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Science & ResearchISCO 2163

Model maker

Model makers create three-dimensional scale models or various designs or concepts and for various purposes, such as models of human skeletons or organs. They also mount the models on display stands so that they can be used for their final purpose such as inclusion in education activities.

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Check yourself in a minute: model maker

Rate 5 of the 15 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

follow a brief

use traditional illustration techniques

align components

create a product's virtual model

build a product's physical model

About model maker

As a model maker, you will bring designs and concepts to life by creating detailed three-dimensional scale models for educational, medical, architectural, and industrial purposes. Your day-to-day work involves interpreting blueprints and engineering drawings, using both traditional craftsmanship and modern CAD software to design and build precise physical models. You will measure, cut, align, and fasten components with meticulous attention to quality standards, ensuring each model accurately represents the intended design whether it's an anatomical skeleton for medical education or an architectural prototype for a client presentation.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a model maker.

1

Design and Blueprint Interpretation

  • Read and interpret engineering drawings and technical blueprints to understand design specifications
  • Create virtual models using CAD software based on client briefs and design principles
  • Design scale models with accurate proportions and dimensions
2

Physical Model Construction

  • Build physical models using appropriate materials and traditional illustration techniques
  • Measure components precisely using precision measuring equipment and quality control tools
  • Align and fasten components together ensuring structural integrity and accuracy
  • Apply finishing touches and mount models on display stands
3

Quality Assurance and Standards Compliance

  • Verify that completed models meet design specifications and quality standards
  • Conduct inspections and testing of model accuracy and durability
  • Document any deviations and implement corrective measures
4

Digital and Traditional Techniques Integration

  • Utilize both digital illustration techniques and traditional craftsmanship methods
  • Operate CAD software and digital design tools for model planning and visualization

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (15)

design principlesdesign principlesThe elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.follow a brieffollow a briefInterpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.use traditional illustration techniquesuse traditional illustration techniquesCreate drawings using traditional illustration techniques such as watercolour, pen and ink, airbrush art, oil painting, pastels, wood engraving, and linoleum cuts.align componentsalign componentsAlign and lay out components in order to put them together correctly according to blueprints and technical plans.create a product's virtual modelcreate a product's virtual modelCreate a mathematical or three-dimensional computer graphic model of the product by using a CAE system or a calculator.build a product's physical modelbuild a product's physical modelBuild a model of the product out of wood, clay or other materials by using hand or electrical tools.use digital illustration techniquesuse digital illustration techniquesCreate drawings using digital illustration programmes and techniques.read engineering drawingsread engineering drawingsRead the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.use CAD softwareuse CAD softwareUse computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.design scale modelsdesign scale modelsDesign imitations of products such as vehicles or buildings which accurately represent the dimensions of the product in a smaller format.develop product designdevelop product designConvert market requirements into product design and development.fasten componentsfasten componentsFasten components together according to blueprints and technical plans in order to create subassemblies or finished products.read standard blueprintsread standard blueprintsRead and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.quality standardsquality standardsThe national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.operate precision measuring equipmentoperate precision measuring equipmentMeasure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, an...
Optional (26) — show
printing materialsprinting materialsThe materials, such as paper, film, metal foils, and glass, on which texts or designs can be transferred by applying ink through direct pressure or with intermediate rollers.electronicselectronicsThe functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.3D modelling3D modellingThe process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of an object via specialised software. The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a two-dimension...electricityelectricityThe principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.casting processescasting processesThe various practices used in the casting of metal, plastics and other cast materials, including mould filling, solidification, cooling, and others, all relating to varying approaches in case of diffe...mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.finish plastic productsfinish plastic productsFinish the product by sanding, branding and polishing the plastic surface.apply 3D imaging techniquesapply 3D imaging techniquesImplement a variety of techniques such as digital sculpting, curve modelling and 3D scanning to create, edit, preserve and use 3D images, such as point clouds, 3D vector graphic and 3D surface shapes.manipulate plasticmanipulate plasticManipulate the properties, shape and size of plastic.manipulate plastermanipulate plasterManipulate the properties, shape and size of plaster.manipulate metalmanipulate metalManipulate the properties, shape and size of metal.adjust engineering designsadjust engineering designsAdjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.tend CNC milling machinetend CNC milling machineTend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling machine designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations...create smooth wood surfacecreate smooth wood surfaceShave, plane and sand wood manually or automatically to produce a smooth surface.assemble final productassemble final productInstall and mechanically adjust all components and subsystems, according to factory regulations and legal standards.make architectural mock-upsmake architectural mock-upsMake a scale model that represents the vision and specifications of the construction project to allow the design team to review details such as colour and materials selection, and to show and discuss ...mix paintmix paintThoroughly mix different types of paint manually or mechanically. Start from basic paints or from powder and mix in water or chemicals. Check the consistency of the resulting mixture.tend CNC laser cutting machinetend CNC laser cutting machineMonitor and operate a computer numerical controlled (CNC) laser cutting machine according to regulations.smooth burred surfacessmooth burred surfacesInspect and smooth burred surfaces of steel and metal parts.design prototypesdesign prototypesDesign prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.create set modelscreate set modelsCreate three-dimensional models of the envisioned set layout.design miniature setsdesign miniature setsDraw miniature set sketches and define set materials and building methods.create 2D paintingcreate 2D paintingProduce a drawing by using a range of digital tools.operate 3D computer graphics softwareoperate 3D computer graphics softwareUse graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-di...3D printing process3D printing processThe process of reproducing 3D objects by using 3D printing technologies.use painting equipmentuse painting equipmentUse brushes, rollers, spray guns and other painting equipment in accordance with the work.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a model maker do?

Model makers create three-dimensional scale models or various designs or concepts and for various purposes, such as models of human skeletons or organs. They also mount the models on display stands so that they can be used for their final purpose such as inclusion in education activities.

What skills does a model maker need?

A model maker needs 15 essential skills, including design principles, follow a brief, use traditional illustration techniques, align components, create a product's virtual model.

Will AI replace model maker jobs?

The AI disruption score for model maker is 30/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: quality standards, read standard blueprints, operate 3D computer graphics software. Most resilient: electricity, manipulate metal, use painting equipment.

Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills15

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