APMM QuarterlyNewsletter of the Association of Professional Model Makers

2010 Conference UpdatePlanning for the next biennial

APMM conference continues

as a special “Pecha Kucha Night”

for rapid-prototyping is being

explored. p.2

Vincent Ruggio: APMM’s Youngest MemberA young model maker and architect in the making. p.4

Tips for Brilliantly ShinyThin Film Finishes

Achieve the best shine and

reflectivity. p.6

Odds and Ends:

“A Beginner's Guide to

Creative Effects for Your

Model Railroad”

book review p.9

Tidbits: Miscellany p.10

SUMMER 2009

INSIDE…2010 APMM Conference

and Pecha Kucha Night p.2

Meet Vincent Ruggio p.4

Like shiny objects? p.6

“Creative Effects” book review p.9

Fun and more:

Tidbits p.10

Employment p.11

OUTSIDE…3D Printing in Steel

Popular Sciencehttp://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2009-08/3-d-printing-now-stainless-steel

DNA +: Water and Wind Competition Deadline: October 30, 2009http://stellafane.org/convention/2009/index.html

Trends in Aerospace Manufacturing 2009 International ConferenceSept. 9&10, 2009

Sheffield, Englandhttp://www.tram-conference.co.uk/

Designfest 2009: Guadalajara, Mexico October 15-17

http://www.design-fest.com/

Check out more APMM news online:www.modelmakers.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=73203&orgId=apmm

Copyright 1997-2009, Association of Professional Model Makers, All Rights Reserved.

P.O. Box 165 * Hamilton, NY 13346

Toll-Free Phone: 877.663.APMM (2766) * Fax: 877.765.6950 * Contact Us

SUMMER 2009APMM Quarterly

Some Pecha Kucha Night Cities:

Amsterdam

Asheville

Athens

Atlanta

Bali

Bangalore

Bangkok

Barcelona

Beijing

Beirut

Belfast

Belgrade

Berlin

Bilbao

Boston

Brisbane

Brussels

Budapest

Buenos Aires

Buffalo

Cape Town

Chicago

Christchurch

Cincinnati

Cleveland

Columbus

Copenhagen

Dayton

Delhi

Denver

Detroit

Dubai

Biennial APMM Conference 2010 Update

Pecha Kucha Night:

A Creative Forum in 219 Cities Around the World May Be Part of the 2010 APMM Conference

For the 2010 APMM Conference, Bruce

Willey, the Conference VP, and the rest of

the APMM Board are working to schedule a

Pecha Kucha Night focused on rapid-

prototyping.

What is a Pecha Kucha Night?

“Each presenter is allowed 20 images, each

shown for 20 seconds each - giving 6

minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next

presenter is up. This keeps presentations

concise, the interest level up, and gives

more people the chance to show.” -pecha-

kucha.org

Co-hosting, Pecha Kucha Night Boston

and APMM would include APMM presenters

plus several presenters from the 1500

creative members of Pecha Kucha Boston.

We think you won't want to miss this event!

You might want to attend a Pecha Kucha

night in a city near you to expand your

creative contacts. To learn more about

Pecha Kucha Boston check out their

website: http://www.pecha-

kucha.org/cities/boston. Watch Pecha

Kucha clips on YouTube by going to

www.youtube.com and putting in search the

words “Pecha Kucha Night”.

p.2

Dublin

Edinburgh

Florence

Frankfurt

Fresno

Glasgow

Hamburg

Helsinki

Hong Kong

Honolulu

Houston

Indianapolis

Istanbul

Jacksonville

Johannesburg

Kuwait City

Lisbon

London

Los Angeles

Luxembourg

Melbourne

Mexico City

Miami

Milan

Milwaukee

St. Paul

Montreal

Mumbai

Munich

Nagano

Naples

New Orleans

New York

Oslo

Paris

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Pittsburgh

Portland, OR

Prague

Providence

Reykjavik

Rome

Rotterdam

Sacramento

San Diego

San Francisco

Costa Rica

Sao Paulo

Seattle

Seoul

Shanghai

Singapore

Stockholm

Stuttgart

Sydney

Taipei

Tel Aviv

Tokyo

Toronto

Vancouver

Vienna

Washington DC

Zürich

SUMMER 2009APMM Quarterly

Conference details

SUMMER 2009APMM Quarterly

Meet Vincent RuggioAPMM’s Youngest MemberContributor: Julie Chen, newsletter editor

When we heard that we had a new member and he

was ten years old, many of us were curious to know

how Vincent got his start and eventually found

APMM.

My husband and I arrived at the Ruggio household

in small-town Manlius, NY, outside of Syracuse. We

were greeted by Vincent’s parents, Jim and

Michelle. As Vincent’s homeschool teacher,

Michelle had a lot to say about Vincent, filled with

enthusiasm for his potential. We were escorted to

the basement that serves as school and workshop

for Vincent.

The room had two long plastic tables, about three

by six feet each, completely covered with Vincent’s

work: handmade paper models of buildings. As a

model maker, you may first think, “I could have

done that when I was young.” But looking closer,

and realizing how much personal discipline it would

have taken at the age of ten, it’s clear how

impressive it is.

The collection was a mélange of pieces modeled

after real buildings, while some were original

designs. For existing structures, Vincent and his

mom go online and download drawings for paper

kits. For his own designs, he determines scale on

his own. He focuses on the skins and shapes, but is

still struggling understanding structure as he tells

me that his models need frequent repair from

leaning.

It’s clear even before asking, that skyscrapers are

Vincent’s favorite subjects. They allure him because

of their iconic and monumental imagery.

Under the table was a Lego block neighborhood.

Vincent explained that it was a work in progress,

and that he was planning to make stop-animation

movies, and had several concepts in mind. At one

point in our talk, he describes his fascination with

buildings. He is affected by buildings and their

facades, mostly by what he sees in entertainment

media, like movies and television. He described

how he felt movies often neglect buildings; They

fade into the background, blurry. He wishes they

played a more prominent part in visual media.

p.4

Favorite Model Type: Skyscrapers

Favorite Material: Paper

Favorite Adhesive: Tape

Favorite City ever visited: Toronto, ON

Most Desired City to Visit: Los Angeles, CA

ABOVE: Vincent at an exhibit. Photo courtesy of

monarchrock.tripod.com

BELOW: Vincent’s Lego movie project.

SUMMER 2009APMM QuarterlyMeet Vincent Ruggio (continued)

The Road AheadVincent has already exhibited his work in venues

since age five. However, among many things,

Vincent wants most to become an architect. Like

most architectural designers and model makers, he

had an early fascination to play with Legos and

building blocks.

Unfortunately, attempts to find Vincent a mentor

have not been very fruitful. To keep Vincent ahead

of the curve, Michelle has been contacting local

architects, draftspersons, and architectural schools

in search of a program. Not many people are

interested in mentoring a pre-teen, and pre-college

programs are geared towards high-school juniors

and seniors. She signed Vincent up for APMM to

increase their network and learn more about

making models.

LEFT: The Ruggio Family, Michelle Jim, and son Vincent

ABOVE:-RIGHT: Models at home.

LOWER-RIGHT: Photo courtesy of monarchrock.tripod.com

For anyone in the Manlius or Syracus, NY area

interested in mentoring Vincent, please contact

Michelle Ruggio, mamapeapod@aol.com. They also

keep a website about his work and homeschooling,

http://monarchrock.tripod.com/.

SUMMER 2009APMM Quarterly

Contributor: Mike Mikottis

CTC Sales Manager, Opticote, Inc.

The nanotechnology known as “thin film” can

produce the most brilliantly shiny finishes

imaginable, but success depends on applying the

coating over a smooth, clean surface. Here are

some helpful ideas and tips, along with background

on the technology itself.

What do the phrases “metal-looking plastic”, “super

shiny”, “super transparent”, “true mirror” and

“dielectric color” all have in common? These terms

all describe the cool visual effects that thin film

coatings make possible on the components of

appearance models and physical prototypes.

Whether the purpose is to duplicate the use of thin

film in the actual end product, to create the look of

metal on a plastic part, or to enhance the glossy

brilliance of a finish, thin film coatings are an

indispensable tool for the model maker and the

prototype builder seeking the highest levels of

accuracy and shine. Obtaining the best possible

results does require some care: proper preparation

and handling of parts before coating is the key.

First, a little about the technology itself.

What Is Thin Film?Thin Film is a nanotechnology used to create

coatings comprised of extremely thin and very pure

layers of desired materials deposited onto a target

Tips For Obtaining Brilliantly Shiny Thin Film Finishes

p.6

substrate. Thin film is so thin that it is measured in

nanometers- a million nanometers fit in a millimeter.

Thin film coatings that are thinner than the

wavelengths of visible light are common- in fact the

interesting and useful optical effects thin film

coatings are known for depend on it.

With metals like aluminum, chrome, silver or gold it

is possible to create highly reflective metal mirrors.

With specially designed “interference” coatings

consisting of transparent materials it is possible to

create non-metallic mirrors and colored effects. By

combining these ideas, colored metallic mirrors are

possible. And by additional means such as applying

metal materials in layers so thin as to be translucent

and using various colors/textures of substrates

even more visual effect possibilities emerge.

Clean and Smooth Is The KeyAlthough thin film can be used to create dull metal

and other effects, by far the most popular

decorative use is to create superior reflection-

whether as a plain (or colored) metallic looking

mirror, as polished metal, or as clear (or colored)

super gloss. For these most shiny of all finishes, the

two critical keys are to start with a very smooth

substrate, and to keep it as clean as possible prior

to coating.

SUMMER 2009APMM QuarterlyObtaining Brilliant Shine (continued)

Start Smooth, Or Get SmoothSmoothness is related to the flatness of a material

at the smallest scales. It can be achieved through

manufacturing processes such as molding or

blowing of thermoplastic/glass materials, and by

post-processing such as by mechanical polishing,

topcoats, surface re-flowing, and so on.

Simply put: the smoother, the better. Surface

imperfections become more noticeable under

mirror-like coatings- even microscopic surface

scratches can “telegraph” through a finish. Rather

than relying too much on hand polishing, whenever

possible start with a finely molded or blown part, or

use non-mechanical polishing techniques such as

chemical vapor or heat, or apply an imperfection

covering topcoat.

Start Clean, Or Make CleanEven small surface contaminations are potential

problems because thin film coatings are so

extremely thin. A fingerprint is more than enough to

compromise a finish. Grabbing a part on the edge is

not adequate for avoiding contamination; there can

be enough surface contact to allow migration of oils

to the front surface. But the good news is that

avoiding contamination is often not difficult, and

cleaning is usually possible.

When possible the best approach is to start with a

very clean part and to take the necessary effort to

keep it clean. Wear clean, soft gloves, such as a

jeweler's glove, when handling parts. Take care not

to speak over a part unless wearing a mask- even

the act of normal speaking can launch enough

saliva into the air to cause problems. But there are

always those times when the realities of work flow

dictate the need for cleaning just prior to coating.

You can either do this cleaning yourself, or rely on

your thin film coating provider to exercise their

cleaning experience, processes, and techniques.

But be aware that in some situations vigorous

cleaning may not be possible- such as on parts

having delicate decorative work or masking in

place.

Cleaning approaches should be chosen based on

compatibility with the rest of the materials

comprising the part, and evaluated on a case-by-

case basis. Testing should be done on non-

conspicuous areas or on scraps. Two very popular

and successful possible cleaning agents are

isopropyl alcohol, and mild detergent and water. But

avoid scented detergents- these contain oils.

Using microfiber cloth can help avoid introducing

scratches in softer materials. Cotton swabs are

often another helpful tool. Bottom line: use the least

abrasive tools you can, the most gentle solvents,

and least amount of force necessary to get the job

done.

Stay CleanOnce clean parts are obtained it is usually a simple

matter to keep them that way. Two of the easiest

yet very effective approaches are to wrap parts in

non-scratching optical paper, or to simply slip them

into poly-bags.

p.7

Metalized fobs

SUMMER 2009APMM QuarterlyObtaining Brilliant Shine (continued)

Summary of Tips For Making Thin

Film Coatings Shine:

Start with a smooth substrate, or

be prepared to make it smooth

Start with a clean substrate, and

take pains to keep it clean

Package those smooth, clean parts

to keep them smooth and clean

Do these things, work with an experienced thin film

provider, and you will be well on your way to

brilliant, highly reflective finishes. If you have any

questions on how to prepare parts for coating, or if

you would like to receive a detailed outline

Preparing Parts For Thin Film Coating, please

contact:

Mike Mikottis

CTC Sales Manager, Opticote, Inc.

CTCsales@opticote.com 847-678-8900 x-118

About Opticote

Opticote, Inc. has been a contract provider of thin

film coatings on plastic, glass, and metal in a wide

variety of applications for nearly 40 years. Thin film

is a nanotechnology where extremely thin layers

(measured in nanometers) of pure substances are

deposited on the target in a vacuum chamber.

Coatings employing this technology produce

amazing results- such as altering the way light

behaves to produce various useful optical and

decorative effects, conductive and non-conductive

coatings, and other novel effects such as

transparent conductive coatings and non-

conductive metallic looking coatings. Thin film is

used in diverse products including prescription eye

wear and fashion sunglasses, consumer

electronics, medical, aerospace, defense, lasers,

industrial optics, art glass, and jewelry.

p.8

Black chrome over wood

SUMMER 2009APMM Quarterly

Book Review: "A Beginner's Guide to Creative Effects for your Model Railroad”Contributor: Dennis Heinzeroth, APMM Member

It's not often that you get more than you expected

to, but somehow author Paul M. Newitt has

managed to proverbially cram 10 lbs. of information

into a 1.5 lb book. There is a vast wealth of creative

knowledge contained within its covers. Over 500

photos and illustrations populate its pages, but don't

let that fool you, this book is heavy on text as well.

To quote the book, “The primary goal of this book is

to provide you with easy-to-follow information and

techniques that will give you the confidence to

explore the fun with imagination in model

railroading.”

The first chapter to the last page can be summed

up with these two quotes: “This is designed to help

anyone who has felt intimidated by electrical or

mechanical projects, and learn how to make these

items not only work, but work together.” and “This

book concludes with a comprehensive index and

source guide.” This manual delivers on its

promises.

Ten chapters cover all areas of adding animation to

a model railroad layout, but obviously these ideas

can be adopted and adapted to the needs of the

professional model maker. I recall seeing questions

that have been asked on the M.I.L.E. about adding

that extra “something” to a project that are covered

by the information inside this book.

If you find yourself needing to create moving water

with polarized animation, adding some form of

mechanical animation to a model, or need a primer

on using electroluminescent, LED or fiber optic

lighting effects, this is one book you may want to

take a look at.

p.9

Chapters include:

1. Electrical Primer

2. Wiring Techniques

3. Lighting Techniques

4. Track Effects

5. Animation Effects

6. Sound Effects

7. Scenery Effects

8. Theatrical Effects

9. Effects Operations

10. Source Guide

Each topic is explained in detail and further

enhanced by the numerous photos that are also

captioned with in-depth explanations.

Title: "A Beginner's Guide to Creative Effects for Your Model Railroad”

Author: Paul M. Newitt

Publisher: J-T Publishing

ISBN: 0-9760864-0-9

Pub. Date: June 2005

SUMMER 2009APMM Quarterly

Tidbits: Miscellany

The Status of Rapid Prototyping by Plastics Technology: http://www.ptonline.com/articles/200903fa1.html

Largest model railroad in the world: http://dvice.com/archives/2009/03/astonishing_mos.php

Anyone have a light? http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_3402394.html

Flight test videos of Terrafugia Flying Car prototypes: http://www.terrafugia.com/videogallery.html

Alion to support ARDEC's Rapid Response, Rapid Prototype Technology Initiative: http://www.upi.com/Security_Industry/2009/07/30/Alion-to-

support-ARDEC-initiative/UPI-72221248979565/

Rapid-prototyping technologies in fine art jewelry: http://www.themonitor.com/entertainment/stc-

29060-worlds-connects.html

Making of a Horse Model http://www.hockleystudios.com/making-horse-model.html

p.10

Modeler’s Goose Rhyme

Fabricate, fabricate, Modeler's plan:

Make you a thing as fast as I can!

Mold it, cast it, paint it for a fee,

then put it in a crate for express delivery.

-Dennis Heinzeroth

APMM Member

Solar Powered Moon Rover Prototype http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/22/solar-powered-rover-

will-explore-apollo-moon-landing-site/

3D Printing, Now in Stainless Steel http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2009-08/3-d-printing-

now-stainless-steel

SUMMER 2009APMM Quarterly

Employment Listings

Newsletter Article and Advertisement Submissions

Article submissions by members are more than welcome and can be made at any

time to Julie Chen, julie_chen@modelmakers.org. Articles may be postponed to

later issues, due to limited space, or subject relevance.

Interested in advertising? Please contact Samanthi Martinez for more info:

samanthi_martinez@modelmakers.org

p.11

Model Shop Manager/Model Maker

Impressive Prototypes

CAD/Illustrator/Researcher

PRRP Proto-Models

Prototyper

Gravity Tank, Inc.

Senior Model Maker

Yeh IDeology recruiters

Copyright 1997-2009, Association of Professional Model Makers, All Rights Reserved.

P.O. Box 165 * Hamilton, NY 13346

Toll-Free Phone: 877.663.APMM (2766) * Fax: 877.765.6950 * Contact Us

All listings above with descriptions can be found on

www.modelmakers.org by logging into your

account and navigating to Forums > Employment

Opportunities in the right menu bar, or by going to

the following URL:

http://web.memberclicks.com/mc/page.do?sitePageId=77492&orgId=apmm

Both employment listings AND resumes can be posted there as well!