Category Archives: Scale Model Projects

Scale Model Projects

Evaporator Model that Rotates

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Check out this evaporator model built to pivot on an axle.

The actual product is used for waste water evaporation in the field. Our 1:3 scale replica was built with a vacuum formed cone, attached to a welded aluminum base for stability. The cone pivots on the yoke to show our client’s product at different angles.

One end of the cone has laser cut screening. The other end features 3D printed “teeth,” a neat feature of this evaporator model, giving the impression of a shark’s mouth. Great branding by our client! This easily transported model fits in a Pelican carry case that can be wheeled from show to show.


 evaporator model evaporator model IMG_5441

Scale Model Projects

Cool Exhibit Trailer Model

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This exhibit trailer model was built a while back at KiwiMill, but could not be shared until recently. The purpose of the model was to demonstrate the final interior layout of a traveling sales room. The design was created by an exhibit company for a prospective client, as part of a bid package.

The trailer itself was built with sheet plastics, including 3D printed parts and vinyl graphics. The interior tables, chairs, video screens and cabinets were all hand built to scale. The exhibit trailer also included a platform entrance with stairs and railings.  The trailer was then attached to an off-the-shelf truck cab that was customized with the company’s graphics.

exhibit trailer model

 

exhibit trailer model
Scale Tables, Chairs and Computer Screens.

 

 

exhibit trailer model
Off The Shelf Truck Cab with Graphics

 

 

exhibit trailer modelexhibit trailer model

 

 

 

 

Scale Model Projects

Furnace Model w/ Lift off Top

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KiwiMill’s latest project features a furnace model with a lift off top.

The real product is a melting furnace , primarily made out of aluminum. Our model makers thought it would be a nice effect for the model to mimic the materials of the real thing, so they used sheet metal for the walls. This gave the model a very authentic look as well as making it sturdy for handling.

The roof lifts off to expose the interior of the furnace model. The interior parts were made with a combination of laser cut plastic and 3D print material. The I beams on the exterior and top of the model were hand-built.

Another interesting feature of this project is that two furnace models were built concurrently. If a client is considering having duplicate versions of a model, having them built simultaneously can help save on costs.

furnace model

 

furnace model

furnace model

furnace model

Scale Model Projects

Waste Water Pond Model Assembles Like Real Product

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This waste water pond model was made with functional parts. The model fits together exactly like the product does in real life. The wall of the water container disassembles into individual panels that can be placed into a small shipping case for easy transport. The interlocking panels reassemble like the real product with the use of scale pins.

The panels of the waste water pond model are made from real steel. The interlocking sections of the working model are 3D printed. The texture on the beams is created from machined plastic.

waste water pond model waste water pond model waste water pond model waste water pond model waste water pond model

Scale Model Projects

Waste Water Pond Model Assembles/Disassembles Like the Real Product

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This waste water pond model was made with functional parts. The model fits together exactly like the product does in real life. The wall of the water container disassembles into individual panels that can be placed into a small shipping case for easy transport. The interlocking panels reassemble like the real product with the use of scale pins.

The panels of the waste water pond model are made from real steel. The interlocking sections of the working model are 3D printed. The texture on the beams is created from machined plastic.

 

 

waste water pond model

 

IMG_5174 IMG_5175 IMG_5176 IMG_5177

Scale Model Projects, Types of Models

Litigation Model of a Truck

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A litigation model is a scale model used in court to assist lawyers in presenting a case. The court room is an excellent place to use physical scale models to demonstrate facts. Most people are very visual by nature, and almost everyone can relate to a model, as opposed to other forms of information sharing. Written materials, diagrams, photographs – even videos – may not be interpreted accurately. A three-dimensional object, however, is universally recognized and readily understood.

KiwiMill built this litigation model of a truck for a court case involving an accident. Built from photographs, this model conveyed the necessary information to support the lawyer’s case, accurately and without bias.

litigation model

litigation model litigation model litigation model litigation model litigation model litigation model litigation model

 

Scale Model Projects, Types of Models

Building a Scale Model for Trade Show

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Scale models for trade show have many different uses. They attract attention to a booth by providing a focal point that potential customers can gather around. Everyone loves scale models. Whether they are static or motorized, full-scale or miniature, cutaway or exact replicas. Trade show models are naturally interactive and informative.

In many situations, the model will replace the actual product at the show. It may be smaller than the actual product, thus easier and less expensive to transport. Or larger than the actual product so that details can be appreciated up close. Multiple versions of a product can be represented by scale models, as well.

In the case of this latest scale model built for a trade show, KiwiMill created 1:3 scale replicas of a  fuel monitoring cabinet that debuted at AHR Expo earlier this year.  The scale model versions are lighter, and a bit smaller and easier to transport than the real products. There is something fascinating about capturing the essence of an industrial product in model form.

The cabinets of the model were made of stainless steel sheet metal. The piping was constructed from real plumbing pieces. The gauges were 3D printed with vinyl label faces. The motors and valves were also 3D printed.

See for yourself:

trade show scale model

trade show scale model

trade show scale model

trade show scale model

trade show scale model

 

Scale Model Projects

Swiss Canton Sign

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Occasionally KiwiMill receives a commission for a personal piece of “art” to display in a client’s home. Our latest project of this nature was a Swiss Canton Sign.

You may ask what a Swiss Canton is. The name is derived from the French language word “canton” meaning corner or district. The 26 cantons of Switzerland are the member states of the federal state of Switzerland. Each canton was a fully sovereign state with its own borders, army and currency until the establishment of the Swiss federal state in 1848. 

The sign structure was laser cut and assembled out of ABS plastic. The shields themselves were molded and cast. The images for the cantons were taken off the internet and sent to a sign maker to print on vinyl.

The resulting Swiss Canton Sign is now on personal display in our client’s home in Hawaii, after having shipped safely over the recent holidays.

swiss canton sign swiss canton sign swiss canton sign swiss canton sign

Scale Model Projects

1:14 Scale Custom RC Truck Model

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This custom truck model was a fun build. The truck model came to us as an RC kit in 1:14 scale. Our model makers were tasked with transforming the generic body into a custom TMA truck for our client, Royal Truck & Equipment.

A TMA truck was driven to our model shop parking lot so the model makers could take measurements and pictures of the real thing. TMA trucks are used at road side construction sites, and are designed to absorb impact in the event of a collision from behind.

TMA truck used for truck model

The truck model kit was heavily customized in order to create the correct chassis.

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

The truck model bed and accessories were made from ABS and 3D printed parts.

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

The Scorpion feature on the back of the truck was made almost entirely out of brass. It folds and unfolds like the real thing.

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

A custom blinking circuit allowed the arrow light to move up and down. Lights and sound were included along with the RC movement. Miniature reflective tape and client supplied decals completed the truck model.

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

The completed truck model was test driven out in the same parking lot where the original truck sat at the beginning of the project. Then it was packed and shipped to our client.

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

Custom 1:14 Scale Truck Model

 

Scale Model Projects

Rocket Launch Pad Scale Models

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This was a two-part project involving rocket scale models and rocket launch pad scale models.

The rocket display scale models were built in 1:200th scale. They were mounted on black melamine bases for display purposes.

rocket display model

rocket display model

 

The second part of the project involved 1:200th scale rocket launch pad scale models. These large-scale models were made from a variety of materials. Tooling board and plywood were CNC routed for the bases. Sheet metal was welded to provide sturdy towers for the rocket launch pads. ABS and styrene added details. The treads were 3D printed.

Sheet metal parts:

rocket launcher model parts

3D printed treads:

Rocket launcher 3D printed part

3D printed rocket launcher parts

Plywood and tooling board base:

rocket launcher model parts

rocket launcher model parts

ABS & styrene parts:

rocket launcher model parts

Putting it all together:

rocket launch pad model parts

rocket launch pad model

Building the towers:

model maker

After the rocket launch pad scale models were built, custom crates needed to be designed to safely house and transport the models.

custom scale model crate

Here’s some pictures of the finished product:

rocket launch pad scale model

rocket launch pad scale model

rocket launch pad scale model

rocket launch pad scale model

rocket launch pad scale model

Scale Model Projects, Types of Models

Underground Storage Tank Cutaway Model

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This underground storage tank cutaway model was commissioned for training purposes. It will help owners and operators understand the structure and parts of an underground fuel storage tank. It helps make sure they are staying in compliance with laws governing fuel storage.

Our model makers used client supplied diagrams and actual photographs of gas station pumps to create the cutaway model.

ABS, styrene, acrylic and 3D printed parts were combined to create this display. The resulting cutaway model conveys the information needed for training in an easily understandable way. It makes an effective visual aid.

Scale Model Projects

Cutaway Model Build

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A few weeks ago, KiwiMill finished another cutaway model. Model maker Mike created the 3D files necessary to 3D print some of the smaller, intricate parts. Meanwhile model maker Brian drew up parts for the CNC router to carve out big hunks of tooling board for the outer shells of the cutaway model. He also created files for the CNC mill, which made the patterned holes on some of the interior parts of the model.

The interesting thing about cutaway models is the glimpse into the inner workings of a product. In this case, the cutaway model has intriguing designs that make for a beautiful reveal. Painting each component a slightly different shade in the cutaway portion of the model further highlight the features. Of course, the signature company color on the exterior of the product attracts attention as well.

Take a look at the process: