Modelling materials

Question 1

Coloured card

Answer 1

Coloured card is supplies in a range of colours, shades and thicknesses. Card that has different colours on the front and back surfaces can be brought. It is suitable for colourful models, especially the early stages of making a series of models.
A good example of card as a modelling material is in the manufacture of a proteome board game

Question 2

Balsa wood

Answer 2

Balsa wood is a traditional model making material. Ideal for model making. Although classified as a hardwood, it its very soft and easy to cut and shape. However it is easily broken or snapped and therefore great care is needed when cutting and shaping.
It can be painted with water based paints and even varnish

Question 3

PVC/high density polystyrene

Answer 3

High density polystyrene, also known as compressed polystyrene, is ideal for model making due to its physical properties. It can be cut and shaped quite easily with fretsaws and even hand tools. It is supplied in a range of colours, shades and thicknesses.
This type of material is used for vacuum forming, although is it suitable for model making

Question 4

Sytyrofoam

Answer 4

Styrofoam is an excellent model making material. It is very light and easy to cut and shape, using a hot wire cutter. It can also be shaped with hand tools and files. It can be painted using water based paints (emulsion paints) giving a really good finish.using styrofoam equites patience, as it can ‘crumble’ at the edges of care is not taken.

Question 5

Plasticine

Answer 5

Plasticine is a form of modelling clay. Although normal associated with children, this material is useful in the initial stages of design, when quick model making is important. It can be shaped/moulded by hand and reused. Plasticine comes in a range of colours

Question 6

Corrugated card

Answer 6

Corrugated card is quite thick and relatively strong. It is used for the manufacture of initial/rough models, as it can be cut and shaped easily and is relatively cheap. It can be salvaged from cardboard boxes and sellotape do together to form models

Question 7

Art straws

Answer 7

Art straws are ideal for making model structures.
They are supplied in a range of colours, shapes and sizes and can be glued or taped together. A good example of a model made from art straws is a model bridge

Question 8

Card clad foam board

Answer 8

Foam boards are lightweight and easy to cut and shape. It is ideal for model making, although foam board can be relatively expensive.
Card clad foam board is foam with think card applied to either surface.
It can be cut and shaped easily using hand tools and light equipment such as fretsaws