Credit Points: 30
Study Time: 300 Hours

This unit is designed to give an in-depth experience of materials, finishes and machining processes. Modelmakers must possess the knowledge and confidence to exploit fully the characteristics of materials, processes and finishes to a highly accurate level in order to resolve, creative briefs. The selection and use of materials is vital to the process of creative representation. This unit is designed to equip you with a broad-ranging knowledge of materials and their properties. Enquiry and experimentation promote an empirical understanding of the effective and efficient use of materials and sensitivity in appraising their appropriateness towards satisfying creative outcomes.

Being able to work safely and competently in the workshop situation is vital to the practice of the modelmaker. They must be versatile and ingenious in using equipment to realise three-dimensional solutions. Extensive Health and Safety instruction is provided to instil a culture that will be with you throughout your working life. This unit provides experience of workshop and machine practice and promotes understanding of workshop machinery and tools in the construction of modelmaking solutions.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit. 

• Health and Safety knowledge of materials and processes based on the Health and Safety at Work Act and COSSH requirements 
• Research, experimentation and evaluation of material properties 
• Finishing techniques 
• Materials approaches specific to modelmakers 
• Mould making and casting 
• The capabilities, application and potential of workshop equipment and processes 
• Practise in the handling of workshop machinery, hand and power tools Working methods in precision measurement 
• Project planning to provide efficient workshop use in realising 3D presentation

Method of Delivery
Lectures, demonstrations, practical workshops and projects, visits

Aims

A1 To introduce a wide range of materials, making processes and workshop machinery and provide practical and safe experience in their use with regard to correct health and safety guidelines.
A2 To enable you to select and use appropriate materials through exploration and experimentation.
A3 To enable you to explore appropriate finishing techniques and to gain a thorough understanding of their use.
A4 To develop your manipulative skills in working accurately and methodically with precision machinery and enable you to gain the confidence and ability to use the workshops intelligently.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Work within relevant health and safety regulations and processes with regard to workshop machinery and materials.
LO2 Select materials for their suitability in achieving solutions and adapt them in order to substitute or simulate tactile and visual qualities.
LO3 Apply and adapt a range of finishing techniques appropriate to the situation.
LO4 Demonstrate competent, accurate and confident usage of tools, workshop machines and equipment in the development of sketch and presentation models.

Reference Material

Key
Holman, C. (2009). Makers Manual. Bournemouth: Arts University College at Bournemouth (given at the start of the course)
Delpech, J & Figeres, M (2004). The Mouldmakers handbook London: A & C Black
Trudeau, N. (1995). Professional modelmaking. New York. Watson-Guptill.

Recommended
Schilling, Alexander (2007) Model building. Birkhäuser
CITB. (2007). Wood machinist trainee manual: circular and dimension saw. Kings Lynn: CITB.
CITB. (2007). Wood machinist trainee manual: narrow and wide bandsaw. Kings Lynn: CITB.
COSHH. Guidelines on regulations HSE. (held in workshop by health & safety officer)
Honeybone, I. (1990). Card engineering: on the spot guides. London: Outline Press Ltd.
Owen, C. (1996). Complete book of papercraft. Godalming: Colour Library Books.
Rixford, E. (1992). 3-dimensional illustration. New York: Watson-Guptill.
Watson, A. (2002). Hand tools: their ways and workings. New York: WW Norton.
Randall, Martynn. (2005) Bodywork and paintwork manual. Haynes Publishing. pp 9.1 – 9.28

Website
Bentley Chemicals // AUCB (2008) Bournemouth Modelmakers // 4D modelshop (2008) // Mouldlife (2006) // George Weil Group - Polymer Clay Pit