Besides sketches and renderings it is crucial for a designer to have „real“ models to judge the ergonomics, haptics and function of his work. The earlier in the design phase, such quick models are built, the better. Unfortunately only big companies can afford to have a designated model shop. ModelMachine is trying to fill this void for the smaller offices and startups. With a footprint not bigger than a office desk ModelMachine offers everything one could ask for in a model shop: A bandsaw, table saw, drill press, disc and belt sander, grinding and buffing wheels, plate for mounting jigsaw, router etc, dust extraction, sturdy fence/guiderail system that coveres the whole machine, mill and lathe ... Inspiration to ModelMachine was a Product that was produced in the 1970ies near my hometown; the EmcoStar by Emco. It was a woodworking combination machine aimed at the hobbyist. It was relatively sturdy but a bit too small to satisfy the needs of us designers, nowadays... Since I have been studying design for six years and was setting up my own workshop during the last year, I had a fairly long research phase ;) After some loose sketches I quickly started to build tons of 1:1 cardboard models to verify the ergonomics and mechanics of the machine. Parallel to this the digital model emerged by constantly updating the dimensions and features according to the cardboard models. The machine consists of two „cubes“ that hold the individual tools on four of their faces. The user can rotate the cubes to „fold out“ the individual tools as needed - compareable to the swiss army knife. The dust extraction runs through the frame and features a cyclone separator which is located under the cubes, where also the mill and lathe components are stored when not in use.
RESEARCH | WORKSHOPS
MODEL MACHINE 3
DESIGN PROCESS | MODELS
MODEL MACHINE 4
TECHNIQUE | PRINCIPLE
MODEL MACHINE 5
TECHNIQUE | FUNCTIONS
TABLE SAW 200MM BLADE 80MM CUT HEIGHT
ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT 45 DEGREE TILTABLE TILTING MOTOR
MODEL MACHINE 6
BELT SANDER 150 x 500MM
DISC SANDER 350MM DIAMETER
TECHNIQUE | FUNCTIONS
DRILLING A CONVENTIONAL DRILLING MACHINE CAN BE USED
BAND SAW 335MM CUTTING WIDTH 240MM CUTTING HEIGHT
MODEL MACHINE 7
ELECTRONIC OUTLETS CONVENIENT IMPLEMENTATION OF ADDITIONAL TOOLS
MULTI PURPOSE PANEL FOR MOUNTING ADDITIONAL TOOLS ( ROUTER, JIGSAW )