Model Solution (LRD: London) recently built a new North American headquarters and rapid prototyping center in Silicon Valley. Offering rapid sketch and mock-up capabilities, as well as local project management and engineering support services, the facility strengthens the company’s ability to quickly meet customer requirements. With this facility and the existing global headquarters in Seoul, Korea, Model Solution now offers 24-hour global support for customers, including same-day technical support.
The facility includes trained engineers and project management professionals who handle evaluation, sketch and mock-up processes. The goal is to become a single source for the design engineer, consulting on design and performing high volume manufacturing. Through Model Solutions’ relationship with Laird, the manufacturing takes place in Asia with a turnaround of seven days.
The decision to build a facility in the U.S. was based on the goal to be closer to customers. “We want customers to come in and talk to the team,” said Sugon Cho, Director of Business Development. “We can service pretty much all of our west coast customers out of this office.”
Model Solutions has three types of tooling services. One is called Proto-tooling. If a customer has a prototype that they want to visualize, and eventually mass-produce, the proto-tool allows them to build the tooling and have injection molding parts done at a low volume. This is geared for shorter runs, so it’s a cost efficient process. It’s a tool that’s used within a larger tool, but you only pay for that smaller tool to actually do the injection molding. Another is pre-pre production tooling, and then full tooling production.
Model solutions specializes in solving tough problems. In addition, the company implements security measures that protect a customer’s IP. Customers are in automotive, consumer electronics, IT computer, hair care, and industrial production.
The facility offers 3D printing and CNC machining. The six 3D printers include stereolithography (SL), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and PolyJet.
One of the SL machines has a vat that is 25 by 25 by 25 in. Either one large part or many smaller parts can be built simultaneously. In addition to traditional SL materials, the company also offers a ceramic like material.
Rapid CNC milling and turning capabilities enable the production of accurate visual design models, functioning engineering prototypes, and master patterns. The modern facility features five-axis CNC machines that speed up manufacturing and increase the accuracy of highly complex geometries while meeting tight tolerance demands.
Model Solution, a Laird Business,
www.model-solution.com
