Engine model manufacturer

Project Background and Process Overview

This case study showcases the model-making process for a custom model commissioned by an aviation museum from a precision model factory. A hybrid process combining ‘prototype scanning + manual refinement’ was employed to ensure a 92% accuracy in reproducing the model's external features.

Core Production Process

1. Material Selection Phase

Main Frame: Aerospace-grade aluminium alloy CNP-3 extrusions

Blade Assemblies: Glass-fibre reinforced nylon

Piping System: Hand-bent copper tubing

Connectors: 304 stainless steel miniature standard components

2. Precision Machining Stage  

Core casing processed using a five-axis CNC machining centre; each blade slot refined with a 0.2mm end mill  

Turbine disc undergoes dynamic balancing test (weight tolerance ±0.01g)  

Flame tube cast using the lost-wax method, with casting texture retained on inner walls

3. Surface Treatment Process

Pre-treatment: Sandblasting of the entire component → Chemical nickel plating → Masking and spraying

Colour scheme:

Compressor section: Matte titanium colour

Combustion chamber section: Gradient blue burn effect

Piping system: Phosphating treatment + matte clear coat

Aging treatment:

High-temperature oxidation effect on turbine blade edges

Brown stain solution applied to bolt joints

4. Final assembly quality inspection standards

Establish a 3D scanning comparison system

Moving component testing

Lighting system simulation