C8 Familiarity with product modelling techniques.
Initial knowledge/skills rating *
September 2011
When my children were small I made them an Edwardian dolls house to scale. Wanting to make it more child friendly and familiar to them I made the furniture to scale based on the furniture around our home.
Before leaving my last job I was able to use my engineering and drawing skills to help a team of students make a scale model of the Design and Technology block of the school using foamboard and polypropylene.
26th October 2011
Design and make project ~ Bedside storage unit.
The next step in my design and make project is to make a full size model. Bhav has advised me that modelling can be a good way of developing a design.
Certainly now that I have taken significant measurements both of the space that I have to work in and items I want to house in my bedside storage unit, I can see what space I have left to be creative with in the drawer area.
When my children were small I made them an Edwardian dolls house to scale. Wanting to make it more child friendly and familiar to them I made the furniture to scale based on the furniture around our home.
Before leaving my last job I was able to use my engineering and drawing skills to help a team of students make a scale model of the Design and Technology block of the school using foamboard and polypropylene.
26th October 2011
Design and make project ~ Bedside storage unit.
The next step in my design and make project is to make a full size model. Bhav has advised me that modelling can be a good way of developing a design.
Certainly now that I have taken significant measurements both of the space that I have to work in and items I want to house in my bedside storage unit, I can see what space I have left to be creative with in the drawer area.
3rd October 2011 **
Yesterday’s tutorial with Bhav covered modelling techniques and materials. Some I have used before and some I have never even heard of.
I followed my peers and joined in making a model in Styrofoam. I had a headache and didn’t feel like breaking loose but I felt guilty and a little bored that I was not using my time to investigate something I have never experienced before. I realise I must not follow the crowd but use my time wisely to develop my own skills.
With this in mind, this evening I took a deeper look into modelling with card.
I found a good website http://www.flying-pig.co.uk
and made a little pig card.
Yesterday’s tutorial with Bhav covered modelling techniques and materials. Some I have used before and some I have never even heard of.
I followed my peers and joined in making a model in Styrofoam. I had a headache and didn’t feel like breaking loose but I felt guilty and a little bored that I was not using my time to investigate something I have never experienced before. I realise I must not follow the crowd but use my time wisely to develop my own skills.
With this in mind, this evening I took a deeper look into modelling with card.
I found a good website http://www.flying-pig.co.uk
and made a little pig card.
Ah look I have just learned to make a hyper link to a web page that works. Only taken me eight months! But I got there in the end.
I thought the little pig was quite specific and some students would struggle with the detail, so I took another look for something a little simpler and quicker to produce.
The Christmas tree fitted the bill,
The Christmas tree fitted the bill,
then came the birthday cake
This is getting easier!
I looked through some images on Google. There are some lovely inspiring designs and I have downloaded a few but I realise that I would easily be able to look for inspiration here anytime in the future when I feel the need.
I will look for some cards in the shops.
I am curious as to how cards like this are made. They look simple but I know if I had one in my hands I would easily be able to understand the mechanics. I have had pop up cards before but I have never really taken enough interest to start recalling and manipulating the techniques. I will keep my eyes open for some ready made cards.
So now that I have tried something new, how do I feel about my styrofoam modelling experience?
Working with Styrofoam was not totally new to me but I identified i found it quite hard thinking in 3D. I was making a snowman and realised afterwards, if I had started with a cylinder or cone I might have progressed quicker. Perhaps drawing elevations on each side would help?
I had thought I had wasted my time and should have broken away from the crowd and tried something new to myself but on reflection I learned a valuable lesson. I identified something I found difficult and possible ways to overcome those difficulties.
This is getting easier!
I looked through some images on Google. There are some lovely inspiring designs and I have downloaded a few but I realise that I would easily be able to look for inspiration here anytime in the future when I feel the need.
I will look for some cards in the shops.
I am curious as to how cards like this are made. They look simple but I know if I had one in my hands I would easily be able to understand the mechanics. I have had pop up cards before but I have never really taken enough interest to start recalling and manipulating the techniques. I will keep my eyes open for some ready made cards.
So now that I have tried something new, how do I feel about my styrofoam modelling experience?
Working with Styrofoam was not totally new to me but I identified i found it quite hard thinking in 3D. I was making a snowman and realised afterwards, if I had started with a cylinder or cone I might have progressed quicker. Perhaps drawing elevations on each side would help?
I had thought I had wasted my time and should have broken away from the crowd and tried something new to myself but on reflection I learned a valuable lesson. I identified something I found difficult and possible ways to overcome those difficulties.
Model bedside cabinet
10th November 2011 ***
Before making a bedside cabinet from expensive materials I made a full size model using foam board. This was not a difficult task and provided me with valuable insight into what my finished product would look like as well as how well it would function.
Instead of cutting the foam board and trying to glue edges together I only cut through one outer layer and the foam and bent the spare material at 90 degrees. Instead of gluing thin edges together I was then able to glue this flap at the back. The resulting model was far sturdier than I had expected. So sturdy in fact I was able to use it in my bedroom place for a few nights! It was clear from this trial that it would function well.
The biggest difficulty I encountered with modelling was trying to imagine the difference between the thickness of my modelling material and the wood I would use. At this stage I was unsure what cross section my wood would even have. Relying on a model alone was not providing me with the exact measurements I needed to establish just what I could fit into my limited space in addition to my books and art materials.
Next I think it would be good to try some different modelling materials.
Instead of cutting the foam board and trying to glue edges together I only cut through one outer layer and the foam and bent the spare material at 90 degrees. Instead of gluing thin edges together I was then able to glue this flap at the back. The resulting model was far sturdier than I had expected. So sturdy in fact I was able to use it in my bedroom place for a few nights! It was clear from this trial that it would function well.
The biggest difficulty I encountered with modelling was trying to imagine the difference between the thickness of my modelling material and the wood I would use. At this stage I was unsure what cross section my wood would even have. Relying on a model alone was not providing me with the exact measurements I needed to establish just what I could fit into my limited space in addition to my books and art materials.
Next I think it would be good to try some different modelling materials.
Spiders head modelled using plasticine
When I started to draw the spiders head for my money box in
Solidworks I found it difficult to keep the shape I was trying to achieve in my
head whilst at the same time struggling with the computer program. Borrowing
some plasticine I was able to make a model which proved useful to show Dean
what I was trying to achieve.
Foam board spiders legs
My next model for my spider was its legs. I first made some using thin card and then made a thicker version out of foam board which is the same thickness as acrylic. I could see from these I wanted to refine the shape a little as I thought they looked more like thighs than spider’s legs. Happy with the second cardboard version and the appearance of using 3mm thick material I was able to start designing them using 2D design.
Cardboard spiders legs
I was later able to use the cardboard version to draw around, scan and inport into 2D design.
Aluminium spiders legs
I had one more version of spider leg to model. Foam board is a rigid material that did not allow my model legs to bend into more realistic spider leg shapes. By modelling them with soft aluminium modelling wire I was able to establish how I would bend my acrylic version when they had been cut on the laser cutter. I was able to bend them many times to get the overall shape that I wanted. I felt the spider was beginning to look more and more spider like.
11th February 2012 ****
I have got to admit I am feeling quite confident about modelling but it never harms to look for more materials that may be suitable and more opportunities to try out different designs.I think I have a better understanding about the value of modelling now not just with visualisation or the use of cheaper materials but the way it helped me keep an image in my head whist I was struggling to do something on the computer.
18th February 2012
Going back to the 3rd of October I set myself a target to look at pop up cards with the idea of buying some good ones. I found several interesting ones but didn’t like the price. So I took a closer look at how they were made and told my family if anyone wanted to buy me a christma cardI could have some for Christmas. I did buy one, a rather beautiful butterfly card. The design was actually very simple. When I looked closely I could see that the butterflies were supported on an expanded card board spiral.
I looked around the house and found a few cards that we already had. This one cuts strips out of the background, and folds them to make a square. The decorative pieces are then added to the protruding squares. I like the addition of little gems to the flower stamens and a little glittery texture’s on the toad stalls.
This one is a much more complicated cardboard cut-out. It is interesting to look at it and see how it’s been assembled but it’s probably far more complicated than anything I would ever need. Disassembly maybe nice but as it is a keepsake to my daughter from my late father I am unlikely to ever be able to do that.
My requests for interesting Christmas cards did not go unnoticed. I husband bought this beautiful cardboard cut-out Christmas tree. I would love to make something like this out of acrylic on the laser Cutter.
It would be really nice to use some of the ideas that I have seen in cardboard translated into other materials and with a new purpose. I need to find out how to translate these ideas across to the CNC machines with a minimal effort or most efficient methods possible though at the moment I don’t know what those methods would be. I have arranged with Kelly to look at the lovely pop-up book that she has. I must wait and see what ideas I can come up with for future mini tasks. Maybe a box out of acrylic, finger jointed but with a decorative laser cut lid.
19th february 2012
I am meant to be getting my audit up to date. I have been looking through documents that I have typed up and archived. I came across this one that I had typed up after a tutorial from Bhav on modelling. I had abandoned it because I felt it was just typing up what we had learnt in the tutorial and that this was not what was required from us for our audits. I have taken a look at some audits produced last year and some by my peers and these contain records of tutorials. In retrospect what I had done was to go away from the tutorial and carry out further research to clarify and enhance the knowledge I had gained.
Now that I am re addressing this document I want to add more images and I want to enthuse about the different types of modelling and the varieties that lay within each category. In searching for new images I can see changes in my samples compared to when I was working on the document four months ago. Then I was looking for images that would clarify the category of modelling. Now I’m looking for images to excite and inspire; images that can be shared with enthusiasm. Four months ago technology terrified me, now I am beginning to be excited by its possibilities. If I considered computer modelling for example four months ago I was aware of computer modelling in a vague sense; but now I am considering the different types and beginning to understand the true value they hold.
Computer modelling, for those that know how to use the programs, probably provides a very cheap form of modelling. It certainly doesn’t take up any space and can be viewed anywhere around the world where they have a compatible computer terminal. It enables modelling on an enormous scale for example the universe. With the addition of simulation programs a wide variety of effects on the model can be considered at very little cost. Not to mention replicating models at any stage to develop different outcomes.
Now that I am re addressing this document I want to add more images and I want to enthuse about the different types of modelling and the varieties that lay within each category. In searching for new images I can see changes in my samples compared to when I was working on the document four months ago. Then I was looking for images that would clarify the category of modelling. Now I’m looking for images to excite and inspire; images that can be shared with enthusiasm. Four months ago technology terrified me, now I am beginning to be excited by its possibilities. If I considered computer modelling for example four months ago I was aware of computer modelling in a vague sense; but now I am considering the different types and beginning to understand the true value they hold.
Computer modelling, for those that know how to use the programs, probably provides a very cheap form of modelling. It certainly doesn’t take up any space and can be viewed anywhere around the world where they have a compatible computer terminal. It enables modelling on an enormous scale for example the universe. With the addition of simulation programs a wide variety of effects on the model can be considered at very little cost. Not to mention replicating models at any stage to develop different outcomes.
Modelling techniques
2nd October 2011 - 19th February 2012
Bhav's tutorial gave me a deeper insight into the use and different types of modelling. Some of which I was familiar with and some I had never even heard of. I did not realise modelling was so widely used or what the full benefits were. I have decided to keep a record here of the different types of modelling that I was not familiar with. I went on to research these techniques and find some examples of each. I was surprised by some of the results especially the clay modelling used for cars.
Bhav's tutorial gave me a deeper insight into the use and different types of modelling. Some of which I was familiar with and some I had never even heard of. I did not realise modelling was so widely used or what the full benefits were. I have decided to keep a record here of the different types of modelling that I was not familiar with. I went on to research these techniques and find some examples of each. I was surprised by some of the results especially the clay modelling used for cars.
Architectural Models
Architectural models, I have seen some amazing architectural models at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, London. This is a fantastic exhibition that I try and take my family to as often as possible. I would certainly reccommend it to anyone looking for inspiration or a future carear in model making. It always has stunning models using a variety of techniques.
They are quite literally models of architecture used to convey the architect’s ideas.
They may show the internal or external views of individual building or complexes. They may be used to clarify structure, demonstrate how the building will fit into its surroundings or the flow of movement within. Clarification of designs may increase the chance of winning funding from potential clients.
They are quite literally models of architecture used to convey the architect’s ideas.
They may show the internal or external views of individual building or complexes. They may be used to clarify structure, demonstrate how the building will fit into its surroundings or the flow of movement within. Clarification of designs may increase the chance of winning funding from potential clients.
Summer Exhibition held at the Royal Acadamy, London every year
Card Engineering
Models made out of card and paper (mostly white)
Ah now card modelling is something I know about. Not that I have got the patience to do it but my father would sit for hours making models of the Neuschwanstein Castle and like.
Ah now card modelling is something I know about. Not that I have got the patience to do it but my father would sit for hours making models of the Neuschwanstein Castle and like.
Computer Software
The use of computer software enables virtual images of what something will look like from every angle. This was what I wrote four months ago. What would I add now. It is: fast, effective, cost efficient,ranges from simple to complex, offering limitless possibilities with the right programs and the right designers. Accessable,space saving and allows endless permitations
Maquettes
Maquette’s are often used by artists to make a model of their intended sculpture. They are a good way of exploring an idea. Pretty much any material can be used for these.
My only experience of maquettes was whilst working with art students at Tanbridge House School as a technician. They would come to me for materials that were different to those available from the art department. I seem to remember they often had clear ideas of what they wanted to achieve. With a little bit of help from me they produced amazing maquettes using a wide variety of materials and later went on to develop one of the maquettes to produce a full size works of art.
My only experience of maquettes was whilst working with art students at Tanbridge House School as a technician. They would come to me for materials that were different to those available from the art department. I seem to remember they often had clear ideas of what they wanted to achieve. With a little bit of help from me they produced amazing maquettes using a wide variety of materials and later went on to develop one of the maquettes to produce a full size works of art.
Dioramas
Are like maps coming alive. They capture a scene or a moment in time.
Dioramas were totally new to me. It took me a little while to understand what they were especially as the only examples I seemed to be able to find were model battlefields. Historical may be but distasteful to me. Four months on I had better luck. I discovered dioramas made out of card and capturing a moment of time. This one is a replica of a polychrome woodblock print made by 18th century Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai taken from prints of view of the sea from Mt Fuji.
Prototype.
A prototype is a model of something that being planned to be made in greater numbers. They may be to scale, full size or even larger. They are made as close as possible to the intended materials for the final production. They are often made to test out designs before going into mass production.
A prototype is a model of something that being planned to be made in greater numbers. They may be to scale, full size or even larger. They are made as close as possible to the intended materials for the final production. They are often made to test out designs before going into mass production.
Sketch model
Sketch models might include drawings in 3D or models made out of paper. As the word sketch implies these are quick rough models.
‘Kit’ modelling
Modelling using items such as art straws, lolly sticks, match sticks, punched card, Mechano or Technical Lego. These are models that are used to investigate a concepts.
Technical Lego, I have a bit of a love for LEGO. Want one of these for Christmas!
Four months on I didn't get any for Christmas. I wonder what Dean has in his office?
Technical Lego, I have a bit of a love for LEGO. Want one of these for Christmas!
Four months on I didn't get any for Christmas. I wonder what Dean has in his office?
Pepakura
Paper or card modelling using nets.
Pepakura is another modelling technique that was unfamiliar to me. I had seen some paper kits whilst visiting my daughter in Cornwall. I nearly bought them as I thought they might be useful to the department at school but I was concerned they may be too complicated to be useful.
One of my colleagues in school had taught a series of lessons using recycling drinks cans to make pepakura models. The most stunning was a beautiful bird. Mostly the other models were not as successful. Possibly because they found the material too difficult to manipulate; possibly because they did not have the artistic ability; possibly because they did not have the ability to produce such complex nets but more likely due to a combination of all these factors. They also had difficulty joining the tin cans using a combination of craft glue, rivets and soldered copper foil tape.
I had been thinking it would be interesting to attempt pepakura modelling using sublimation printed polypropylene. However, I think I would encounter the same problems as my colleague when trying to find a successful joining technique.
Now I come to think of it Nick took a lesson whereby they assembled pre-printed nets to make a vehicle. The results were successful though not unique but the learning outcomes were different from the recycled tin can lessons.
Pepakura is another modelling technique that was unfamiliar to me. I had seen some paper kits whilst visiting my daughter in Cornwall. I nearly bought them as I thought they might be useful to the department at school but I was concerned they may be too complicated to be useful.
One of my colleagues in school had taught a series of lessons using recycling drinks cans to make pepakura models. The most stunning was a beautiful bird. Mostly the other models were not as successful. Possibly because they found the material too difficult to manipulate; possibly because they did not have the artistic ability; possibly because they did not have the ability to produce such complex nets but more likely due to a combination of all these factors. They also had difficulty joining the tin cans using a combination of craft glue, rivets and soldered copper foil tape.
I had been thinking it would be interesting to attempt pepakura modelling using sublimation printed polypropylene. However, I think I would encounter the same problems as my colleague when trying to find a successful joining technique.
Now I come to think of it Nick took a lesson whereby they assembled pre-printed nets to make a vehicle. The results were successful though not unique but the learning outcomes were different from the recycled tin can lessons.
Concept modelling
Concept models are scaled or life size models but are not made out of the final materials, such as clay models used by the car industry. I didn’t know anything about clay modelling in the car industry but I felt that I probably should have, so I am off to find out some more using the internet.
Look what I found!
Here the Holden FJ is being modelled by clay modellers decades ago. (This model was released in 1953 in New Zealand but looks very like the British Morris Oxford) They are using gauges to measure heights and depths to keep both sides balanced and profile gauges to ensure the model corresponds to the design.
The same methods are being used today. A rig is built to which clay is added, bringing the model to its final dimensions. By building the rig from foam rather than clay the cost of the model is reduced. The windows are given a life like look by adding Dynoc and real wheels are used to give the most realistic effect.
By using scale models the designers are able to achieve a real life effect that can be altered and modified as many times as desired.
I was really surprised that this method is preferred in the car industry above computer modelling. I know that I find real models effective but I would have thought that computer litterate generations would prefer using modern technology.
By using scale models the designers are able to achieve a real life effect that can be altered and modified as many times as desired.
I was really surprised that this method is preferred in the car industry above computer modelling. I know that I find real models effective but I would have thought that computer litterate generations would prefer using modern technology.
Ah well as some of these models are actually created using CAM modern technology is playing its part but there is still the preference for a final model made out of clay.
I was also surprised to find life size models.
Mechanical modelling
Models displaying mechanical concepts such as gears, linkage and pulleys.
I have some useful Dvd's stored on my laptop. Although I have dipped into some of them, I think now I am looking to expand some areas of my audit and develop mini tasks, now would be a good time to revisit them.
Just as a reminder to myself the links below feature some gears and linkages modelled in card.
Useful Websites. Now I have found you I don't want to lose you
http://www.robives.com/
http://www.cardesignonline.com/design/modelling/clay-modellig.php.
http://www.flying-pig.co.uk