Model maker : job description

Most of the objects that we are surrounded with, big or small, have been prototyped before being produced.

Often born in the designers’ heads, they take shape thanks to the talent of men and women who, on the computer, translate them into physical volumes: they are model makers.

The model maker:

Checks the appearance and the feasibility of the designers’ creations.

Materializes the creation of volume by making a simulation of the objects or systems 

Builds physical moulds and mock-ups, and works on their adjustments before their industrial production 

Works with wood, several densities of polyurethane foam, resins, clays, silicones and many other materials. The obtaining processes are machining, gluing, casting, moulding, casting and many other kinds of expertise and manual skills. He works by removing materials on a volume or by modelling the whole shape.

At Strate, we teach traditional modelling and 3D modelling in our 3D Modelling curriculum.

 

Job duties and responsabilities

The model maker must be able to:

  • Interpret the demands of the specifications (expressed in an oral or written statement)
  • Imagine the potentialities of transformation of the submissions
  • Offer solutions to improve the propositions
  • Realize digital models, animations and files ready for machining
  • Make the projects visually understandable and tangible

 

Average salary 

Between 1,500€ and 4,000€ based on seniority

 

Skills 

  • Is capable of working with his hands and with his machine
  • Has the ability to visualize objects spatially from sketches or 2D plans 
  • Knows how to work neatly and to be methodical
  • Knows the manufacturing technologies and the materials
  • Masters the CAD software in order to simply the plan volumes and tracings
  • Has the expertise to use manual tools
  • Knows how machining tools operate and the which materials to use 

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