Model Builders Inc Blog

Plant layout models can save time and money

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Wed, Apr 25, 2012 @ 10:36 AM

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.

plant layout model, process model

                                       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. 

plant layout model

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.

Plant Layout model

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 .

                                      

 

Tags: site model, plant layout model, engineering model, industrial scale model, topographic model, process model, plant layout models, terrain model

5 ways to enhance a topographic model

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Fri, Apr 13, 2012 @ 07:34 AM
To engage prospects, decision-makers, and visitors with your project, you can't beat three dimensions - and the more realistic the better.
 
Topographic models show terrain, buildings, geologic features, vegetation, infrastructure, and other elements of a scene on a scale that viewers can relate to. Visitor centers, city planning meetings, historical sites, dramatic presentations, trade show displays  and investor presentations or public disclosure meetings for ski resorts, golf clubs or other real estate development all find great value in topographic models.
 
Whether the model is a sales tool, an educational display or a visitor orientation tool, a realistic topographic model achieves the purpose far better than a less accurate representation or a two dimensional illustration. If seeing is believing then to see realistically is to understand and engage.

Some common methods used to enhance any topographic model are:

1) Craftsmanship

The final look is determined by how well it is made. For a quick-study model, contour layers can be cut out of mat board, basswood or another material and stacked. For high end models, cuting layers out of a solid block of polyurethane foam and then carefully sanding down the layers to create a smooth topography is much more realistic.  For a model that visitors can touch you need durability - achievable by making a positive model, creating a mold from it and then casting the topography in fiberglass.  Shown below is a construction site model that was hand carved out of pink foam sheets and then artistically painted. In planning your project, make certain your model building team has the skill, experience and equipment required for the quality level your project needs.
 
topographic model

2) Attention to Detail

The larger your model becomes the more detail is required to make it appear realistic and the more you need to know about your model maker's expertise and capabilities. But even on smaller models, detailing can make the important features pop.

3) Enhanced Colors

Accurate simulation of colors and the unification of colors with the landscape and site are all important in order to keep the model appearance believable. As the size of the model gets smaller, the finer muted colors become predominant. Exact color matching does much to increase believeability.
 
topographic model
 
4) Textures

Accurate surface patterns and textures must be recreated carefully for a fully realistic impact. Using creative materials that mimic the real landscape is as important as detailed architecture. Realistic texture greatly enhances the credibility and impact of the model. Here sand was embedded in the surface resin to simulate the look of trees in a model scale that is 1" = 1 mile. Without the tree texture the model would look flat and two dimensional. For the road a groove was cut in the surface to give it some dimension.
 
topographic model

5) Multiple Dimensions

Multiple dimensions greatly enhance idea communication and realism. A topographic model can incorporate other model types - for example, buildings with a cutaway view of the interior to show a warehouse or production line. You can place your products on a site to show how different products match up with different topographies or how they can work together on site to speed construction.

These are just a few of the interesting and useful ways to enhance a topographic model. Model Builders, Inc. is known for creative, economical, realistic topographic models. Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net

Tags: site model, plant layout model, architectural model, architectural models, topographic model, topographic models, terrain model

5 ways product models can increase sales

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Fri, Apr 06, 2012 @ 12:59 PM

Product models are an investment that often pays off big by increasing product sales. Here are five ways that product models boost results.

1) Product models attract attention to sales presentations by communicating in three dimensions.  Models tell a story your client can see immediately, even without words. The visual story combined with your comments have a powerful, long-lasting impact. Perhaps my father, William H. Chaffee, a model maker for most of the 20th century, said it best: "Models enable you to visualize an idea or product in a scale you can relate to."

product model, product models

2) Product models are used to draw people into a trade show booth and start the sales conversation. They are an attention-getting focal point in the sales process.  Just changing the scale of a product can command attention.  Small objects become gigantic and large objects can become small enough to fit in a 10' wide trade show booth. A 7' high detailer motorized brush as shown in the above picture, 8' tall drill bit, a 9' long windshield wiper blade with some new features, and a 6' tall toothbrush with lighted fiber optic bristles drew heavy traffic into their exhibit booths. Ordinary products command attention when produced in an unexpected scale and their unique benefits are immediately obvious.

3) "New" is one of the most response-generating words in advertising. Models can get new products in front of customers immediately through quick fabrication for presentations at a sales meeting, trade show, or photography for public relations releases. Prior to the first production run of a new industrial pool pump, a full scale exterior model was built for a trade show to introduce the product. The model was detailed down to the surface which had a casting texture painted on it. When the original product engineers first saw the model, some of them thought the model had come straight from the production line. Without the product model the company could only have shown two dimensional photographs or drawings with less impact.

product models, product cutaways

4) Models can highlight product advantages by showing how the product works or revealing certain features. A cutaway model of a real product can show any unique feature and the quality of the materials used inside.  For example, one product model used a clear plastic housing and some internal translucent parts combined with some real parts to create a jet engine oil pump that revealed where the oil flowed and the unique parts that made it work. For another client, a 2X scale oven with 2" wide red/orange fluorescent plastic "heat arrows" inside showed the even flow of heat.

5) Closing a sale is often quicker when you use a  model. For exmple a scale model of a trade show exhibit booth can sell the client on the booth design. Clients often cannot visualize a 3-D booth design as well as the designer. A model facilitates communication and clarifies any changes to the trade show booth design in order to gain a commitment to go ahead with construction of the booth. A model quickly and clearly shows the interior design, space planning, sight lines, traffic patterns, engineering, materials, colors, signage, and the interrelationships between various elements. The model helps to answer questions and solve potential problems. It is a fast way to understand a complex project and hence shorten the sales cycle.

Done artfully and with skill, product models like those described above help increase sales. Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773.586.6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .

 

Tags: industrial scale models, sales kit, product cutaway, product model, prototype, prototype models, product models, medical models, props

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

5 Reasons to use an architectural model

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Mon, Mar 12, 2012 @ 10:04 AM

Architectural models are three dimensional models created to show scale physical images of buildings. Most people have seen architectural models but may never thought about how they could be used to benefit their projects.

Here are 5 uses for architectural models that architects, project managers and sales agents could consider for their buildings.

1. The most common use of an architectural model is to help visualize in three dimensions the scope of a building project and to communicate the layout and spatial interrelationships. Having a model of a project makes it easier for people who may not be able to imagine what a flat two dimensional blue print or illustration looks like in reality.

NMFPrenticeinterior2004DSCN9190

2. An architectural model can be used as a sales tool. This could be for selling a condominium in a new construction project so that potenial buyers can see where their unit would be located. It could also be for people selling tickets in a stadium, arena,auditorium or theater so that the buyers have a better idea of where the seats are.

3. Potential investors and donors are powerfully impacted by a three dimensional model of a construction project. The model makes the project real, inspiring understanding, enthusiasm, and confidence. Models demonstrate that the proposal is serious and the results will be both workable and attractive - qualities that influence the willingness to invest.

architectural models

                                                Shakespeare Globe Centre - London

4. A model is often used as a site map for larger complexes like an airport, convention center, or amusement park to give people a better reference point as to where they are in a complex and how to get to where they want to go. In a large multistory space such as a hotel, hospital or convention center a cutaway model makes it easy to orient oneself and figure out how to get to the desired location.

5. Finally, architectural models are used in the construction permit and approval process. Having a model present at permit meetings allows regulators to see exactly how the project will impact the surrounding area and may make it easier to get necessary approvals.

These are just a few of the interesting and useful ways that models can be used to promote, inform or educate others about a building property. If you would like more information about getting an architectural model done for your project send an email to: info@modelbuilders.net .

Tags: site model, architectural model, architectural models, topographic model, architectural model builder, terrain model

Product Cutaways Tell a Story

Posted by Hal Chaffee on Thu, Feb 16, 2012 @ 08:01 PM

Every product has its own story to tell. Often the best way is with a with a cutaway. Product cutaways are a dramatic way to show how a product works or how well it is made. Manufacturers of pumps, valves, storage tanks, power tools, transmissions and engines are frequent users of cutaways so they can show unique features and present principles of operation. Superior materials and craftsmanship can also be shown. To see quality is to believe it.

pump cutaway

The use of product cutaways is not always confined to tradeshows or sales calls. Other uses are for education, in museums, sales training, engineering training, assembly training, and photos for technical manuals or advertisements. Product models are useful anywhere a three dimensional product or process needs to be explained. Cutaways have a stronger impact than an illustration. 

There are many types of product cutaways. Some are associated with equipment that is contained in a metal casting - a hand held power drill for example, or a transmission. However you shouldn't confine cutaways to just those types of equipment.

You could:

  • encase the guts of a product, such as a switch, in clear plastic so that you can watch it work.
  • build a small cutaway model of a large product such as a turbine or a large model of a small product such as a microchip.
  • construct multiple cutaways to demonstrate a process.
  • animate the cutaway with mechanical motion or sequenced lights.

The success of a cutaway depends on how well you are able to show your product story. You could have someone just cut your model apart but you should use skilled professionals to help you. Some points to consider in having cutaways made are:

  • is the product the right scale or should you have a smaller or larger cutaway made?
  • does the cutaway need to have its parts move to demonstrate how it works?
  • should hot areas be painted red and cool areas painted blue?
  • should parts be polished, plated, painted, etc. to project a quality image?
  • should there be labels on the cutaway parts?
  • is what you want to show clearly visible or should more of the casing be cut away?
  • rather than simply cutting a product in half, should you have it cut at a dramatic angle to make it more interesting?
  • should you have small cutaways made for your sales representatives to use as a focal point of their customer presentations?

If you have a dramatic product story to tell from the inside out, use a cutaway. If you would like more information about getting a product cutaway done send an email to info@modelbuilders.net .

 turbocharger cutaway

Tags: industrial scale models, sales kit, product cutaway, product model, product models, product cutaways