Introduction of Boat Model Building Material
Different materials have different characteristics, textures and attributes, and the processing methods are therefore different.
The boat model building materials are more abundant and modern.
In addition to wood, materials like plastics, acrylics, and metals that are difficult to cut by hand are commonly used.
If traditional boat model building materials are used, the model makers will usually make a model from clay or plaster (or using an existing model’s hull).
And then, they will create a negative mold from fiberglass or plaster.
The experienced boat model makers can even match the canvas work and upholstery, including deck furniture and toys.
In order to appropriately use materials, understanding of the type and characteristics of the distinguish material is required.
Here are several boat model building materials can be used.
Plastic
Plastics with different compositions and manufacturing processes may vary greatly in their properties and usages.
The polystyrene foam board is a hard foam plastic with low density, high performance after polishing and easy to cut.
It is high efficiency in making the hull of the boat and usually cut by electrically heated wire.
Polyhydrogen ester foam board and polymethyl methyl propionate plastic are constantly shown in the yacht model.
Generally speaking, the boat model is not made entirely of one material but requires different materials to make different parts.
Example of the detail of the boat model.
For example, the hull of model can be made of fiber reinforced plastics, while using the wooden material to make the interior skeleton.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Its high mechanical strength and stiffness, high corrosion resistance and low water absorption make it an excellent material.
ABS is a popular material for professional model makers since they can make a high quality boat model.
Also, it is malleable and easy processing, which is a great advantage in making curved surfaces and rounded corners.
Therefore, an excellent boat model can be produced even with only one kind of material.
For the upper cabin, ABS engineering plastic is used and then electroplates the railings and other small parts.
The container for the boat model is usually making with seamless acrylic material, which has high transparency and high strength.
In the painting process, piano lacquer is essential and used to create the noble and luxurious feeling for the model.
The so-called piano lacquer is a kind of high-gloss unsaturated polyester lacquer using a baking varnish process.
The piano lacquer is hard, wear-resistant and has good adhesion; the surface film is extremely shiny and has decorative effect.
Wood
Wood is a commonly used boat model building material in the production and different woods have distinct characteristics.
The wooden material has the characteristics of beautiful texture, hard to be deformed, easy to process, and certain elasticity.
Commonly used wood materials including the Paulownia, Pine, Basswood, Birch and Glued board.
Gypsum
Gypsum is a traditional material for making boat molds.
The raw gypsum becomes solid after adding water and dry, the amount of water determines the porosity and mechanical strength.
Gypsum has good plasticity, can be used to make irregular shapes; it is economical, and the processing method is simple.
Gypsum is a traditional material for making boat molds.
However, the gypsum material is brittle, which leads a low processing precision and difficult to make fine details.
Meanwhile, the surface of the gypsum boat model is rough and difficult to paint, both the organic coating and the inorganic material.
Bamboo
Bamboo is sometimes used for masts, railings, canopies, etc., adding the different texture to the yacht model.
Bamboo boat model
Metal
Metal material has the characteristics of high strength, the certain degree of plasticity and corrosion resistance.
The iron piece, copper sheets and the aluminum plate are frequently used metal materials.
They are ideal materials for making conductive contacts, switches, battery clips and governors.
The mental materials can also be used to make mechanical components on the boat model.
