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Model Finishing

FATHOM offers assembly and model finishing services that further enhance the look of your design, helping you achieve specific textures and colors. Our model finishing services are often used for marketing photo shoots, tradeshows, internal presentations, etc.

The key attributes to consider when approaching model finishing are Color, Texture, Artwork, and Assembly.

FINISHING GRADE LEVELS GRADE LEVEL DESCRIPTION ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS
AA
(ULTRA HIGH)		 High-Resolution Photo-Ready Parts
  • $$$$
  • High-resolution product photography or video
  • Deep, vibrant colors, lustrous gloss
  • Fine, satin, and matte finishes
  • Products receiving this level of finish are typically no longer in the experimenting or testing phase, and have high-quality renderings and/or production CMF documents
A
(HIGH)		 Trade Show or Presentation Parts
  • $$$
  • Pre-production samples for marketing or sales teams to handle and discuss with potential customers (“looks-like, works-like” models)
B
(MID)		 Concept Models, Aesthetic Experimentation or Part Comparisons
  • $$
  • Comparing different colors or aesthetic styles/palettes, evaluating aesthetic considerations for functional models
C
(LOWEST)		 Concept Validation and Non-Aesthetic Parts
  • $
  • Stock colors only
  • Matte finish only
  • Internal meetings, concept validation, overcoming aesthetic challenges when a particular material or process is needed for other reasons
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COLOR //

FATHOM most commonly uses the Pantone Matching System, and can match custom blended paints to any color code or paint swatch (subject to review by FATHOM production manager). Paint is applied using a variety of methods, dependent on color, glossy/matte, and the specific texture desired.

TEXTURE //

The most common method for selecting texture is by calling out a Mold-Tech texture. Paint textures are approximated to a specific Mold-Tech texture and achieved through the control of paint vaporization as it is applied to the model. Texture options include light, medium or heavy.

ASSEMBLY //

If your model is comprised of multiple parts, assembly is the final step. Beforehand—if painting is required—colors are often applied to separated components to maintain very crisp, clean lines. Masking is available, but it is a less preferred method, as it can bleed. Models are either glued using an adhesive and/or assembled using fasteners depending on application.

STOCK COMPONENTS //

A common aspect of model finishing is the inclusion of stock components such a fasteners and metal inserts. These items are usually applied in the assembly process. In most cases, these additions are for their functional properties. For example, adding a metal threaded insert allows for more durable threads when an item requires screws or bolts in the assembly process.

ARTWORK //

Often, high-quality finished models need to include lettering and logos. The artwork is applied using a variety of methods depending on the shape of the surface it is being applied to, the number of colors, and the level of detail. The most common methods are transfers, stickers, screen prints, and pad prints. In most cases, a light clear finishing coat is applied to protect the artwork as well as the paint on the model.

Learn more about FATHOM's Model Finishing services—start a conversation today!