steps in processing solid and liquid waste as well as generating energy as a by-product of that process.

The model has many advantages.  The viewer can grasp the overall picture in one viewing. The large plant site is reduced to a 6 X 16 foot model (the scale is 1:96). A well designed plant layout model like this one can orient the viewer from any angle and help them draw mental connections among all aspects of the process.

Rather than taking a plant tour of the site with a group, which takes much longer, RRWRD personnel can use the model to explain the various processes to the group and answer questions.

Real water runs through the Rock River shown in the foreground, as well as through four water processing tanks. The aeration tank bubbles. There is also real water in the two Gravity Thickening Tanks. Real water helps to make the model realistic.

A half inch thick clear acrylic barrier on three sides helps to protect the model. Overhead lights that highlight the model are activated by a sensor when anyone approaches the model. The "rocks" on the right above are the back side of a large aquarium stocked with native Illinois fish. "Rocks" arching above over part of the model support a real waterfall that drops into the aquarium.

The sequential path of each of three processes (liquid, solids, and energy) is clearly shown with chase lights and with colored lines on the control board. The buildings and tanks each have a light come on when their labeled button on the control panel is pressed. Most of the buildings and tanks have an identifying label next to them. All this makes the model useful at any time of the day.

The interactive control board highlights the three sequential processes with over 600 blue (liquid), yellow (solid) or red (energy) chase lights. There are also buttons to light up the individual tanks or buildings.  The energy (red chase lights) below is created from the methane gas by-product of the waste processing. 

Individual buildings and tanks each have a label and a separate light as shown below.

To reinforce the explanation of the water treatment process the RRWRD website has a "just for kids" section that explains what happens to a drop of water.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss plant layout or process models, site models, topographic models or other projects contact us at Model Builders, Inc. 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

To create a trade show exhibit that sells, focus on solving these three basic problems:

Problem 1: How do you get the attention of your highest potential buyers?

Answer: Use a concise headline in the most easily seen part of the exhibit - put it up high, make it big, light it up. Repeat the headline elsewhere in the exhibit. Use the company name nearby. 

Focus the headline on a specific product, or service and make a strong benefit promise. For example, Uni-tek's headline is "Broken Taps Removed Fast" in large, flood-lit lettering. Sharp focus like this attracts people who want what you have to offer.

You have five seconds to attract the attention of potential buyers and less than five minutes to develop interest. 

Problem 2: How do you develop detailed product interest?

Photo: A 30" diameter model of the Millennium ball drops slowly a few times a day in synch with a video countdown at this 50' trade show booth for Philips light bulbs, drawing attention to the  key product benefits on the billboards.

Answer: Highlight the product. Use a sales message with the most important features and benefits. Show your product or service in action. Invite the potential client to participate in a product demonstration.

Remember the product is the star. Consider a cutaway of your product to highlight how it works.  Make a small product larger with a realistic larger-scale model as the center of attention in the booth, like the 5' high spark plug Bosch used. For a large product like a locomotive, aircraft, or mining truck, feature a smaller-scale model that fits in the trade show booth. Consider adding mechanical movement or chase lights to show the sequence of how the product works.

The sales message should be simple and dramatic.  A video or exhibit backwall with a few pictures and copy can tell your story quickly and effectively. Help the booth staff tell the product story with a few key visual aids that highlight the product's most important features and benefits.

Problem 3: How do you follow up with the potential buyer?

 Photo: Business card drop box (slot) in a 2X scale prop model of a new medical device.

 Answer: Often several potential buyers show up at a trade show exhibit at the same time.  A business card drop box offers a quick way to get a potential buyer's business card even when exhibit staff is busy with someone else. Provide blank name/address cards, too, and pens to make it easy to fill them out. Consider adding a question or two on the blank card to help qualify the prospect as a potential buyer.

If the objective is to make an appointment with the potential buyer for a followup call, include a graphic that invites the visitor to sign up for a product demonstration. Include a large appointment book to make it easy.

Another option is to integrate a private area or separate office into the exhibit area as a place to close a sale, show more detailed product options, etc.

One technique to close sales is use of show specials: offer a lower price for orders at the show only, making the invitation highly visible.

To wrap up the planning process, ask yourself:

• Did we pinpoint the product and sales message in the headline?
• Did we dramatize the product for immediate impact?
• Is the exhibit uncluttered and geared to a single objective?

If yes, then you are on your way to having an effective exhibit. If you have any questions or would like to discuss exhibit design, a cutaway of your product, a product model, or a larger or smaller than life model contact us at Model Builders, Inc. 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

One of the easiest things to use to attact visitors to your exhibit booth is your product  because that is what you are selling. However you may be overlooking the advantages of using a product model instead.  Here are three examples of exhibits where there was a very significant advantage to using a product model versus the real product.

(1) The first advantage is a savings in weight and therefore cost. Below is a photograph of a replica model of a track welding machine which is 12' X 4' X 3'.  The cost to ship the real machine which weighs close to 15,000 lbs. is quite high. Then the expense to move a real track welding machine into the exhibit booth and set it up is also high. However a replica model made out of ABS plastic instead of steel like the real product weighed less than 1,000 lbs. The shipping cost savings for the first tradeshow alone can pay for the model.

(2) The second advantage of a product model versus the real product is you can make a large real product as a much smaller product model which enables you to ship the product model to more tradeshows for the same cost as one tradeshow. Furthermore for really large products like some mining trucks the real product is too big to even fit in an exhibit hall.  Shown below at 1:16 scale is a mining truck model which is about 33" long which has been shipped to tradeshows around the world.

 (3) The third advantage of a product model is that an expensive product such as medical equipment with expensive components can be replaced by a product model greatly reducing the cost of shipping insurance. The model cost about 1/15 the cost of the real  lithotriper.The lithotripter model shown below also was made at 1:3 scale to make it small enough for the sales force to drive it to their clients locations in addition to the use of the model at tradeshows. The mechanical arm moved exactly like the real lithotripter. 

The benefits of product models are real. If you would like information on having a product model fabricated contact us at Model Builders, Inc. 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

A plant layout model is used as a design tool for arranging machinery, equipment, tool rooms, and the like in the best place to permit the quickest and smoothest production at the least cost. Plant layout models yield savings in construction and training, and they allow people with diverse expertise to collaborate on improvements.

Many engineering/construction companies and their clients use plant layout models to optimize the design and construction of complex plants like an industrial manufacturing facility, a chemical plant, a pharmaceutical plant, an oil refinery (like the one shown below), a food processing plant, or a nuclear plant. For these types of companies a plant layout model often encompasses a series of buildings, tanks, major equipment, and pipes on the site. The model may also have the roof removed from each building to display the machinery, equipment, and work flow inside.

                                       ARAMCO oil refinery

Many manufacturing companies use physical models to plan and optimize the design when adding to an existing facility or modifying the current production layout. In this case plant layout usually refers to the floor layout of machinery, equipment, the shipping department, and the like in one building. Shown below is a pharmaceutical plant model that can be moved to a new location as a single unit. 

This model is built to an exact scale to show piping, fittings, valves, equipment, structures, instrumention and other features that clarify the design. This means that:

• If there is a mistake in the drawings it will show up in this model, which is much less expensive to fix now before construction begins. The savings from preventing field changes often more than pay for the  model. Especially when there is a maze of piping, a plant layout model eliminates all of the interference problems at the design level.
• The model can be used as a focal point for planning meetings to visualize how all the elements are interrelated while the plant is under construction and as a training aid once the plant is completed.
• When subcontract bidders can better visualize interrelationships by reviewing a plant layout model, their bids are lower.

The first real engineering process design model was fabricated in 1951 with all of the equipment, piping, and vessels in exact scale. However, building the model was time-consuming since many parts had to be hand formed.  By the 1960's many of the parts needed for plant layout and process models (as well as many parts for architectural models) were being produced as precision-injected plastic molded parts available off the shelf in quantity and in a variety of scales.  This greatly cut the time and cost of fabricating a plant layout model.

The planning and construction savings from using plant layout models as a design tool and the reduced cost of labor and materials to make the model with standardized parts and other modern methods are so great that almost every new plant has been designed with the aid of a plant layout model for several decades.

The approach to layout modeling varies by industry, location and plant. If you would like to have a plant layout model made to facilitate your next design, be sure to work with a model company that has built plant layout models, can show you the results, and is sensitive to your unique requirements. We can do that! Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

Competition for attention is very stiff at a trade show. Companies that get noticed often have product models that grab attention and draw the passer-by into the trade show booth for more information. Here are five types of unique and enticing product models.

Working model

A working model is a very effective way to attract traffic at trade shows. Demonstrating how the actual product works not only creates a vivid image in the potential customer’s mind but the action itself also draws the eye and stops traffic.

The medical device in these two pictures permits the hand to move while the wrist is recovering from a break instead of being fixed in one position in a cast. The hand is motorized to move slowly up and down to demonstrate the range of movement.

Creative action model 

Even with a static model you can create action to help draw traffic to your booth. Your product model might pop up out of a related setting such as a topographic or plant layout model.

Extend a model out from a picture

This techique is an attention grabber and at the same time cuts the cost to far below what it would be if you made a model of both the vehicle and the brush cutter in front. It also puts the focus on the brush cutter. The focus on the railroad right of way maintenance car is on the double bladed rotary cutter on the right.

 The larger story model  

Product models are three dimensional, which is always more engaging than a flat display.  But you can take this advantage one step further as well. You can place your model in a realistic setting that draws the potential client to the display.  Another method is use your product model in conjunction with others (your product or not) to simulate the larger story of your product’s unique benefits.

Interactive model

An interactive product model allows a person to learn about the product by starting, moving, pausing or stopping the operation. A user-controlled video alongside the product model could be added to help better understand your competitive advantages. Seeing someone who is engaged with your product makes others more likely to stop to see what it’s all about.

Use product models like those described above to help the product sell itself and grab the attention of potential customers at a trade show. Give yourself a competitive edge with a product model that tells your product’s story with impact and often without the use of words. Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773.586.6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .