Model Builders Inc Blog

How a scale model helps envision and sell a gas processing plant.

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Mon, Mar 23, 2015 @ 11:41 AM

UOP had an investor meeting coming up and wanted to make a great impression showing the advantages of their prefabricated gas processing plant. UOP is the only manufacturer that makes a prefab one and it consists primarily of seven skids that can be trucked to the site. They also wanted to use this model for sales presentations and tradeshows. 

The UOP advantages are that the prefab gas processing plant can be made much more cost effectively in advance in a factory and there is little final assembly once the seven skids are shipped to the client's site. Furthermore quality control in the factory is much easier to manage than in the field.  UOP's competitors build  gas processing plants on site which takes far longer and their construction time is much more exposed to weather delays. 

UOP Gasification Plant Model

UOP prefabricated gas processing plant 1:48 scale model 25" long X 25" wide.

To have a real impact with investors and potential clients UOP wanted them to easily envision the prefabrication concept and how it went together. If they could pick up each of the seven skids to assemble or disassemble them by hand that would be very engaging and memorable. Furthermore clients would be able to see the key components in each skid. This is an effective way to relate to what each skid does and where it goes.

The model makes for quicker and easier comprehension of the entire plant than walking through the real one. Furthermore  the real prefabricated gas processing plant is too big to take to a tradeshow (or potential client) and most potential clients are not located near one of the installed prefabricated gas processing plants.

What were the keys to getting this model fabricated to meet UOP's short deadline and to be as effective as possible in generating sales? 

(1) Choose the right model maker.

Hire a professional model making firm with experience - in this case one that makes process models for heavy industry like oil, gas and nuclear models. This firm would know where to get the special materials necessary and have the expertise to help design and fabricate the model in about four weeks. For this model UOP hired Model Builders, Inc. in Chicago.

(2) Provide the information the model maker needs to build from right away.

UOP drawings were needed to build from and they were needed fast. Model Builders, Inc. suggested that only pdfs of some of the drawings were needed.  It would have taken more time and expense if the model maker had to get familar with the UOP CAD drawings since it takes a while (often several days) to get familiar with the many CAD assemblies and parts drawings.

The UOP Director of Corporate Communications recognized that the model maker needed the pdfs right away and put the key UOP engineer in Oklahoma in touch with the model maker. That same day the engineer was able to send out all the needed dimensioned drawings as pdfs.

(3) Choose the scale.

 The 1:48 scale was the right one for an engaging hands on demonstration and for transport in a personal vehicle if necessary. Furthermore a scaled flatbed truck was put on the model to help the viewer get a clearer idea of how big the skids were by comparison.

(4) Determine the level of detail.

One of the things about models is that viewers are often attracted to them when they are highly detailed. The details draw them in. With this model even the UOP designer was impressed with the detail accuracy. This is particularly helpful to the sales effort when UOP can discuss with potential buyers what each skid does and the component parts that do that.

Gas processing plant model

(5) Engage the viewer in creative ways.

UOP had Model Builders, Inc. make the seven skids as loose units that can be assembled and disassembled by hand on a simple base with a plan view of the site on top. That meant each model skid could be picked up by hand and assembled or disassembled in the appropriate location on a scaled drawing. The drawing was bonded to the top of the 1" thick 25" X 25" base board.

Prefab Gasification Plant model

The stairway next to the right hand and the crosswalk next to the left finger are each connected with magnets for quick and easy assembly.

 

(6) Use durable materials.

ABS plastic is a very durable material and is the primary material used in this model. Futhermore the bonding liquid chemically welds the parts together.

In contrast acrylic is brittle and sometimes cracks or breaks. Vibrations during shipping and handling, below-zero temperatures and other adverse conditions could cause breakage or the acrylic glue joints could come apart.

(7) Make the model easy to pack and unpack.

The cutouts in the thick foam make packing and protecting the parts from damage simple.

Plant 

UOP gas processing plant model case.
The flat base with plan view is below the parts seen here. The truck is in the silver box.

How effective was the model at the investor's meeting? It was so effective UOP decided to order a second one to keep at the home office for potential customer presentations.

Model Builders, Inc. is known for helping manufacturers, industrial designers, institutions and individuals go from idea to reality. Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

 

 

Tags: industrial scale models, site model, plant layout model, architectural model, model, product model, engineering model, product models, industrial scale model, tradeshow product models, trade show product models, process model, plant layout models, scale model

5 Reasons not to choose the lowest quote for a model or prototype

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Thu, Jun 05, 2014 @ 10:52 AM

In today’s world of instant everything from everywhere we can easily fall into the trap of making business decisions just by choosing the lowest price. Here are 5 reasons you should be very worried about the lowest price, especially for a custom model or prototype.

1. Value = quality divided by price.

 You can easily pick the lowest price - just pick the quote with the lowest number.  But if you expect good value, you must spend the time it takes to consider quality. Quality in models and prototypes depends on a number of factors.

Petronas Towers exhibit resized 600

Oil storage site exhibit in Kuala Lumpur

For example if there is a body of water in an architectural or topographic model, how is it depicted? Possibilities range from one color of blue paint to a realistic range of several colors applied artistically under a wavy piece of clear acrylic as shown in the above picture.   The latter looks far more realistic, but costs a little more.

There is reason why “cheap” means both "low cost" and "low quality". It pays to investigate closely how your model or prototype will look or work by carefully comparing the assumptions and details in the quote and each vendor's reputation for quality.

2. Balance: The common law of business balance.

 Over a century ago John Ruskin said “It’s unwise to pay too much…but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money…that is all.  When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot.  It can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run.  And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better.”

3. Avoid wasting money on models and prototypes that are in too small a scale. 

One problem is that parts can become too thin in a small scale and break easily. The client's desire for the smallest possible model to make it easier to transport as well as save money in packing, shipping and initial cost means it is more likely to arrive damaged and maybe even not repairable before the sales presentation or tradeshow.

A second problem is companies that “saved money” by having a model made in a scale that was too small to effectively show the detail especially when it is a printed out on a 3d printer. We refer to these models as "blob" models since instead of seeing the finer details that help attract potential customers you see blobs of material. Request a drawing of the plan and elevation views in the model scale proposed before you buy.  Even better request a sample part that shows some of the finer details.

4. Durability counts.

Is the model you ordered going to arrive as loose parts that came apart during the shipment?

Your model isn’t any good if you can’t use it when it arrived or requires extensive and expensive additional repair. That could be the case if the materials used and the way they were bonded or attached together couldn’t survive the road vibrations, shock from being dropped, temperatures, humidity, poor or loose packing, etc. In transit if the temperature is below freezing acrylic glues don’t hold their bond very well and your acrylic model may come apart. High heat also affects acrylic bonds much sooner that it would ABS plastic.

We use ABS plastic where we can instead of acrylic since ABS can be welded (the surfaces melt together with the chemical liquid we use for bonding). The ABS plastic is also stronger than acrylic which can crack under stress. 

If there is damage you may or may not be able to collect from an insurance claim and it may take a long time to collect for it. If a quote is higher than the low bid it probably is built stronger, with better materials and is packed better to survive shipment.

5. Insurance against an unpleasant surprise.

A benefit of partnering with a high quality model maker is the opportunity to learn and improve the project together.  With their experience and expertise, it is not hard to see potential problems while they can still be addressed successfully and at little or no additional cost. Even if the new approach costs more it is "cheaper" than  paying for a model that may meet your specifications but not your expectations.

Recently a potential museum client sent their project out for bid and all of the bids were higher than their budget. Sometimes if you have a limited budget it is better to tell the model making companies what the budget is and have them let you know what is possible to do with that budget.

When deciding on which company to hire for a model or protoype our experience is that the highest value, rather than the lowest price, is normally the best criterion. In our next blog we'll point out 5 reasons you should be very willing to pay for quaility.

Model Builders, Inc. is known for helping industrial designers, manufacturers, institutions and individuals go from idea to reality. Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

 

Tags: railroad equipment model, site model, architectural model, model, architectural models, product model, prototype, prototypes, topographic model, trade show product models, prototype model

Props and models help to attract potential clients to your booth

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Thu, Jun 27, 2013 @ 09:29 PM

Props and models can be a great way to attract visitors at a tradeshow. However they should be related closely to a company's marketing and sales message.  You want to attact people who are interested in your product and help others who are not viable prospects realize that this product doesn't relate to them.

Here are four examples where props and models have attracted potential clients.

1) The first example is where the product is the center piece of the exhibit and also a beacon that is visible from a distance.

Far better than just a sign the model is of the product being sold. If you are interested in cell towers then you are not likely to miss stopping by this booth and learning more.

This cell phone antenna model is used at  tradeshows to attact potential clients to the booth. A red light on the top also helps to get attention. The height of this model makes it noticable on the tradeshow floor from quite a distance away. 

Cell phone antenna model

 

Cell phone antenna and base

Cell phone antenna and base model 20 feet tall

2) The second example is a custom three dimensional model sign that attacts attention with movement and light as well as relating well to the product.

Below is one of two rotating signs for the Global Sleep Solutions tradeshow booth. There is also below this sign in the booth at eye level a similar but larger sign (one sided) with three Z s in a row on one rod that slowly rock up and down which effectively reminds you of sleep.

Two of the most effective ways to attact attention are to use movement and/or light. This rotating sign uses both movement and light. Furthermore the lettering is large enough and words short enough to be easily read from a distance. The crescent moon and large Z letters let you know in a glance that this booth is about nightime sleep solutions. The sign rotates at a sleepy 2 rpm.

Global Sleep Solutions rotating sign

Global Sleep Solutions - rotating sign 30" diameter

3) The third example is a larger than life product model and it also uses light to draw in visitors. This toothbrush gets instant attention at tradeshows because it is several times larger than life, it looks realistic and the lighted fiberoptic bristles draw the viewer in for a closer look.

toothbrush - fiber optic

7' high toothbrush model with fiber optic bristles 

4) Food tends to be a product category that gets a lot of interest. One tradeshow exhibitor who sells signs related to food decided to have a custom 6 foot long "Chicago" hotdog made so he could use it as the centerpiece in his booth to attract attention to his food signs.

Hot Dog prop in exhibit resized 600

 6' hot dog custom prop

You don't have very long to get the attention of potential clients at a tradeshow as they walk down the show aisle. Maybe you need to try something more dramatic and attention getting. If you have any questions or would like to discuss props, models or other projects contact us at Model Builders, Inc. 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

 

 

Tags: industrial scale models, exhibit, model builders, model maker, model makers, model builder, industrial scale model, tradeshow product models, trade show product models, props

Construction equipment product models increase sales and cut costs

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Wed, May 15, 2013 @ 10:33 AM

There is nothing like demonstrating a real product at a tradeshow or event.  However if you are selling a large piece of construction equipment it may be too large or too expensive to do that. Consequently some construction equipment companies are using a custom model that will fit into an exhibit booth or is easily moved to a customer's office for a sales presentation.

Dragline model

Dragline model

Showing a construction equipment model at a work site such as on a railroad track can help the potential customer better relate to how the equipment is used.

Tamper

 Tamper ballast tamping machine model

Features of the equipment can be depicted. This 1:16 scale mining truck shows that the electrical equipment is concentrated in one place in a three door cabinet on the deck next to the driver's cab so that it is easy to access and fix. Using a control on the side of the model base the sales person can turn the front wheels to show that this truck behind the wheels has the most accessible engine for maintenance (there is a scale engine between the front wheels). Also the dump bed can also be raised and lowered (by turning a key) to attract attention at the tradeshow.

 

Mining truck model

         Haulpak 830E mining truck 1:16 scale model

In 1956 a 1/4 scale model of the Hough Payloader attracted crowds at tradeshows because it duplicaticated the hydraulic actions of the real front-end loader by using miniature cylinders and a new reversible pump unit. Automatic or manual operation was selected by the 4-pole transfer switch. In automatic operation limit switches control direction of current flow through armature and direction of motor control. In manual operation current flow was controlled by momentary pushbutton switches. This model was written up on two pages of the December 1956 edition of Applied Hydraulics magazine.

Hough Payloader

Hough Payloader 1/4 scale working hydraulic model

Use product models like those described above to help the product sell itself and grab the attention of potential customers at a trade show or on a sales call. Give yourself a competitive edge with a product model that tells your product’s story with impact and often without the use of words.

A construction equipment product model enables you to show your product in more places and at less cost than if you took the real product. Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773.586.6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

 

 

Tags: construction equipment models, industrial scale models, railroad equipment model, product model, engineering model, model builders, model maker, model makers, product models, model builder, industrial scale model, tradeshow product models, trade show product models

Topographic model plays novel role in a Fortune 100 Christmas display

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Tue, Dec 25, 2012 @ 09:07 PM

A topographic model Christmas snow scene was built for the headquarters office of one of the largest department stores in the United States. The ojective was to display to employees and visitors some of the merchandise featured that season in their stores. Model Builders, Inc. designed and constructed a 30 X 50 foot topographic model Christmas display snow scene as the backdrop for the merchandise. Also a steel platform 12'X 12' X 5' high was constructed in the middle to raise the bottom of their Christmas tree to the top of the snow scene.

Topgraphic Snow Scene Display-1

 This 30' X 50' topographic snow scene displays new merchandise in Corporation HQ

Topographic Snow Scene

Views of the Christmas snow scene were excellent from four interior levels in the atrium, nearby stairways and three atrium cross bridges.

Topographic Snow Scene

All supporting tables had removable legs for easier storage and this Christmas display snow scene was used for several years. Four 4'X8'X5' high tables with one 4'X4'X5' high table in the middle formed the 12'X12' base that supported the 33' high Christmas tree.  The legs, framing and cross supports for tables that supported the tree were all steel with 3/4" thick plywood tops.

Topographic snow scene

Headquarters professional merchandising personnel displayed all of the products as well as setting up and decorating the Christmas tree.

Topographic snow scene

The multilevel snow scene created quite a backdrop for the merchandise.

Topographic Snow Scene

This was certainly a winter wonderland that brought the excitement of the Christmas shopping season to their headquarters.  It also served as a backdrop to some holiday events that were held in the atrium.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss topographic models, props, scenic sets, architectural models or other projects contact us at Model Builders, Inc. 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net  

Tags: topographic model, trade show product models, museum model, topographic models, props, terrain model

How to create a trade show exhibit that sells

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Tue, Jun 19, 2012 @ 09:06 PM

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?

millennium ball model

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?

Business card drop box 

 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 .

 

 

Tags: construction equipment models, railroad equipment model, exhibit, interactive exhibit, product cutaway, product model, engineering model, industrial scale model, trade show product models, medical models

Product models grab attention at trade shows

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Sat, Mar 24, 2012 @ 06:26 PM

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.

product model, product models  product model, product models

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.

 product model, construction equipment model, trade show product model

 product model, construction equipment model

 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.

 product model, topographic model, construction equipment model

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 .

Tags: construction equipment models, railroad equipment model, product model, prototype, model builders, product models, industrial scale model, trade show product models, medical models, topographic models