Technology

Theme Model of Dinosaur Head

Whether for trade conventions, theme parks and attractions, museums, retail stores, faux landscape, special events, or just luxurious surroundings at home or work; themed models can provide a joyful and memorable immersive experience. These theme models can be sculptures, murals, props, architectural, dioramas, or special displays. They can bring-to-life a creature and its surroundings, relive your favorite movie scene, attract visitors at a tradeshow, be part of whimsical selfie backgrounds, or create that magical environment you have always wanted to participate in. You are only limited by imagination.

Todays technologies are making more impressive next generation models. Combining tried-and-tested technologies of foam sculpting and cutting, along with new 3D printing capabilities and new electronics are allowing model makers to build some pretty awesome theme models.

Features and Benefits

Theme Model of 2018 She Ra Theme Model of Buddha Statue
  • Professional Creations – We have a team of designers, 3D artists, model-makers, painters, air-brushers, sculptors, carpenters, and welders to fabricate that imaginative, immersive, and experiential themed model.
  • No project is too large or too small, from a single statue to full-room theming or from a small movie prop to an outdoor architectural production set. If you can design it, we can create a physical model of it.  If you can't design it, we have a team of design professionals who can.  We can work with preparing 3D models from scans, drawings, photos, and even napkins.
  • Did we mention, we have 60,000 square feet of production facilities in Utah, including the largest capacity of full-color 3D printing in the world.
  • Technologies include Foam Fabrication, Hot Wiring, CNC Cutting, Laser Cutting, Welding, and 6 different 3D Printing technologies for rapid prototyping or production models.
  • Scale models with prototypes, architectural models, diorama models, and interior models can all be used to help visualize extreme details of the final grand theming before any large production work begins.
  • Portability and/or mobility may be an issue, especially with theming that may be used for trade show displays.  We have the team that can create your trade show themed model including custom electronics, lighting, and sound.
  • What better use of theming, than to use popular cartoon models, character models and other foam sculptures to create a magical atmosphere.

Technology and Materials

Theme Model of a fighter jet Theme Model Disney Holiday Dance Party Gingerbread Man Theme Model Disney Holiday Dance Party Candy Swirl
  • We use foam fabrication technologies such as CNC Cutting, Hot Wires, Laser Cutting, Hot Knifing, and Sculpting.
  • With 3D printing technology, you aren't limited to straight lines and boxes. A 3D printer can easily create detailed, complex shapes. We use six different 3D printing technologies using different materials including sandstone-like, digital plastic, and UV-cured resin. The type of physical end-product determines which material will produce the best results. We can help you choose the material that is best for your project. Resolution on our printers is finer than a human hair. Our color 3D printers can print in full-color (over 750,000 variations of color) for awe-inspiring reality.
  • Our in-house spray booth gives us flexibility in different types and grades of paint and finishing capabilities.
  • Depending on requirements for durability, weather-proofing, temperature, mobility, strength, and flexibility, different finishes for our themed models can be used. These finishes may be combinations of painting, air-brushing, flat-to-glossy finishes, natural environment finishes, soft-shell and hard-shell coatings, sealers, and glassing. These can be from latex, acrylic, urethane, polyurea, epsilon, polyurethane, and many others.

Pricing

The cost of themed models is based on the volume of materials (size of the model), type of materials, the time it takes to create the 3D design, production labor, and installation time and materials, as well as other specific elements unique to the project.  Each model is bid individually and the best way to determine cost is to contact us and let us bid your project.

Get a Quick Estimate

  • Model Type
  • Description
  • Dimensions
  • Schedule
  • Contact Info

What type of themed model are you interested in?

Sculpture
Mural
Props
Architectural
Diorama
Other

Tell us a little bit about the model...

Indoor
Outdoor
Trade Show
Other






How big is the model?



Schedule

ASAP
1 to 2 months
More than 2 months

One of our salespeople will contact you right away!


Workflow

Whiteclouds theme model creation workflow

Common Questions

Theme Model of 2018 She Ra sword with voice actress Theme Model of 2018 She Ra Throne with voice actresses Theme Model of technology from CES 2018 Theme Model of Disney Holiday Dance Party Candy Cane Props

What file type is required to make a themed model?

We work with all architectural CAD programs and modeling programs including AutoCAD, Revit, Chief Architect, ArchiCAD, Maya, 3DS Max Design, Zbrush, and Sketchup, just to name a few.  If you design in 3D, we will start with your 3D files.  If you have 2D blueprints and elevations, or artist's sketches, we can build a display/model from these files as well.  If all you have is an idea or a napkin drawing, we can start with that.

What technology do you use for themed models?

It can be a number of different technologies, individually or combined.  These range from 3D Foam, 3D Printing, CNC Cutting, laser cutting, laser etching, casting, molding, sculpting, painting, airbrushing, laminating, vinyl printing, and woodworking – all meant to produce highly engaging models that fit your exact needs.

What is the material used?

We match the correct material and fabrication process to your requirements in terms of presentation, size, and transportability.  We fabricate in our model shop using different types of foam, wood, metal, resins, and acrylics.  We can also 3D print in full-color sandstone, uv-cured resin, plastic, rubber-like acrylic, and nylon.

What is the largest themed model you can make?

There is no limit to the size of model.  Transportability will be your only concern on an extremely large display model.

What is the turnaround time for a themed model display?

This depends on the features of the model itself as well as the scale of the model.  We usually ask for six to eight weeks from the time we take the order to when you will receive the model.  Large projects can be four to six months or longer.  We understand that sometimes deadlines are tight and we can accommodate rush orders.

What features can a themed model have?

Besides the physical 3D model display with the proper color and appearance, you can elect to ask for special lighting, sound, and movement.

If I want a second model is it cheaper?

Our pricing is based on the fabrication costs and the time it takes to prepare your design. The second model is less money because the design portion is complete.

Do you have a question we didn‘t answer? Don't hesitate to contact us at 1-385-206-8700 or sales@whiteclouds.com.

Worldwide Delivery

WhiteClouds has delivered models around the world.

History of Themed Models

Today, there are exhibits, museums, tradeshows, and specialized events that will be focused on specific themes.  Many of these themes are designed around a particular historical theme, nature theme, movie theme or many other categories.  Some of the earliest private collections, sometimes called museums, were where families and institutions would exhibit art, curious objects, and artifacts.  One of the oldest museums was Ennigaldi-Nanna's museum (filled with Mesopotamian antiquities dating back to 530 BC).  Early exhibitors were very partial to who had access to many of these private collections.  Back to the present - the availability of themed models and exhibits allows for the creation of very unique and exciting displays, where the owners are able to experience these themes, whether on a temporary or permanent basis.

Most theme models today are built with components related to foam (Polystyrene) sculpting.  Polystyrene was first discovered in 1839 by Eduard Simon.  He found that the distilled resin of the Turkish sweetgum tree (Liquidambar orientalis) produced an oily substance that after a few days oxidized into a jelly he called Styrol oxide.  In 1866, Marceliln Berthelot correctly identified the formation of Styroloxyd from styrol as a polymerization process.  Years later it was realized that the heating of styrol would start a chain reaction that produced macromolecules, which later received the official name of Polystyrene.

Computer design and modeling software coupled with model making technologies such as sculpting of foam (Polystyrene), CNC cutting, and 3D printing can be used to create realistic looking themed models.  These themed models provide much enjoyment to the owners and their visitors to be able to experience these thrilling visual moments