We are expert model makers providing a workshop and studio service for designers and creative thinkers. Human Dynamo's have the skills and facilities to transform the sketchiest idea into a physical reality... We Make It.
Most of the product we manufacture is unique, so the process is too. The plant is housed in two neighbouring industrial units, located in Park Road Miramar, Wellington. The heart of New Zealand's film industry. The 500 sq/m space is divided into the several workshop areas and studios. Listed below.
General services:
Model making - all scales
Fabrication
Concept Development
Design - Industrial
Laser Cutting
CNC Router Cutting
Vacuum forming
Paint Finishing
Digital 3D file creation
Mould Making
Casting
Sculpting
Woodwork
Metalwork
Prototypes
Test samples
Replicas
One offs
Mechanisms
Low run manufacture
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Film:
Art Department workshop
Miniatures
Props
Special effects
Visual effects
Costumes
Sets - fit outs
CNC Router Cutting
Exhibition and Display:
Installations
Interactive Displays
Mannequins
Animated Displays
Sculptures
Scale Models
Fine Art Installations
Display cabinets
Frames or panels
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Advertising
Promotional Displays
Still Photography setups
Commercials - see film
3 D Billboards
Signage - special features
Vehicle - special transformations
Museum:
Dioramas
Specimen models
Scale models
Educational Displays
Replica mouldings
Animatronics
Architecture:
Architectural models
Topographical models
Miniature trees |
CNC Router Cutters
Two router cutting machines are fully programmable to output 2D profile cutting and routing - milling 3D forms.
As a profile cutter these machines can replace a band or bench saw, producing very accurate and mass produced pieces.
These Three Axis Router Machines have working sizes of:
2500L x 1300W x 200H mm
3000L x 1500W x 200H mm
We offer creation of files services or can translate existing digital files.
Our standard in house software is Rhino 4 which will interpret most 3D files.
The majority of film-set components for the movie ‘AVATAR’, shot in Miramar Studios, were produced on our router cutters. We interpreted the 3D files supplied from the designers, to create the many different film set components for the movie. The CNC's cut very quickly, accurately and economically.
Laser Cutter and Digital Suite
Our laser cutter, a Universal is a valuable and versatile tool for modelmaking. Used for fine detail and repetitive cutting. For Architectural models we can work off the architects Auto CAD plans, creating cutting files to laser cut the various components for a model building. Wonderful for providing detailing and any textures required. Also used in the creation of many film props and some costume work. But has many other uses.
Associated with the Laser cutter are several computer workstations. We strive to keep up with any digital advancements relevant to modelmaking. Primarily we use Rhino 4, Corel draw, Auto Cad, Illustrator and Photoshop. We can break down and create cut files from most design files.
Woodwork Manufacture and Fabrication
This is our largest area fitted with standard workshop equipment and tools including bench saw, sanders, band saws and drills etc. This facility fulfills a wide range of job requirements, fabrication or part components. Cabinetry is often required for display. Other items include, supports for architectural models, despatch cases or film set components or props.
Much of the profile cutting is now done on the CNC router cutters, from digital plan files and assembled. Human Dynamo designers can create the cut files or work of supplied information.
Vacuum forming
Vacuum forming is also a service we offer. Our larger machine has a usable platen size of 1200 x 600 mm. Also a smaller machine which is efficient for smaller forms.
Metalwork
We use this area for light engineering. Rigs and armatures are also produced here.
Concept and Design
Concept development of any design problem. Human Dynamo's industrial designers and artists can visualize, digitize and refine any brief.
Sculpting Studio
We offer full sculptural services.
Some jobs require the talents of an experienced sculptor. For example specimen models of animals. The job process usual starts with gathering reference images then sketching and drawing to understand and plan the piece requested. A sculpting material is decided on, polystyrene and industrial modelling pastercines are common. But others can be used. An armature to support the sculpt is considered and built if required. A smaller preliminary maquette model is oftern completed before the master is begun. The sculpt is then executed. A process of constant looking and checking, measuring and shaping. The Human Dynamo artist/s have generated the finished master sculpture.
Most often this master requires a moulding and casting process to convert it into it's final material. it is then sanded and painted.
Moulding and Casting Area
We can create moulds in a range of materials including silicone, plaster and fibreglass. Casting can be taken out of the mouldings, again using a wide range of resins and casting materials. Varying run sizes, from on offs to many multiples.
Rob Uivel in particular is highly skilled in moulding technics and has a large knowledge base of manufacture processes and materials.
Clay and Plaster
Ceramic work can be produced in the kiln we have in this area. We have a Jigger and a Jolly machine for the production of cups and plates
Paint Shop
Fitted with an extraction spray booth to extract over spray and fumes. Tools include a range of spray guns and airbrushes. Along with a store of paints. This is usually the end of the production line for many models. Some jobs require special textures, delicate detailing or ageing effects. Human Dynamo artists have the creative skills for any paint finish.
People
Last but not least are the Human Dynamos themselves, they are the special component that generates the power to make your job happen.
Founding Director, Rob Uivel has experience in the model making industry, that is second to none. Co-director Sue Dorrington is a talented artist. The staff they contract and employ are all creative individuals with particular talents and skills. All have ingenuity and motivation.
Whether you work in - Film - Advertising - Exhibition and Display - Museums or Architecture - we can create for your design concept - We Make It
