Earlier this year, we were approached with an order for two model ships, one being a 91-centimetre oil tanker model, and the other a 95-centimetre bulk carrier model.
The oil tanker in question was the Ellie M II, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands. She was built in 2007, and specialises in the transportation of oil and other chemicals, and measures an extraordinary 183 metres in length.
Teleri M is the bulk carrier, which sails under the flag of Panama and was constructed in 2013. She measures an enormous 190 metres in length and has a gross tonnage of 31593!
The two models were to be complete with stunning levels of detail, complete paint schemes and fully 3D printed. They were both made from wood, fibre glass and finished off with chrome detailing, and each one was without any internal structures, illumination or moving mechanical pieces.
Furthermore, both models were provided with acrylic display cases for an added layer of protection, ensuring their longevity and allowing them to be displayed proudly, mitigating against general wear-and-tear.
This order was fulfilled for a private client, and so we cannot go into a great level of detail here, however, they were thrilled with their two models, and they are now being proudly displayed.
They were also extremely impressed with the communication and efficiency displayed throughout the process, and they were very happy with the final result!
It was a pleasure to aid them in bringing their vision to life and build two high-quality models with varying purposes and designs.
These models were to be 3D printed. The Ellie M II measured 91-centimetres in length, whilst the Teleri M measured 95.
In terms of materials used, the models were both built with timber, fibre glass and chrome, and this was achieved using laser-cutting machines, CNC and 3D printing.
3D-printing is an incredibly complex profession. It requires you to understand three main things:
- The material
- The printer
- The methodology of the piece and your desired end result
The entire process is extremely specialist. Our off-site 3D-printing agent focuses on two skillsets when constructing models: creating the model in a digital manner and readying it for printing, and the separate skillset to take the parts from the printer and get them to a professionally high-standard.
At PSM, our bespoke projects always commence with thorough discussions between us and the client to ensure complete alignment and to bring their vision to life exactly as imagined. We place great importance on transparency; therefore, we provide all our clients with regular updates on the progress of their orders and make joint decisions on matters such as delivery schedules and payment terms.
Given our strong focus on 3D printing, the process begins with the creation of an initial digital model. We source high-quality materials as specified in the project brief and utilise 3D simulation modelling and laser-cutting to achieve maximum precision.
To maintain efficiency, we temporarily pause production for client approval of the digital render or to gather their feedback. Once approval is granted, we move forward promptly, saving both time and resources.
A particularly intriguing aspect is preparing said digital render for the 3D printer, which involves highly specialised software. We break down the render into manageable sections, each representing a part of the model, ensuring they are labelled and organised accordingly. Advanced software is employed to verify the parts for correct sizing, strength, and waterproofing.
After completing the digital render, we proceed to laser-cutting and then to the construction phase. This hands-on stage, known as ‘finishing,’ requires highly skilled and experienced craftsmanship. Typically, we divide the hull of any traditional model into three sections, joining them together with glue and allowing them to dry before adding further details. The hull is primed first to ensure structural integrity.
Meanwhile, our 3D expert prepares and paints smaller components individually.
Throughout the entire process, we keep our clients informed with numerous photos and updates. Ensuring our clients’ satisfaction is our top priority, and we welcome and incorporate their feedback wherever necessary to achieve the desired result.
This process was replicated for both the Ellie M II and the Teleri M. To finish off, we fitted each model with a high-quality and highly protective acrylic display case, warding off against dust, dirt and any other general potential damage.
The client was thrilled with their finished models, and they couldn’t wait to put them both on display. It was a joy to help them in creating a special memento, and working on oil tanker and bulk carriers is our bread and butter!
Now, we eagerly anticipate our next project, and are so pleased with how these two models turned out!
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