official The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008/Conference Edition of the APMM
Inside this issue: Portland: Conference Confluence
APMM 2008 — Conference What is that buzz? Is it the table saw, the vacuum pump de-gassing silicone or is it the Confluence increasing din of conference talk? If you answered that it is buzz about the APMM’s
The Aerotrain 2008 Conference, you are correct. Portland is about to be the confluence for our APMM pg. 2-5 brethren to meet, kibbutz, learn, expand knowledge and enhance professional and
Book Review: personal friendships. Babes, Beasts and Brawn The APMM Conference headquarters is vibrating with anticipation of a fantastic pg. 6 gathering. After the overwhelming success of the 2006 conference, the incomparable
Advertisement— Conference co-chair team of B and B (Bob Schneider and Bruce Willey) are hard at Architectural Model work completing their gargantuan task. They have put together some fantastic tours: a Construction Book pg. 7 Segway tour of the riverfront; the Nike Model Shop and the Museum of Contemporary Craft; the adidas prototyping facility and the Ship and Insure Oregon Museum of Science and Industry; and pg. 8-9 the Evergreen Aviation Museum for us to Book Review: visit while we are in town. Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild If you actually are coming to Portland on pg. 10-12 work-related travel and you think it will be 2008 Conference boring to sit through the conference, you are Information pg. 13-16 in for a great surprise. This conference will have a little bit of everything for everyone. Member Seal and Advertising Managing the hazardous materials in your pg. 17 shop, gaining insight into special effects, choosing the correct software for your RP Membership equipment, greening up your facility and learning chroming tips are just a few of the pg. 18 workshops being offered. Employment pg. 19-25 So, pack your bags but leave your X-Acto blades, WD-40, lacquer thinner and other
volatile non-FAA-approved goodies in your toolbox at work, lock the box and turn out The Last Word pg. 26 the lights. Micro-breweries, here we come... fanny packs and all!
Chris Lewis Communications VP and E-Newsletter Editor
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter Winter 2008 2008 Page Page 1 1
The Aerotrain: What Once Was, Is Again
The Electro-Motive Diesel Rides Again by Hal Chaffee
Editor’s Note: The Winter 2008 Historic Rail catalog cover and inside cover page feature the GM EMD (Electro-Motive Diesel) Aerotrain from 1955 and a new HO Gauge EMD Aerotrain Set. APMM member Hal Chaffee saw the catalog and recalls a half size Aerotrain locomotive built on a Chevrolet truck chassis that his father's firm fabricated. He also remembers riding around as a passenger in the modified truck chassis before the body was added.
In 1955 GM EMD built one of the most unique passenger trains to ever run on American rails - the futuristic Aerotrain - a lightweight aerodynamically-styled train that was to revolutionize rail travel. The Aerotrain was half as heavy as conventional equipment and designed to reduce train investment by almost 60% and reduce train maintenance and operating expense by nearly 60%.
The Aerotrain consisted of a new single-unit diesel locomotive and 10 lightweight aluminum bodied coaches - each on 4 wheels instead of the normal 8. Two of the cars weighed 65 tons compared with 80 tons for a conventional 80 passenger coach. Top speed was 102 mph. The suspension system on the coaches used the "air-ride" principle embodied in GM's bus construction where compressed air in rubber bellows replaced conventional steel springing.
As part of GM EMD's promotion of the Aerotrain they wanted to include the Aerotrain in the GM Powerama (an out- door product show) from August 31 to September 25, 1955 at Soldier's Field in Chicago. The answer was to hire Model Builders, Inc. on June 30, 1955 to fabricate a half size Aerotrain on top of a Chevrolet truck chassis so that the Aerotrain could be driven around in the Powerama shows which played to large audiences.
My father, William H. Chaffee (Bill), was in charge of the model shop at GM EMD in La Grange, Illinois from 1948 to 1950 when he started Model Builders, Inc. The shop foreman for this project was Morris Hauser who many years later took time off from Disney where he then worked in order to supervise the construction in Costa Mesa, California of a full scale working duplicate of the steam-driven original Union Pacific No.119 locomotive that was in the 1869 Golden Spike ceremony in Utah.
The following pages show memorabilia and photos from this project.
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The Aerotrain: What Once Was, Is Again
The Electro-Motive Diesel Rides Again
Photos of first and second page of Historic Rail catalog 2008
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The Aerotrain: What Once Was, Is Again
The Electro-Motive Diesel Rides Again
All aboard! Hal Chaffee’s father Bill, hard at work, showing the durability of his model by kicking it.
Editor’s Note: Note all of the OSHA-approved safety equipment being used.
Aerotrain at Powerama… about to sink into a big ink blot.
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The Aerotrain: What Once Was, Is Again
The Electro-Motive Diesel Rides Again
Unknown GM employee in front of the half-size Aerotrain at Powerama…
Editor’s Note: This thing is COOLER THAN COOL. Wouldn’t you love to tool around in something like this as it beats the heck out of a Dodge Caravan?
Are you a “practical man”? Recently on EBAY, I purchased for the unprecedented sum of $3.95, a set of plans for what I thought would be a super cool project. The plans sent to me in PDF format were of a publication probably dated about 1940 for the construction of a World War I tank. Upon receipt, the plans were - for a lack of better words - lackluster. However, they were cool and the concept of building a remotely controlled 120V WWI- era tank intrigued me. Although the plans were so-so, I did get two additional booklets in PDF format from the vendor. One was for various workbenches and the other was titled the “MODELERS ART OF PATTERN MAKING”. How cool is that! Although I may be committing plagiarism by doing so, I thought I would paraphrase a small portion of the introduction for you to enjoy.
“Pattern making is an extensive trade, and a man could well spend a lifetime learning its various sides; the beginner, therefore, should not attempt the building of large or complicated pieces without the help and advice of a practical man, but by keeping constantly in mind the elementary operations in the moulding and drawing of ordinary patterns he should be able to turn out satisfactory work, and not suffer the humiliation of hearing it pronounced faulty by the foundrymen.”
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 5 Book Review: Babes, Beasts and Brawn: Sculpture of the Fantastic Book by Stephen Kiwus
by Dennis Heinzeroth
Superheroes, hobbits, pin-up girls and monsters — Oh my! If you think that sounds like a fun day at the local cinema, can you imagine what it would be like if your job was to make those two-dimensional characters come to life in three-dimensional form?
Babes, Beasts and Brawn author Steve Kiwus presents us with an autobiographical look at his career as a toy and action figure sculptor. From his boyhood dreams of becoming an architect to his accidental introduction to the world of plastic playthings, Mr. Kiwus describes the ups and downs of life in the toy-sculpting industry.
Presented in a lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek manner, the book is lighter on text and heavier on full color photographs with several full-page spreads. Featuring painted and unpainted prototypes, it is a visual treat for those who appreciate the art and science of action figure creation.
The real bonus to this book however, is the “How To” section entitled “A Peek Into the Workshop” which showcases the process of creating an action figure from fabricating an articulated armature, creating a rough clay sculpt, making a waste mold and pouring the wax master copy onto which the final details are sculpted and carved.
If you or someone you know is interested in sculpting action figures, I would suggest reading this one-of-a-kind book. It gives a good insight into how hard work, perseverance or even sometimes just plain old “dumb luck” have a way of working out in the end.
Title: Babes, Beasts and Brawn: Sculpture of the Fantastic Author: Steve Kiwus Publisher: Dark Horse Books ISBN-10: 1-59307-013-6 ISBN-13: 978-1-59307-013-7 Pub. Date: September 06, 2006 Format: Soft cover, 160 pages, Full color, 8 1/2" x 11" Age range: 18+ For Mature Readers (a few nude female figures)
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 6
Advertisements
Editor’s Note: When contacting our advertisers, please tell them that you saw their advertisement in the APMM e-Newsletter. They will appreciate both your business and the knowledge their advertising dollars are worthwhile.
This postcard, circa 1890, features Portland with Mount Hood in the background. Mount Hood is located about 50 miles (80 km) east-southeast of the city of Portland.
Mount Hood's snow-covered peak rises 11,249 ft (3,429 m) and is home to twelve glaciers. It is the highest mountain in Oregon and is the 4th highest in the Cascade Range.
Information gleaned from Wikipedia.com.
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 7
Are Your Shipping Costs Getting Higher?
by Elaine Lockard, VP Sales and Marketing Shipandinsure.com
Is the insurance you currently purchase to insure safe transit of your models at absolutely the best rate you can find? Will you have a hassle with the insurer if your shipment is damaged or lost? How long will it take to process your claim? Will you ever receive full payment for your loss or damage?
Shipandinsure.com is available to you, as a member of the APMM, for reducing your costs and taking the worry out of insuring your models’ transit after they leave your facility and until they are signed for at the intended destination. Use FedEx, UPS, or the USPS to ship, but don’t buy the required insurance with them. Just log-in to our site, shipandinsure.com, and enter the tracking number, zip-to and zip- from, and the shipment’s value and you’re covered in full! How much easier can it be to save?
Let’s investigate a comparison of rates... If you purchase shipping insurance through FedEx for a Standard Overnight package with a value of $5000, you will pay approximately $22. FedEx provides insurance for their shipping customers, but at a very high rate. We hope you don’t lose a package through shipment or experience any damage, because if your package is lost or damaged, it is not easy and perhaps impossible to collect the actual value of missing or damaged goods.
The process, paperwork and required documentation can be a nightmare. Who needs this aggravation? Especially when there is a much better option. With shipandinsure.com, the cost for that very same package would be $9. If you send only 5 packages each week with an average value of $5000, you would save $3380 on a yearly basis! We’re sure you would have better ideas for that money than to spend it on shipping insurance.
Shipandinsure.com is the shipping insurance of choice for many companies in the business of retailing or manufacturing high-value items. Discovering huge savings, especially by continuing to ship with their preferred carrier and purchasing the insurance through shipandinsure.com, has created many satisfied customers. Many of our customers ship valuable watches and jewelry while others ship coins, currency and bullion to collectors. Then there are those dealing in rare books, cartography, antiques and fine arts & crafts.
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Are Your Shipping Costs Getting Higher?
As model makers, you create beautiful works of art and when shipping these items through UPS, FedEx or USPS, why shouldn’t you be able to take advantage of the low rates offered through shipandinsure.com?
An addition to our program is close to approval, expanding our level of service to your industry. We will be announcing shipandinsure.com’s cargo insurance offering within a few months. This program will provide insurance coverage on your crated models shipped common carrier at some of the most reasonable rates you’ll find. Look for news of this offering through the APMM soon.
If an item is lost when insuring through shipandinsure.com, we will pay you the full value of insurance you purchased through us within 30 days. We don’t hassle our customers with the requirement of appraisals, extensive paperwork or documentation. All we ask is that you use the claim form on our site, fill it out and get it to us promptly. We can’t make filling a claim and receiving your check any simpler. We are in the insurance business, not the shipping business and that makes a difference in our approach to your shipping needs.
The shipandinsure.com program will also offer you huge savings on FedEx shipping rates because of our group member plan. If you have a FedEx account or just use FedEx as an occasional shipper, we can help you save. By joining our group plan, you can expect up to 40% off Standard Overnight rates. Discounts are also available on Priority and Ground. You can save thousands of dollars per year with this program offered exclusively to members of the APMM!
Check out our website today at shipandinsure.com and call us to begin saving within days at 877-393-5310.
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 9 Book Review: The Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild - An Illustrated History Book by John Jacobus by Hal Chaffee
The Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild - An Illustrated History was written by John Jacobus and was published in 2005. This 336-page book with 150 photographs about the annual national scale model competition sponsored by the Fisher Body Division of General Motors from 1930 to 1968 is a time capsule of fantastic models. The miniature model Napoleonic Coach building competition era started in 1930. The scale model "dream car" era ran from 1937-1968. Among other things, the Guild's purpose was to identify youth (ages 12-20) exhibiting extraordinary skills, abilities, and talents in automotive engineering and design.
A CD is also available of the more than 100 Guildsmen who attended the reunion at the GM Technical Center in Warren, Michigan on Saturday June 26, 2004. This CD represents a pictorial review of all the models and includes an index of each entrant, the year the model was entered and the award it won.
This book is of particular interest to me since my father, William H. Chaffee, won Honorable Mention in the 1931 and 1933 competition. I think any model builder will be fascinated by the scale models in the book and the CD. The book is a nice tribute to the value of model building.
Editor’s Note: The book is available through amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786417196
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The Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild - An Illustrated History
The following page is from The Guildsman magazine Fall 1961, giving guidelines for designing and entering a model into the competition.
Scan courtesy of Hal Chaffee.
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The Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild - An Illustrated History
Scan courtesy of Hal Chaffee
Photographs are from the CD included with the book.
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APMM Conference 2008 — Portland, OR
Conference Events Schedule
Thursday 3/6/08 4:00 PM Registration begins at APMM headquarters – hospitality suite sponsored by Whirlpool Corp. 6:00 PM – onward Early Arrivals Reception – pizza & beer, sponsored by Art Institute of Portland
Friday 3/7/08 9:00 AM Local area tours, departing by motor coach. Lunch provided en route 12:00 AM Student Model Making Competition entries begin to be set up for judging 5:00 PM Tours return to hotel 6:00 PM Vendor Reception sponsored by Laser Reproductions in hotel common area. Vendors and attendees meet in casual setting with cash bar and hors d’oeuvre. Meet APMM 2008-2010 Board of Directors nominees.
Saturday 3/8/08 9:00 AM Workshops begin in Doubletree Hotel meeting areas 9:30 AM Coffee Break sponsored by General Plastics 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch provided for workshop attendees 4:30-5:30 PM Exhibitors/vendors set up tabletops in Cascade Ballroom for Industry Expo 5:00 PM Workshops end 5:30-7:00 PM Keynote Dinner Event 7-10:00 PM Industry Expo event - exhibitors host tabletops, door prize drawings, Student Model Making Competition awards, interactive activities
Sunday 3/9/08 9:00 AM Workshops begin in Doubletree Hotel meeting areas 9:30 AM Coffee Break sponsored Coleman & Associates 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch provided for workshop attendees 5:00 PM Workshops end 6:00 PM Open Board Meeting – current APMM members invited to join
Monday 3/10/08 9:00 AM Local area tours, departing by motor coach. Lunch provided en route 5:00 PM Tours return to hotel 6:00 PM Conference ends
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APMM Conference 2008—Portland
Workshop Topics
Green Stuff: What’s New in Materials? – Art Institute of Seattle model making instructor Chris Stanley pre- sents an in-depth look at sustainable, low VOC, materials currently available.
Meet the Jet Set: 3D Printing Roundtable – Join Sharon Moore of Honda R&D as she moderates a round- table discussion of 3D printing technology
Not Created Equal: Plastics and Product Design from 1870 to 2010 - Industrial designer Carl Alviani presents a history of polymers in product design and new polymer technologies
Reducing Frustration, Increasing Customer Satisfaction – Hal Chaffee, president of Model Builders, Inc. discusses the change order process, strategies for managing clients and techniques for dealing with client issues The Good, Bad and Ugly of Running a Model Shop – Three presenters will share their personal experiences running three very different model shops. Just What do They Expect?: Meeting Quality Standards - This roundtable, moderated by Craig Leese of Johns Hopkins Univ/Applied Physics Lab explores ISO 9001 and AS9100 requirements, and other quality measures
Setting up Shop – In this discussion group, we’ll discover the basics of setting up a model shop. Sourcing Materials through Shop Swap – Bruce Willey of Ziba Design discusses the basics of establishing an APMM-sponsored Shop Swap for excess materials. Packing It In: Crating Like a Pro – Richard Coleman of Coleman & Associates presents ideas on how to ship models with confidence. Elaine Lockard from ShipAndInsure will explain 3rd party insurance coverage.
Tension Relief & Physical Balance: Saving your Assets – Learn how to use postures, stretches, and time man- agement to keep yourself flexible, fresh, and healthy in this workshop with Ananda Yoga.
Career Pathway: Next Steps? – Are your career advancements in line with your plans for the future? Hiring managers, senior model makers share their thoughts and personal experiences.
Student Portfolio Review – Students and recent graduates will have the opportunity to get their portfolios evaluated by professionals during this session. Bring your portfolio and resume for a practical review.
Data Triage: Determining the Path to a Part – How do you get data into the appropriate format for optimum construction? Jeff Hanson of RedEye RPM will focus on software and technology matches. Shop Safety: Disposing of Hazardous Materials – Presented by Rich Grant of Oregon’s Department of Envi- ronmental Quality, this workshop shows how to identify and safely manage hazardous waste in the model shop. Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Ask OSHA – Allen Freauff of Oregon OSHA will answer the questions you’ve always wondered but were afraid to ask. Your name and company location do not need to be divulged!
Monkeys Like Shiny Objects: Chrome Finishes Today – Bob Schneider of Whirlpool leads this workshop on applying specialty chrome finishes with excellent results through four different paths to chroming.
Special Effects: The State of the Industry – Film industry insider Gene Rizzardi shares tips and thoughts on breaking into the special effects business.
Vendor Demos by Silpak, Inc., 3D Systems, and more!
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APMM Conference 2008—Portland
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 15
APMM Conference 2008 — Sponsors
Palladium Level
Titanium Level
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 16
APMM Benefits — Member Seal & Advertising
Downloadable Membership Seal
Members have asked for access to the new APMM logo to be used on their correspondence, websites, or printed publications. We’ve responded with a new membership seal that can be downloaded to enhance members’ documents. The membership seal will be sent out via the MILE. If you are not a MILE subscriber, please send an email request to: [email protected]. Eventually, the seal will be available on the members-only section of the website, where the customized downloadable Membership Certificate is found.
Display Advertising APMM members receive specially discounted display ad rates in our quarterly e-Newsletter and website banner ads. All ads are in color and must be submitted in acceptable formats: GIF, JPEG or PDF (optimized for on screen viewing). There will be a $50 charge to convert from a different graphic format. Word files cannot be accepted. NOTE: For non-member pricing, add $150 per ad, per issue.
Full page $375. 7.5” x 10” (720 x 960 pixels) Half page horizontal $275. 7.5” x 4.875” (720 x 468 pixels) Half page vertical $275. 3.625” x 10” (348 x 960 pixels) 1/4 page $175. 3.625” x 4.875” (348 x 468 pixels) 1/8 page $105. 3.625” x 2.125” (348 x 204 pixels)
Classified Advertising As always, classified text ads (employment or resale equipment) are FREE for current members. To include your classified ad in the e-Newsletter, send your copy to Chris Lewis at [email protected]. Employment ads will be distributed to the Members Internet List Exchange (MILE) and included in the website’s Employment Listings page. Non-member pricing for classified text ads is $150 per ad, with a 100 word limit or $250 with a 300 word limit.
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Membership Information
Membership update
This could be your last e-Newsletter, or it might not be. Check your membership status online and renew if necessary. Please see the rates below. If your organization has more than three model makers, it may make sense to upgrade to the professional group rate at $100 per person. With six or more members, take advantage of the Model Shop/Studio membership which offers membership for an unlimited number of employees at your organization for the low price of $600.
Current Membership: 798!
Please keep in mind that first quarter 2008 renewals (expiration March 31, 2008) are now due and can be taken care of online at www.modelmakers.org under the MY APMM tab.
Please Note: Membership rates are for one year unless otherwise specified
Professional $125 per individual
Professional Group $100 per individual when three or more are purchased on the same transaction Model Shop $600 covers an unlimited number of model shop employees from the same company. Each person must have an e-mail account Education $500 covers entire staff, faculty and currently enrolled students Student $25 per student (must provide proof of full time enrollment in an accredited education institution) TWO YEAR RATES Professional $225 per individual
Professional Group $180 per individual when purchased on the same transaction Education $950 covers all faculty, staff and students
Student Not available
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 18
Employment Listings
Model Maker — Radio Flyer Inc.
Radio Flyer has an immediate opening for a mid-level model maker. Seeking an individual with an aptitude for; shop work, atten- tion to detail, problem solving and mechanical assemblies. Radio Flyer is looking for team player with good communication skills, positive attitude, sense of humor, and inquisitive nature. This person will work closely with model shop manager, designers and engineers to contribute to building a world-class product development department. Energy and enthusiasm are essential. The right person will be willing and able to do whatever it takes to accomplish the job. This position is for someone who enjoys making pro- totypes, problem solving, loves a challenge and who is committed to continuous improvement. Warmth, honesty, integrity and humor are important characteristics. Responsibilities: - Develop a variety of products that include conceptual models, engineering breadboards, and mechanical assemblies utilizing hand tools/power tools/CNC equipment. - Develop a variety of prototypes models using foam, fabric, wood, plastic, metal or rapid prototype materials. - Collaborate with model shop manager, designers and engineers to create successful prototypes and meet deadlines. - Help maintain a safe, clean and organized shop. Requirements: - Associates degree or Certificate Program required, with a preferred concentration in Engineering, Industrial Design, Model Mak- ing, Fine Arts. - 5+ years experience in Product Development, Industrial Design or Model Making - CAD/CAM, CNC, CamWorks / Solidworks experience would be a plus - Capable of visualizing a 3-dimensional part from mechanical drawings, hand sketches or Solidworks CAD file. - Experience working with a variety of materials wood, foam and metal, especially metal fabrication; machining, welding, braz- ing, forming, tube bending. - Comfortable working with a variety of hand and power tools. - Experience creating models to represent a variety of materials and processes including injection molded, blow-molded and roto- molded plastics, metal fabrication, fabric construction and wood component assemblies. - Experience with CNC; set-up, toolpathing a plus. - Team player with good communication skills, positive attitude, sense of humor, and inquisitive nature. - Have an understanding for the capabilities and limitations of rapid prototyping processes.
Energy and enthusiasm are essential. The right person will be willing and able to do whatever it takes to get the job done. This position is ideally suited to an individual who is able to balance creativity with good analytical skills and stay focused on results someone who enjoys problem solving, loves challenge and is committed to continuous improvement. Warmth, honesty, integrity, and humor are important characteristics.
Radio Flyer is prepared to offer a generous salary and benefits package in return for your contributions and commitment. Please send resumes to: [email protected].
Model Maker/Pattern Finisher — MET-L-FLO INC.
This position is responsible for finishing masters as well as final appearance models of a variety of products from consumer prod- ucts to aerospace. The models are constructed from materials such as SLA, SLS, FDM, Urethane and more. Looking for entry level/ professional level candidates. Will train the right person. We offer excellent compensation and benefits. We will be an AS9100 certified company in early 2008.
Please send your resume and recent salary history, in confidence to: Met-L-Flo Inc. 720 Heartland Drive, Unit S Sugar Grove. IL 60554 Or email to: [email protected]
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to customer products and service requirements and to continuously improve our products, processes, research and development.
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Employment Listings
Scale Model Builders — MICE MARKETCRAFT INC.
High end architectural & topographic model shop seeking a model-maker with good project management skills. Must have mini- mum 3 years experience in professional model shop and must know Autocad and lasercutting. Resume, samples and references required. Competitive salaries and benefits offered. SKILLS: - Capacity to conceptualize in 3D and mechanical ability a must. - Ability to work from 3D and 2D sketch drawings. - Detail and finishing skills, including painting. - Strong knowledge of model building techniques and processes. - Must possess excellent judgment, communication skills, organizational ability and follow-up. - Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with people at all levels. - Ability to work with minimum supervision, independently prioritize work and cope with a fluctuating workload without missing deadlines. - Must be able to effectively handle a high volume of work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. - Experience with project budgeting.
Please send resume, samples and references to: Sandra Becker, Creative Director MICE Phoenix Direct: 480 784 1700 x277 Fax: 480 784 1708 9160 S. McKemy St. Ste. 101 Tempe, AZ, USA, 85284 www.micemarketcraft.com
CNC Programmer — Utley’s Inc.
Utley's Inc, is an established family run company specializing in Prototype Development and Fabrication. The company is based in Queens, NY, in a 15,000 sq. ft facility with 45 full time employees.
Utley's houses a comprehensive range of services: 7 CNC machines, CAD department, Urethane and Silicon molding, Rapid Proto- typing, 3D scanning and Laser cutting, custom color matching etc. Utley's is seeking to add a CNC programmer / operator to its full time staff.
The candidate should have a working knowledge of MasterCAM (Version 10 ideally), experience in cutting Aluminum, Ren and Acrylic. The successful applicant will have used HAAS machines and will be experienced in programming and set up of parts.
We are seeking a self starter, who takes responsibility for the quality of their work, with a proven track record of time manage- ment skills. Must be able to efficiently work on several diverse projects per day, ability to work with and assist other departmen- tal members when required.
Communication is essential and we ask for only applicants with a strong grasp of the English Language.
Candidates should not feel over or under qualified for this position, responsibilities will be a little dynamic depending on appli- cant’s skill sets.
Please e-mail any inquiries or applications, with resume to [email protected] using "CNC POSITION" as the subject heading.
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 20
Employment Listings
Model Shop Manager/Model Maker — Impressive Prototypes, LLC.
This individual will spend 50-75% of their time coordinating internal & external projects, quoting, scheduling, resource planning, ordering materials & managing overall shop responsibilities. The other 25-50% of their time will be spent building models. This individual will be a senior model maker with excellent communication & people management skills. This position is responsible for constructing &/or managing preliminary, as well as final appearance models of consumer products such as refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, microwave ovens, washers & dryers. This individual will work on-site at a customer's facility located in Louisville, KY.
The models are constructed from plastic materials such as foam, ABS & acrylic, metal materials such as steel & aluminum. Hand tools, traditional machine tools, as well as multi axis computer controlled (CNC) milling machines are used in the fabrication of the models. The qualified candidate should have an Associates Degree in Industrial Design Technology (or equivalent) or 5 years of model building & people management experience. We offer excellent compensation and benefits and an environment that inspires professional achievement. Please send your resume and recent salary history, in confidence to:
Impressive Prototypes, LLC 1345 Brookville Way, Suite J Indianapolis, IN 46239 Attention: Michael Squillace Or email to: [email protected]
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, as we explore new channels of innovation. No phone calls please. Impressive Prototypes is a "full service" Prototype Lab capable of bringing to life new product concepts for photo shoots, trade shows and other advanced marketing activities. We offer our customers "one stop shopping" for form development, rapid prototyp- ing, painting/finishing & graphic applications. Please visit our website at: www.impressiveprototypes.com
Modelmaker — ESTES-COX CORP.
Estes-Cox Corp., a leading mass-market flying toy and rocket manufacturer is looking for a modelmaker to augment our R&D staff. Duties include creating presentation models from sketches and pro-e drawings, mock up and bread board models as well as work- ing flying prototypes, rockets and RC airplanes, painting skills are a must.
Most models will be made from lightweight EPS foam and basic plastics with some vac forming. Silicone molding and casting skills are a plus as well as any flying model experience. Applicants will also be responsible for ordering shop supplies. We also require skills in creating deco for models both water slide and self-adhesive types so a working knowledge of adobe illustrator and related programs is a must. Being able to run a 3D mill from files is also a plus. We have a fast paced environment and an applicant must be able to work within strict deadlines. We offer relocation as well as a full benefits package in a beautiful Rocky Mountain set- ting.
Salary is competitive and based on experience.
Please send all resumes to Robert Romash at [email protected] [email protected] or mail: 1295 H Street PO Box 227 Penrose CO, 81240-0227
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 21
Employment Listings
Rapid Prototyper Estimator — Dynacept
Dynacept is looking to fill the position of "Rapid Prototyping and Model Making Estimator". The ideal candidate will be very cus- tomer service oriented, and will have a ton of experience in the field of Rapid Prototyping. The daily requirements are to process a large number of accurate quotations, but more importantly, is the ability to mix and match our vast resources including SLA, CNC Machining, RTV rubber molding/urethane casting, conventional modeling etc., for each and every project.
The Dynacept estimating team is currently comprised of 4 people. You will have an experienced full time estimator working with you and all Rapid Tooling and Molding quotations are handled by an existing expert in that area. This is a crucial position, and the job pays extremely well for the right individual. We offer great benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, bonus plan and 401K.
About Dynacept: Established in 1973, we currently employ 57 professionals dedicated to Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Tooling and Molding. We own and occupy a state of the art 30,000 square foot facility in beautiful Brewster, NY. Please visit our new website at www.dynacept.com for a complete overview.
All responses will be held in the strictest confidence. If you are interested, and think you are the right person for this demanding job, please contact me directly at [email protected]
Model Maker: Acoustical Engineering — Shure Incorporated
Shure, located north of Chicago, currently has an opening for a Model Maker in our Acoustical Engineering Dept. This position is responsible for the building of mechanical, electrical, or acoustical prototype parts that are under development.
Responsibilities include: · Build prototype parts out of various materials at varying levels of precision, appropriate to the specific assignment to be used in the development of mechanical, electrical, or acoustical prototypes. · Assemble functional and styling prototypes. · Test assembled prototypes under the direction of an engineer to provide test data. · Troubleshoot prototypes in order to identify problems. · Provide the engineers with input regarding product manufacturability and its ability to be produced. · Provide the engineers with process and manufacturing ideas regarding new products. · Develop, assemble, and debug fixtures to be used in production.
Requirements: · Must have a high school or trade school diploma. · Must have completed a four-year apprenticeship program. · Must have a minimum of five years experience in product and system hardware design. · Experience in working within a group and individually, good interpersonal skills, an excellent, cooperative, dynamic, self- motivated attitude, and excellent communication skills both written and verbal. · Must have a strong background in mechanical system debugging. · Experience in working on short "cleanup" projects (one to four weeks) as well as long development projects (3 to 12 months). · Preferred experience in the operation of typical model shop and production equipment such as a milling machine, lathe, etc. · Experience with engineering standards. · Knowledge of manufacturing processes. · Experience with bills of materials, assembly drawings/instructions, and wiring diagrams.
For more information about Shure or to apply for this position, please visit www.shure.com/careers.
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 22
Employment Listings
CAD Specialist (Project Coordinator) - REDEYE RPM
The primary function of the Project Coordinator is to provide technical assistance to the Paid Parts department by offering techni- cal direction for pre-sales and provide project management throughout the paid part build process by following the "Paid Parts process check list". The project coordinator is responsible for ensuring high part quality and delivering exceptional customer ser- vice. Hours: 10am - 7pm Eden Prairie, MN
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following (Other duties may be assigned): Good communication skills both verbal and written. Thorough understanding of Microsoft Office products ie; Word, Excel, Outlook. Utilizing BuildFDM software and other quoting software packages, process RFQs and part orders for prospects and customers. Verify and pre-process CAD data using Magics RP, Insight, and Objet Studio software packages. Utilizing the "Paid Parts processing check list", process incoming RFQs and manage orders for paid part prospects/customers. Process sales orders using Macola accounting software. Compile and update build information and customer accounts using SalesLogix sales software. Provide support in maintaining, operating, and repairing of all FDM and Eden equipment and supplies. Understand and practice, when needed, post-processing techniques/processes for support removal utilizing different tools and equipment for all material offerings. Utilizing Fed Ex and UPS shipping stations, process orders/packages for shipment. Maintain stock levels for materials and spare part consumables as needed. Comply with safety standards, company policies, and business objectives. Travel requirement < 10%
Essential Skills and Experience: Minimum two-year technical/mechanical engineering college degree; Bachelor degree preferred, or one to three years experi- ence as an Application Engineer assisting in the sales and support of highly technical electro-mechanical engineering products. Experience supporting complex electro-mechanical equipment is strongly desired. Knowledge of CAD/CAM software applications and/or Rapid Prototyping industry experience is strongly desired. Ability to independently organize and prioritize multiple duties required. Good verbal and written communications skills and the ability to resolve technical issues while maintaining a good working relationship with internal employees and external customers are required. Creativity and willingness to gain an advanced understanding of rapid prototyping applications are desired attributes. Must be self-motivated, and be able to work effectively on projects with minimal direct supervision. Project leadership and pro- ject management skills highly desired. This position requires a customer-focused attitude with an appropriate sense of urgency and attention to details when handling customer, process, and machine related issues. Willingness and ability to work as an individual, and as a team, with multiple de- partments, is required.
Qualified candidates can submit cover letter and resume to [email protected]
MODEL MAKING POSITION WANTED — JESSICA AXELSON
-Dedicated and detail-oriented Industrial Design graduate looking for an entry-level model making job in either the Seattle, WA or Southeast MN area that will utilize model making, design and 3D planning skills.
-Strong written and verbal communications skills, positive attitude and able to work well in a team environment
-Passionate about model making, enjoys learning new processes and techniques related to the field
Skills · Architectural Model Making · Patterns and mold making · Mold casting and part finish · Machining and Fabrication · Materials and Processes · Rapid Prototyping · Laser work · Paint work · CAD - Rhinoceros, AutoCAD, Adobe CS2 · Product Design · 3D Design · Drafting and Rendering · Trade Show Design · Interior Design · Industrial Graphics
Contact Jessica Axelson at [email protected]
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 23
Employment Listings
Model Builder/Product Finisher — Whiteboard
Position Summary: Product development consulting firm specializing in innovative design, engineering, prototyping, packaging and multimedia seeks a mechanically inclined, experienced model maker/product finisher. Responsibilities: - Hand fabricate prototypes utilizing artistic and learned skills in a manner which best suits the needs of the client - Finish prototypes to a high level of detail; involves paint color matching - Coordinate projects delegated by management - Develop/originate product concepts Successful candidate will possess the ability to: - Fabricate prototypes using various equipment including, but not limited to the following: vertical milling machine, machine lathe, vacuum forming equipment, CNC milling machine and various hand held and table mounted power equipment - Gain the utmost confidence and respect of WhiteBoard's staff, clients and vendors - Understand WhiteBoard's highly creative and technical processes and services - Communicate effectively, both in writing and orally - Mul- titask, simultaneously achieving results in the required areas - Succeed individually and in a team environment Minimum position requirements (in addition to attributes cited above): - 4+ years of model making and product finishing ex- perience - Machining and hand tool experience - Excellent problem solving skills, outstanding customer service skills
About WhiteBoard: WhiteBoard Product Solutions (formerly known as Leisure Product Solutions) is a 30 person product develop- ment consulting firm that has been in existence since 1986. On December 1st WhiteBoard moved into a brand new 23,000 SF state of the art facility with over 8,000 square feet of space dedicated to our model making operations. Our shop consists of 7 model makers. If you are looking for an exciting opportunity creating diverse products from medical equipment to sporting goods, to light commercial to toys and like working in a highly creative environment, this may be the opportunity for you. Send resume and salary requirement to: [email protected]
Model Maker — Cirrus Design
Cirrus Design Corporation, located in Duluth, MN on the scenic shores of Lake Superior, is a general aviation industry leader and manufacturer of the SR20 and SR22 composite aircraft and now we have announced our next generation "the-jet". Cirrus has an immediate opening for the following position:
Job Summary: Responsible for directly supporting engineering activities such as Product Design, Industrial Design, product test- ing, product validation and process validation support for production. Directly interface with Engineering and Industrial Design on process and material selections, along with any molding or manufacturability challenges associated with their project. Work di- rectly from a supplied 3D digital database and detailed specifications. Utilize CAD/CAM software and sophisticated machinery to either create the prototype or inspect the production part for compliance. Design and produce holding fixtures, molds and jigs necessary to quickly and accurately reproduce the digital concept data as a physical prototype. Operations such as finishing, pol- ishing and painting are also frequently required when these models are being used to present a new product direction or idea to the executive team.
Qualifications: Associate's degree in Model Making; a minimum of five years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have experience with basic wood and metal working tools and techniques, as well as a general knowledge of job related hand tools and proper usage. Experience with composite structures fabrication, and an awareness of composite tooling methods preferred. Must have experience in 3D CAD modeling and programming CNC machines, SolidWorks is a plus. Must be able to use tools and techniques associated with finishing and detail work including but not limited to; sculpting and shaping of clay and body filler, automotive grade finishing and prep work, finish sanding and polishing.
Visit cirrusdesign.com to land a rewarding, fast-paced career where you can soar.
Cirrus Design Corporation 4515 Taylor Circle Duluth, MN 55811 [email protected] Phone: 218-788-3173 Fax: 218-529-7296
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 24
Employment Listings
Architectural Model Builder — John Portman & Associates
Renowned international architectural design firm in Atlanta, Georgia is seeking entry to mid-level architectural model builder. Must be experienced with all phases of creating architectural models.
Requirements: - Associate degree or Certificate Program preferred. - Must have 2 - 4 years experience with laser engraving. - Must know AutoCAD and/or Microstation.
Skills: - Ability to work with all aspects of producing architectural models (cutting parts, assembling, masking and painting) - Working knowledge of hand and power tools (table saws, drills, paint guns, etc.) working with a variety of materials ( plastics, woods, foam, and paper) - Maintenance, upkeep, and care of laser engraver - Must work effectively with others (good attitude and communication skills.) - Must be able to effectively handle a high volume of work pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. - Ability to work under short deadlines by managing projects and time well. - Collaborate well with model shop manager and architects. - Positive attitude and exceptional communication skills.
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Please submit resumes via email, to [email protected]
MODEL MAKER: ENGINEERING ASSISTANT — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV/APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY
Newly expanded 6000 SF prototype fabrication facility at a research laboratory is looking for someone with 10+ years of experi- ence in liquid resin casting, mold fabrication, adhesive bonding and problem solving across a wide range of technologies. Projects cover a variety of applications. We are currently fabricating bio-mechanical test models, underwater sensor systems, spacecraft components and custom housings for customer applications. No long production runs, just limited prototype items for testing and evaluation. New challenges that demand creativity and precision.
Specific tasks include: o Prepare models, add necessary features or details, design mold keying and sprue layout, fabricate molds and cast parts, repair and modify as necessary. Encapsulate or overmold assemblies provided by the customer. o Help select materials and develop processes to cast the materials, help develop new materials and filler formulas to meet cus- tomer requirements. o Prepare surfaces, perform bonding operations for assemblies, and test coupons.
The Applied Physics Laboratory of the Johns Hopkins University located in Laurel, MD conducts more than 200 programs for a wide variety of sponsors, both military and civilian. It is a not-for-profit research and development organization. To learn more about the Laboratory and the current programs, including the Messenger spacecraft that just flew by Mercury, visit www.jhuapl.edu.
For specifics on the position, please look for job posting # 110564 at www.jhuapl.edu/employment. Please feel free to call or e- mail Paul Biermann (240) 228-6911, [email protected] with questions about the technical aspects of the position, or [email protected] for all other questions.
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 25
The Last Word...
The Leading Edge e-Newsletter Winter 2008 Page 26