Category Archives: Scale Model Projects

Scale Model Projects, Shop News

Architectural Model Presented to Donor

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Recently KiwiMill built an architectural model of a campus building expansion. The donor was presented with this scale model of the school building as a thank you. Having an architectural model made of new real estate can be an effective way of showing appreciation for a donor, along with naming rights of the space.

This particular architectural model was made mostly from precision laser cut plastic. It has a unique brick texture that has been spray masked on to match the particular pattern used by the college.

The architects on this project wanted the option of showing the various HVAC parts that are commonly found on the roofs of buildings. While they are not often depicted in architectural models, KiwiMill built the scale HVAC equipment and provided the pieces loose, so they can be added to the model if desired.

 

 

 

 

 

Scale Model Projects

Mining Equipment Models

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Mining Equipment Models

 

KiwiMill recently completed a series of mining equipment models. Three of the models were replicas of conveyor type vehicles that are used to transport material from one site to another. One mining equipment model depicted a scale for weighing material.

All four mining equipment models were made primarily from 3D printed parts. Even the tires were 3D printed. Some laser cut acrylic was added to each model as well.

The models are transported in individual Pelican travel cases to trade shows and sales events.

Scale Model Projects

Landfill Site Model

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A local landfill is running out of space. They need a site model to show what the expansion will look like. The site model will be used to inform the local community as well as secure approval from local government.

Topographic maps are provided by the engineers of the landfill project and are used to build the site model. Our model makers have made use of Google images as well for the accurate depiction of the affected land.

The base of the site model is hand sanded foam. The landfill mass in the center of the model is drawn in a 3D computer program and then CNC routed. Flocking is added, along with laser cut roads.

The scale is 1″ = 200 ft. The site model covers a roughly 3/4 mile by 1/2 mile area.

site model

Scale Model Projects

Cutaway Models of Industrial Products

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Cutaway models are a very popular way to display a product at trade shows. These two cutaway models show close up aspects of a full industrial skid shown in the 3rd picture.

By increasing the scale and adding cutaway features, these models seek to highlight key parts and processes of the overall skid. These products have special features that harness and convert energy. The cutaway models were made out of ABS plastic, tooling board, 3D printed material, plumbing hardware, and metal fixtures.

Scale Model Projects

Engineering Skid Model

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KiwiMill was asked to build an engineering skid model of industrial equipment produced by Energy Recovery.  This product is used to harness fluid energy.

The engineering skid model is a combination of several materials. Aluminum pipes and plastic plumbing parts were combined with milled tooling board for the majority of the model. Smaller, more detailed parts were formed out of metal, or else 3D printed. Color was added for visual definition and orientation.

 

 

Scale Model Projects, Shop News

Satellite Models!

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KiwiMill was excited to return to its roots recently when we were asked to build mother and daughter satellite models for a valued client.

While satellites, military models, and architectural models have historically been a mainstay of this model shop, more recently our model makers have been making a name for themselves building trade show models for industries like medical, large equipment, oil and mining, and energy technology.

It was fun to return to a project that our owner and senior model makers are very familiar with, as well as introduce new staff to these fascinating spacecraft.

 

 

Scale Model Projects

Custom Keyed Machine Screw Model

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Bryce Fastener requested a custom machine screw model to showcase their unique keyway design. In order to provide tamper-proof screw and bolts, the keyway shape itself is specifically designed for each customer order – no two are alike.

KiwiMill was given a company sample to make a 1:10 scale machine screw model of. The  model is designed to attract attention at trade shows and highlight the unique keyway geometry on the screw and the matching key shape of the pin that turns it.

The majority of the machine screw model was constructed from high density tooling board. The screw part was CNC routed, and the pin was hand cut.

The key shape on the sample provided was measured and then drawn up in CAD.The CAD drawing was then used to 3D print the key shape and the keyway.

The resulting accuracy of the 3D printed parts allowed the model to be functional. The key on the pin actually fits into the keyway correctly. Just like the real product.

Scale Model Projects

Medical Product Models for Trade Show

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Product Model Hip Implant

Product Model Shoulder Implant

Product Model Knee Implant

Recently KiwiMill model maker, Mike, took some time out to share with me the processes he went through with three medical product models he created.

The product models were 3 1/2 x larger versions of medical implants. This human-friendly scale allows potential customers to view the design and structure of each implant in a trade show setting.

Mike used a combination of processes and materials for each model. Tooling board was carved out with the CNC router to form the core of each model. 3D printing was used for some individual parts. Extensive amount of effort went into the finishes on the models.

Vacuum metalized chrome was applied to several parts along with texturized paint finishes. One of the models required custom mixed pink color that was given a durable clear coat on top of the paint for a mirrored finish.

Two of the models were modular. The shoulder implant model consisted of a stem, neck, head and pegged glenoid. Each piece fit into the next. The top piece was held on with magnets.

Modular Shoulder Implant Product Model

The hip implant model had a stem, head, cover and liner that were removable.

Modular Hip Implant Product Model

The final medical product model, the knee implant, was static.

Scale Model Projects

Skaneateles Lake Topography Model

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A few months back, KiwiMill fabricated a topography model for the Skaneateles Historical Society.

Using USGS mapping, Google Earth images, and drawings provided by the historical society, our model makers depicted the Skaneateles Lake topography and surrounding watershed.

It was also important to our clients that the topography model show accurate water depths as this is a very clear, deep lake that was used for naval training during WWII.

LED lights were added to show local points of interest on the topography model.

It was exciting to be a part of a local multi-media project such as this, by providing a 3 dimensional map that was both informative and accurate.

While we’re still waiting for final installation pictures, here are a few shots of the build:

Scale Model Projects

Valve Replacement Training Model

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This training model will familiarize people with the steps of an industrial process before they get into the actual field. The process being simulated is the replacement of a valve on a hydro-electric dam penstock. 

All of this activity takes place deep underground. The training model represents the underground room and the equipment used to replace the valve. The valves on the model have working parts.

The center piece of the training model – the pipe – is 11ft in diameter in real life. KiwiMill replicated the pipe using a 6 inch diameter tube. The rest of the model was scaled around this size. Sometimes it is more economical for the client to have the model’s dimensions determined by parts that are readily available.

Everything was custom fabricated, assembled and painted in a little over a week, and then shipped to Canada for our customer’s immediate use.

Scale Model Projects

Working Gun Replica for Airsoft Game Play

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A client recently requested a custom built gun replica for Airsoft game play. The particular firearm design he wanted was not available off-the-shelf. Our client not only wanted it to visually replicate the firearm of his choice, but it needed to be fully functional as well.

KiwiMill started with an existing airsoft gun on the market. Some parts were removed, while others were modified. New parts were machined or 3D printed and added on to the existing gun. Paint finishes were applied.

The resulting gun replica was both aesthetically accurate and capable of use as a working airsoft firearm.