Combining outstanding model making skills with technological capabilities, Capital’s creative team are highly imaginative in lighting design, giving an extra dimension to displays and model makers London.
A highly skilled team incorporating specified lighting into projects to enhance your design and message
Bespoke illuminated displays and lightboxes for exhibitions and events
Specialists who combine technology and traditional hand skills to illuminate architectural model makers complex lighting
Creative model and prop makers interpreting designs
Producing illuminated signage for exhibitions, film sets and window displays
Full range of services capturing the essence of a project and meeting clients needs
Working with many high profile artists and designers, we create and install illuminations for bespoke works-of-art, exhibition models and eye-catching window displays.
To compliment and enhance marketing for property development projects, we can also include an apartment finder system within our models to enhance marketing.
From concept to completion, we work very closely with clients to capture the essence of their vision and fulfil all requirements. Each project is tailor-made and each stage carefully considered.
We employ a fully qualified and highly certified electrician/lighting specialist to check all our installations.
Combining outstanding model making skills with technological capabilities, Capital’s creative team are highly imaginative in lighting design, giving an extra dimension to displays and model makers London.
A highly skilled team incorporating specified lighting into projects to enhance your design and message
Bespoke illuminated displays and lightboxes for exhibitions and events
Specialists who combine technology and traditional hand skills to illuminate architectural model makers complex lighting
Creative model and prop makers interpreting designs
Producing illuminated signage for exhibitions, film sets and window displays
Full range of services capturing the essence of a project and meeting clients needs
Working with many high profile artists and designers, we create and install illuminations for bespoke works-of-art, exhibition models and eye-catching window displays.
To compliment and enhance marketing for property development projects, we can also include an apartment finder system within our models to enhance marketing.
From concept to completion, we work very closely with clients to capture the essence of their vision and fulfil all requirements. Each project is tailor-made and each stage carefully considered.
We employ a fully qualified and highly certified electrician/lighting specialist to check all our installations.
In general, the laser is most commonly used in many fields like clothing, cutting, printing, medical treatment. But it is true that the fashion industry and the textile industry in recent times are using lasers in their production to fabricate minute designs and perfect completion of cutting. All engravings are done with the lasers in a particular amount and number of new varieties of designs and carvings are introduced into the field. Let us now check out the materials in which laser cutting services are used and it has become more popular among the people. This technology is most welcome among the industrial sectors as the production and output are doubled.
The laser cutting company London is useful in the field of cutting and engraves a vast range of materials like natural and synthetic fabrics. The production is much faster and higher than regular cutting methods. They cut and etch all the materials that are both high-end and medium level materials. All the designs are perfect and once the designs are inserted into the machine for the production. Once the system of production is started then the machine rapidly produces in a hundred numbers. More than the traditional production all the products are 10X times produced faster.
The addition of lace can be done in fabric, cut and etch leather for shoes, belts, and bags. The famous designer’s design dresses with this lasers and has used models to showcase their designs to the public and spotlights. The better the design is the better the sale is. The models do a catwalk and all new technologies used are perfectly shown in the catwalk. Many layer cut dress is now into the market and even the general public likes to use it for their regular ware. The edge finish is clean without any form of the fray. This technology is used to fabricate appliqués every year. Irrespective of the materials like latex, cotton, rubber, silk, the polyester used lasers produce excellent results.
Originating from the Italian Latin word ‘contornare’, the definition of the noun contour is; “an outline representing or bounding the shape or form of something, a way in which something varies, especially the pitch of music or the pattern of tones in an utterance”.
Creating contours from a topographic map is a fundamental element in model makers and something that takes a lot of skill and understanding. Indicating slopes and variations of a terrain and how a building sits and relates to its surroundings, is a necessity in translating an architects concept.
And, working with contours can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. There are several methods to successfully making a physical model where contours play a significant role and this is where our years of expertise at Capital come in.
contour model making
Each method needs to be considered carefully, depending mostly on the size and scale of the model making companies London. But also, practical things need to be taken into account like the weight of a model, especially if it is being regularly transported for example. These factors will determine which materials we choose to use.
topography model making
Stepped contours consist of cutting out multiple layers of material such as card, veneer, MDF and ply, and then laminating them together to form the landscape. Choosing the thickness of the material to give the correct step for each change of contour is crucial. Usually the steps are every 1m. For instance at 1:500 scale, each 1m step would be 2mm and at 1:1000 scale, each step would be 1mm. For larger scales, you could make the steps every 0.5m.
Laminating a lot of contours uses quite a lot of material and can make a model very heavy. On a heavily contoured site, we would normally cut out every 5th contour on 5 sheets of material. So that the first sheet will have contours 1,5,10, the second sheet 2,6,11 and the third sheet 3,7,12 etc, and so on. These would be laminated up in order to give a hollow construction to a hill. This particular method works best on more solid materials like MDF and ply.
model makers london
If a smooth contour is required, it is sometime easier to start off with the stepped contour method and then sand down and fill the edges of the laminations. If the area is covered in texture, you don’t have to go too far with this. Road and paving areas can be overlaid with a cut out of the road area to give a smooth surface. (See Race Track picture below for example).
These days, most contours are laser cut from a CAD file on a computer. Using a CNC machine, they can be cut from a solid block of material giving a stepped or smooth finish.
However, it can still be done using traditional methods if all you have is a printout of the area and a knife.
For example the contour Model below was all hand cut out of 1mm cork sheet using a scalpel and laminated up to form a solid hill. This model is at 1:500 scale with contours at 0.5m steps. The road was cut 1 layer lower to form a pavement curb edge.
contour model maker company in London
Whether using new technologies or traditional methods we’re very proud of the contour models we produce and our mission is to always accurately portray our clients’ visions – whatever it takes!
A big part of what we do at Capital Models goes under the radar and un-noticed but a recent project has inspired us to shout out about the repair and refurbishment side of our business.
Architectural models are made from various materials that are often lightweight and delicate, so each repair, clean or refurbishment has to be treated individually and with lots of care and attention.
The recent project in question is called Park View and is a perfect example of upcycling within the architectural model world.
We first made the Park View architectural model in May 2000 for Elsworth Sykes Architects and Green Properties. It was originally used as a marketing tool to promote the building as a commercial property and once it was no longer needed the model was stored away.
Then, forward on 18 years to January 2018, new developers Paradigm Land and Apt-Living discovered the dusty 1:75 scaled model in the damp atmosphere of the roof plant room. Rather then discarding the somewhat shabby model, they tracked us down to see if it was possible to refurbish it to represent the new, now residential Park View building.
Of course we were delighted to rescue this piece of our past and quickly got down to assessing, cleaning and repairing the original model, before carefully re-cladding the elevations to match the new real building.
We’re proud that the original model proved to be robust enough to survive a damp and dusty storage room for 18 years, I guess a testament to our build quality standards and also that we were able to get it looking like new again. A perfect example of upcycling and conservation in what sometimes can feel like a ‘throw away’ society these days.
This refurbishment certainly wasn’t a one-off situation and we regularly get enquiries such as this once or twice a month. Sometimes it’s for models that we have previously made and other times it’s for models that have been produced by other companies. We often receive models that have been shipped from China and damaged in transit or simply the original model maker cannot be found.
And, like a shelter home we take them all under our wing to be nurtured back to health in the safe surroundings of our workshop.
Over the years we’ve also updated several ship models. For example, we recently had a task to re-design the QE2 ship model to reflect alterations that were made to the actual ship. And on this occasion we also took the opportunity to add internal lighting for more impact.
Another visitor to our workshop recently was a ship model from the NYK Group, Japan’s largest shipping companies. It had been badly damaged when someone or something had fallen on to it, breaking a lot of the delicate masts and upper deck.
ship model making, capital models
ship model makers, NYK damaged model
So, do we need specialist tools for this I hear you ask? Well, we have our own modelmakers toolkit, which is an eclectic mix of brushes, tweezers, tape, cleaning fluids and to be honest, a lot of superglue!
Over the years architectural model materials become brittle, adhesives dry out and colours fade – to attend to these beautiful fragile objects is a delicate business and a passion to say the least!
Laser cutting is one of the most common and modern innovative techniques that is used in industrial, non- industrial purposes this laser cutting is very accurate, detailed. None has to review it; no human errors are seen; almost used in all fields;
In the 21st century, it is the great innovation facilitating every business person to manufacture a large number of products within no time lag. Though they have a very few negative effects the positive, eat over the negatives. Almost all round the clock human very working under heavy machines and sometimes their bad luck follows there might be some kind of missing or error occur when that happens in no time.
All in this world, thrive to achieve something, but when machines can do so much human does few completion works and they make the turnover to the company twice than before.
In recent days there is the usage of CAD-CAM being in the laser as these have a computer controlled programs and the laser cutting is very exact and in-depth they are detailed; In architectural model makers these are used more commonly nowadays.
This is providing a great range of change over every other place where minute details are done in short time.
Since the designs in the mind are replicated as such the client is very much satisfied and demand for more work from the company giving rise to a better sale and reach of the products is also high.
Also, high-quality and fine finishing is ensured on the surface.
This is now replaced with CNC Laser cutting London, where the cutting is as perfect as possible that is around 99% accurate and that one percent just gives a pause.
This CNC cutting is most commonly used in recent days. Albeit, the machine cost and user guide and a certain uniqueness pertaining to it compared to laser it is in the second position.
Irrespective of the business size like small, medium, large. They manufacture a whole lot in a fraction of time without much of an error.
The materials used in laser industry are wood, cardboard, synthetic materials, plastic, veneer and many others.
Helps to take the business to the next step with no additional processing required.
Very cost effective
The wastage of the finished product is very less as already the waste disposal is a challenging one. But with this technology, there is no problem of delaying.
Even a beautiful design is replicated as such with the help of the laser cutting machines.
In the present, the laser is like the breath for all the industry as they have got a better welcome from all the people in their fields
Saves time and as the tool doesn’t need any cutting scissors that might cause damage to the workers. No such problem occurs.
The design, thickness, detail or size nothing is a matter of concern while using laser technology.
As previously mentioned the production cost is reduced because no human activity is there and everything is carried out in one single step. The 3 D pictures will be showing the actual outcome of the product they change can be made initially itself.
This is the first time we’ve worked with the artist Laura Jane Scott and we were so inspired by her work and its link to architecture, that we decided to sponsor her ‘Take One Shape’ exhibition at the Foundry Gallery, 24th Nov 2017 until 27th Jan 2018.
‘Colour Makes People Happy’, a specialist shop dedicated to bespoke paint colour, also sponsored the exhibition and their unique colour palettes were used throughout.
The Foundry Gallery, which hosted ‘Take One Shape’ is situated in Chelsea, London and forms part of Le Lay Architectures who have their offices downstairs. The theme that runs throughout the Gallery is new contemporary art that explores the connection between art and architecture. Within this culture Le Lay Architects adopt quite a unique programme when every year they choose 3 artists to work with. Over a twelve-month period they support the artists in every way possible to inspire and curate work resulting in an exhibition. Laura Jane Scott was selected in 2017 and with the support of the Le Lay Architects programme, she produced a body of work resulting in the ‘Take One Shape’ exhibition.
All Laura’s pieces are derived from the simple rhomboid shape. Taking this one geometric shape she takes all the possible arrangements by laying one on top of the other. The result is stunning, combining mathematics with architecture, systematic pieces with simple form, colour and shape.
Some of the larger pieces that dominated the gallery wall space were bold and confident yet because of the beautiful colour palettes used, had quite a calming affect. The smaller pieces, when all displayed together like “Arrangement of 40” were stunning, rather like one large piece but with a floating feeling.
Every individual piece within the exhibition was laser cutting at our Swordfish Works studio. We supplied various thicknesses of MDF material (3/6mm MDF for the smaller pieces, which are based on a shape 14 x 14cm in size and 6/9/12mm for the large pieces, which are based on a shape 1 x 1m in size). We also provided hanging solutions for the large pieces using split battening.
The opening night was very well attended and it was a great to be there and see the finishing result, knowing that Swordfish had played a big part in making the exhibition happen.
We are proud of our boutique, craftsmanship approach, and to our delight it seems Swordfish has become the ‘go to’ place for individual artists and designers. No project is ever too small for our team and we strive to be innovators and stay ahead of the curve with technology and techniques.
We are a family of 11 with most graduating as model makers from Rochester Kent, Bournemouth & Herts. Some have been here at Capital since they graduated and our longest serving employee has been with us for 12 years and is now a workshop manager.
Backgrounds vary from architecture, textile design, laser cutting and even accountancy, so collectively I think it’s fair to say we’re knowledgeable in many areas. We divide into small teams that see projects through to the end with a number of senior model makers, intermediate model makers, and trainee model makers dividing the skill set within each group according to the project and deadlines. Work flows between teams depending on what is required.
So, what is a normal working day like at Capital Models? Well, a normal working day is 9am to 6pm but agreements are in place with a number of staff that need to be flexible to fit in childcare, long commutes, or who are simply not morning people. A couple of employees start at 7am to finish by 4pm, but these are only the most experienced model makers who are able to get on without supervision. Our workshop is based within a 24hr-guarded site with 24hr access but we try not to work overnight unless we have a pre-arranged install.
On Tuesday’s we have a management meeting to go through all on-going projects and once a month we have a full workshop meeting where everyone has a chance to have their say, share good news, bad news, challenges etc. Each day is monitored on an ad hoc basis as the workshop floor situation often changes.
Lunch times can be chaotic with the three on-site microwaves getting very busy during the lunch rush hour. Most make their own lunch or bring home cooked food in. We all try and take lunch at the same time each day (between 1 and 2pm) to allow the machines to run down, switch off and give a period of peace and quiet in what is normally a noisy bustling atmosphere. On Fridays we often organise to go out for lunch, especially as a treat on paydays. In the summer we take our lunches into the courtyard to catch a few rays of sunshine. There are tables and chairs available for use and there is a lovely community atmosphere with the other businesses that surround us.
So, apart from model making, what makes us tick? Well we’re a sporty lot with runners (including 100 mile plus races all over the world), pool players, open-air swimmers (even in mid winter), tennis players and gymnasts. We also have a celebration cake maker, a travel enthusiast and language experts, a multi instrumentalist and a card designer.
We have keen narrow boat people and some of us have our own design/art projects on the go. Plus, to add to this pool of talent, we have one (and only one) model train railway enthusiast, which has occasionally come in handy when working on architectural models for regeneration schemes! We all love socialising over the odd glass of beer or wine so it’s perfect for us being situated in Shoreditch.
As well as all the above, we work hard to meet the needs of our clients. Whether they want giant props such as cotton wool buds and garden trowels, neon signs and light boxes, or architectural marketing models for huge development schemes, as model makers in London we continue to deliver.
The technology created its own way and speeds up its uses and effectiveness regularly in this modern world. Adding the name to that, laser cutting is a technology which uses the laser to cut materials and most commonly used for industrial manufacturing appliances. Taking about laser cutting, you may have a question that what is the difference between CNC cutting and laser cutting?
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine is a computer controlled carving machine. Programs are coded and it is stored in the memory of the computer and the CNC cutting machine works as per the program of instructions fed into the controller unit of the machine.
Speaking both about CNC and laser cutting London, both have some of the unique advantages but the laser cutting becomes more and more popular nowadays. Laser cutting presents certain advantages when compared to other cutting technologies as this process uses less energy when cutting steel and aluminum sheets.
In the process of laser cutting, there is a laser beam used to cut different type of materials like metal, rubber, plastics, wood and others. The machines are equipped with computer controlled programming which instructs it how and where to cut the materials.
Now, let’s have a look at the key advantages of laser cutting technology:
The technology of laser cutting enables us to cut complex shapes without the requirement of tooling at a faster speed when compared to other cutting methods.
It also allows us to cut smaller diameter holes with complex details and greater edge quality in all type of sheet, plate, box section, tube or plate.
The time requires is less and the accuracy stands tall in all forms of cutting materials. The whole cutting process is easily achieved in less time when compared to traditional scissors cutting.
In some of the other traditional cutting processes, the heat generated may be high and there is also a change of melting materials. But, in the case of laser cutting, the heat area is comparatively small which ensures the reduction of material deformation.
The machine required less energy for cutting different type of materials.
The laser technology is applicable to cut a wide range of materials like metal, rubber, plastics, wood and others.
The process of laser cutting is easily controlled by computer programs which save considerable amount of time.
The power consumption in the process of laser cutting is quite low.
A typical laser cutting machine is designed to run without human intervention during cutting which ensured the safety of using it.
A laser machine doesn’t require replacement parts like nozzles and lenses, changing programs in the computer is like changing parts in laser machines. Hence it requires low maintenance.
In laser cutting, the cutting doesn’t require materials on either side. If parts share common outline, they may cut with a single cut without any scraps. Hence the wastage of materials is less when compared to other cutting machines.
Some machines can only cut the materials up to a maximum tensile strength. But, a laser machine can cut any strength of materials which can be a major advantage.
CNC — Computer Numerical Control. CNC router cutting machine is a computer controlled cutting machine. It is a handheld machine which is used for cutting various hard materials including wood, aluminum, steel, plastic, foam etc. It has the ability to perform multiple tasks of various carpentry instruments such as panel saw, boring machine, spindle molder. Besides they can also cut tenons and mortises. The CNC router does automatic routing using the computer. So instead of routing manually, the path is decided by the computer numerical control. A CNC cutter can save time, reduce the wastage, and also the errors.
Laser Cutting:-
Laser cutting is a technology that uses the Laser cutting in London to cut the materials. The laser cutter was originally used for industrial purpose. But now it has been started to be used even in school, colleges, and even by hobbyists and small businesses. The laser cutting uses the laser optics to determine the path. A typical laser cutting material uses motion control system. The focused laser beam is then directed at the path which eventually melts burns or vaporizes away leaving a surface of a very smooth edge and perfect shape of high-quality finishing. Industrial laser cutters are used to cut the flat sheet material as well as piping materials.
Difference between CNC cutting and Laser cutting
Laser cutting is a technology that uses laser beams to cut the materials. On the other hand, CNC cutting atomizes the handheld machine. The path is determined by the computer numerical control, but the cutting is done manually only.
CNC cutting is a cutting done through the direct contact of the tool with the object to be cut. On the other hand in laser cutting, there is no contact of the tool with the object to be cut. The cutting is done from a distance by the focus of the laser beams.
The CNC cutting is low-cost cutting and hence widely used by schools, small businesses, and hobbyists besides the industries. On the other hand, Laser cutting is an expensive affair as the machine itself is very expensive and hence it is precisely used in large industries where precision is more important than cost?
In Laser cutting electricity cost is huge as compared to CNC cutting.
The precision level is very high in the laser cutting. On the other hand, there are chances of mistakes in CNC cutting as it is done using the handheld machine and manual intervention is there.
There are 3 types of CNC cutting based on the requirement that is CNC woodcutter, CNC metal cutter, and CNC stone cutter. On the other hand, there are 3 types of Laser cutters based on the usage.The CO2 Laser cutter, the Neodymium (and) laser cutter and the Neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG) cutter. The CO2 cutter is used to cutting, boring and engraving. The Nd cutter is also used for boring. However here high energy but low repetition is required. The Nd-YAG cutter is used where high power is used.
The CNC cutter cannot be used for welding. The laser cutter can also be used for welding.
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