Workshops, Panel Discussions, Product Demos

Workshops will be added as they are confirmed. If there is a topic you'd like to see, or want to present, please contact us right away!

Learn and participate in Workshops, Panel Discussions, and Presentations

5 Tracks:  You get the Most Value from your Conference

Technology – investigate the latest in materials, equipment, and techniques with leaders in the field.

• Using Layers to Simplify the CAD/Cam Process – Dr. Farzin Heidari, Associate Professor of Industrial Technology at Texas A&M University in Kingsville has over twenty years experience teaching CAD/CAM at the university level. He will demonstrate a new method of using the layers (or levels) feature during the generation of the CAD drawing to facilitate the creation of tool-paths.  The part is broken down into different sections and divided up into layers, each according to its tool-path requirements.  Combination of all tool-paths created for each layer will produce the complex tool-path for machining the part.
• Master Model - Stephen Hickey, CAD/CAM Coordinator at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, will discuss how to use an advanced technique in solid modeling called Master Model which makes solid modeling (Solidworks, Pro-E, etc.) much faster.
• There is a slight change to this workshop: The Digital Revolution: 3D Scanning Technologies for Diverse Model Making Applications - Peter Kennedy, production manager at Direct Dimensions, Inc. will discuss a variety of scanning technologies and modeling strategies related to the model making industry. Discussion will include demonstrations of various hardware and software solutions.
  
• The Digital Revolution: Personal Fabricators - The advent of personal fabricators is set to have as much impact as the Internet or the personal computer did. As model makers, we have more experience and knowledge than anyone else to capitalize on the opportunities that are coming from the boom that is just starting because of personal fabricators. Join this panel discussion, moderated by Charles Overy, of LGM, past APMM President and current VP Technology who is coordinating the Kohler Co. sponsored RepRap project with final assembly of a 3D printer at the conference. Panelists include Zach Hoeken, co-founder of MakerBot Industries, which sells low-cost open source 3D printers and Thingiverse.com, a site for sharing digital designs for physical objects, Neil Ranney, Objet Geometries' applications manager, Cathy Lewis, VP of Global Marketing at 3D Systems Corporation, formerly CEO of Desktop Factory, Inc. and Andy McLaren, Sales & Marketing Director of Bits from Bytes (the Rapman kit and consumables).
• The Digital Revolution: Machines That Make - Ilan Moyer from personal fabrication startup CTMTM, in association with the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms, and Natan Linder, a graduate student at the MIT Media Lab Fluid Interfaces group, will present recent prototyping and production machine developments, including the Multifab which has the goal of being a personal fabricator capable of performing a variety of tasks (3D printing, milling, vinyl cutting, etc.) at a price point in the hundreds rather than thousands of dollars. Besides giving this presentation, Ilan and Natan will have a Multifab machine on display both Saturday and Sunday.
• The Digital Revolution: Communications and Marketing - The Death of Dialogue? Social Media? Everything has changed in the past two years. New media has made the old rules of marketing and PR obsolete. Find out what works in this brave new world and hear what the leading speakers and award winning authors have to say. Our workshop presenter and "word-of-mouse" leader is Hal Chaffee of Model Builders, Inc. and APMM President.  We will watch a compelling video, review a 2009 award-winning book on social media, and have some real-time, face-to-face discussion.
• Tomorrow's Toys: Rapid Prototyping at Hasbro – John Mullen, manager of Hasbro's RP Department will cover the various RP technologies they utilize, the pros and cons of each, outsourcing tips, shop structure and materials.
• Getting and using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to fabricate models – Paul Cote, Lecturer in Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning and Design at Harvard GSD, will discuss how to get what you need out of GIS databases, such as taking GIS data directly from various sources that use that data to bring models right to the mill. Paul is the GIS Specialist responsible for designing and maintaining the school's environment for working with spatially referenced data. His own research involves developing very broad-scale, database-driven, multi-purpose 3D models of cities that are maintained collaboratively by many actors and agencies.

Business Management – improve the return on your investment with ideas on efficiency and profitability in both internal processes and international trends.

• Rapid Prototyping, Rapid Payment – Do your clients want the model in a hurry but take their time in paying for it? Warren Spindler of Artlab in Perkasie, PA will lead a discussion on the payment process and ways to ensure quick payment along with those quick deadlines. Join this roundtable session to explore strategies for contracts, establishing payment terms, and dealing with common payment delays.
  
• Business Ethics in the Age of Digital Duplication – Craig Leese of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab will moderate a panel with Brian Gaff and Andrea Mealy of Boston area law firm EAPD Law (patent and copyright) and Peter Kennedy from Direct Dimension (3D scanning company), to discuss the ramifications and the responsibilities of using digital duplication methods to create new products or develop new ideas. Where do patents, copyrights and other protections limit further development? Is it legal to “borrow from” or “build upon” another’s idea?
• The Good, Bad and Ugly of Running a Model Shop – This session, moderated by Terry Wellman of St. Charles Model Works, will have three presenters (model shop managers/business owners) discussing their personal experiences of running three very different model shops. Each presenter will share examples of good, bad and ugly situations that they have encountered and overcome.
  
• Trends in Corporate Model Shops – this panel discussion led by Vince Jesus of Microsoft will focus on the thinking and priorities of corporate model shops today. Model shop managers will discuss their shop’s technological capabilities and how they are utilized, what percentage of projects are outsourced versus done in-house, and the types of external model shops that are used and what needed capabilities they may be missing. The group will also discuss how in-house model shops are perceived and how they add value to the company.
• New Shop Math: Formula for the Perfect Bid - Can you bid up this project and rake in obscene profits?  Do you have to low-ball it for the greater good?  Economists know that bidding is tricky: overbid and you price yourself out of a job; underbid and you're throwing money away. And so the perfect bid is as tricky as balancing on the back two legs of a chair—a trick that's landed many a maker in middle school detention. What's the work? Who's your client? Are there competitors in the mix? In days past you would have used the outdated decision making method known as "thinking about it", with mixed results. But now there's hope: if you want the perfect bid, just ask the numbers. Join Bruce Willey, of Ziba Design, and our Conference VP, as he works out an equation designed just for the APMM by Garth Sundem, author of "Geek Logic: 50 Foolproof Equations for Everyday Life." Sundem has developed a strategy for deciding important issues by creating algebraic equations with variables that the user decides values for.  His equation on bidding projects will be presented with a helpful review of the rules of algebra.
  

Career – whether you’re just getting started in model making, looking for a transition, or seeking talented new employees.

• Student Portfolio Review – Bring your portfolio and resume for a practical review of your work and education/training background. This is an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates to get their portfolios evaluated by professionals. Even if you’ve had your work critiqued by instructors, sharing your projects with model making professionals will help sharpen your presentation skills. [Individual sessions with senior model makers, shop owners, hiring managers on a first-come, first-served basis]
  
• Tension Release and Physical Balance – Improper posture and stored tension while working can lead to back pain and injury. Learn how to achieve proper alignment and use relaxation techniques and stretches to remain flexible, fit and healthy. This workshop with yoga instructor Amy Sullivan will give you specific techniques and discuss ways to improve the ergonomics of your workspace.
  
• Strengthening your Core through Yoga – Model makers may suffer from the effects of staying in one position too long, or from improper alignment in sitting or standing. In this workshop with yoga instructor Amy Sullivan, you will learn beneficial exercises and stretches to strengthen and activate your core while gaining stamina and stress relief.
• Career Pathway: Next Steps? – Are your career advancements in line with your plans for the future? Senior model makers share their thoughts, personal experiences, and what they’ve learned from a career in model making. This panel discussion, moderated by Chris Stanley, instructor at the Art Institute of Seattle, is great for students, recent graduates, and professionals considering change. Bring your questions and consider signing up for a Portfolio Review Session.

• Yankee Foam Core 101 – Beth Sullivan of IC3D Models leads this workshop on foam core tips and tricks. Folding, curving and a variety of edge-joining techniques will be explored in this interactive workshop, as well as construction shortcuts for large scale models. Participants will be given the opportunity to experiment with biodegradable foam core, X-Acto knives and complimentary cowboy bandages.
  
• A Few of My Favorite Things – Craig Leese of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab will moderate and lead a roundtable with representatives from Kohler, Steelcase, Fentress Architects, Meadors Inc. and Coleman & Associates presenting and discussing their favorite materials, consumables, equipment, implements, etc. The focus will be on innovative uses for these items, where to source them, cost, and techniques for maximizing use.
  
• Scanning For Fun: Digitizing Technology - John Mullen, manager of Hasbro’s RP Department will give a demonstration on digitizing using the Brueckmann SmartScan3D to create 3D data. He will discuss techniques to improve data capture on items that are difficult to scan due to movement, texture, finish and complexity.
  
• Modern Methods for Topographic Models – Norman Kinzie of Landfoam Models, Inc. presents an overview of alternative methods, including conventional subtractive milling (CNC router) and more innovative additive methods (3D printing). He will also discuss data sources and formats, scale selection, vertical exaggeration and the choice of “stepped” versus “smooth” contour representation as well as alternative methods for incorporating complex coloration. Norm has provided thousands of landform models to architects, designers and model makers for more than 35 years, and he is credited with introducing the term “three-dimensional printing” in his seminal 1987 paper on freeform fabrication.
  
• Double Vision: Innovations in Perspective Drawing – We're very sorry, this workshop has been cancelled.
  
• Metals in Models - Jill Kenik of Acropolis Studios, Inc. will provide an overview of a broad range of metal component manufacturing techniques, material selection criteria and finishing techniques. Lost wax casting, spin casting, gravity casting, flexible and rigid molds, chemical etching, electroplating, and die striking will be included in the discussion. Bring along component ideas for evaluation during the question and answer portion.
• Paint Systems and Color Matching - There are several automotive and other paint suppliers that modelmakers use for matching colors, painting, clearcoating, rubberizing and special effects. The list includes Akzo-Nobel, Badger, DuPont, Matthews, PPG and more.  How do you match colors?  Do you have a tint-mixing system?  Are you happy with it?  Would you like to learn more?  Join a round-table discussion moderated by Bruce Willey of Ziba Design (Akzo-Nobel user) to compare suppliers. People who use any of the above mentioned systems or other ones are encouraged to join this panel.
• Massive Molding Mania - This workshop begins with an overview of all the molding technologies available, and will cover making molds from brush-on rubber to short run injection molding. Chris Stanley, an instructor at the Art Institute of Seattle’s Industrial Design program, will provide an extensive list of materials and sources and show examples of recent molding work. Chris will talk about and demonstrate some of the tricks he has learned over the years such as how to work to high tolerances, avoid air entrapment (no bubbles), create undercut and double curved surfaces and use partially cured sheets of resin. As head of R&D for Scale Models Unlimited in the 1970s and the developer of the molding processes used at Joel Wittkamp Design in Raleigh NC, Chris has been a model maker for 35 years and has worked with molding for over 40 years. Chris generally takes a low-cost, low-tech approach to solving molding problems geared to the smaller shop, but this approach can be helpful to any size shop.

Vendor Demonstrations – product demonstrations and hands-on reviews of vendors’ products and equipment.

• Transfer Graphics - For years, custom dry transfers have been a great tool that model makers utilize to apply graphics. John Zell of Camera Graphics in Portland, Oregon, a graphics specialist, produces transfers for a wide range of applications. He will have samples to show and literature for all. John will cover preparing art, the actual production of transfers, and application techniques. Transfers are a great alternative to pad or screen printing. By attending this workshop you could win a door prize and everyone will receive a coupon to use toward a dry transfer order.
  
• Realistic Scenery from Start to Finish – Nothing adds realism and depth to a great model quite like just the right scenery. Jim Wilde of Timberline Scenery will show how to build a hard shell base using inexpensive materials that produce great results. He’ll show techniques for hand carving rock with a single tool – unlike rock molds that repeat the strata, hand carving is original every time. Jim will also cover realistic colors, applying a wash, creating your own talus, adding water (including waves, rapids, waterfalls and depth), as well as ground cover and trees. All participants will receive free samples!
  
• Make-It and Take-It! – David Brummel of Aves Studio will lead a hands-on demonstration of Aves® modeling clays. This hands-on exercise for creative minds will give you the opportunity to work with self-hardening clays. And to take it home!
  
• Vacuum Forming – Want to learn more about vacuum forming and its uses for model making components? Jerry Galarneau of Silpak, supplier of liquid rubber and liquid plastic compounds, will present on using their products to make tooling for Bel-O-Vac thermoforming products.
• Pressure/Vacuum Casting Vessels - The most expensive thing about quality is the price you pay for ignoring it. Rob Young, of R3 Manufacturing, will present their pressure and vacuum casting tanks and discuss the different available product options. R3 is committed to providing their customers with safety conscious, cutting-edge solutions to increase productivity and value. Find out the special features found in their tanks and compare pricing against competitors.
• Rhino3D - Learn how the 3D modeling program Rhinoceros is used in both design and manufacturing. Brian James from Robert McNeel & Associates will demonstrate various work flows common in preparing models for rapid prototyping and fabrication. Rhino is used in a wide range of industries including architecture, set design, jewelry, product and marine design. Examples will be shown and time for Q&A provided.
• RapidShot Resin Dispensing System – Fred DeSimone of Hapco presents the RapidShot meter/mix dispensing system that is used in conjunction with Hapco’s S-RIM polyurethane material. S-RIM is a “solid reaction injection molding” compound that is a production grade material with outstanding physical properties designed to produce parts in as little as 5 minutes. RapidShot is a low-cost, hand-held dispensing system that is ideal for companies looking to use fast systems, eliminate hand mixing and proportioning, and mold parts without introducing air into the mix.

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  "Revolutions in Model Making - Creating the Future Faster."
  

• There will be a number of demos and panel discussions devoted to Rapid Prototyping equipment as well as  workshops covering materials, techniques, shop management issues, careers and more. 
  
  

   

• Contact us at info@modelmakers.org if you have questions about our Boston event!