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“Computers tend to have a more single-user workflow, where clay models tend to be much more collaborative,” VandenBrink elaborates.
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When a design is still fluid, clay allows immediate reviews and feedback so necessary for working in a collaborative atmosphere.”įord annually forms some 200,000 pounds of clay into hands-on prototypes. We are constantly being influenced by new technologies, but when we want to view physical properties early in the process, we still turn to clay. Others are better if they are done with clay. “Some things are better if they are done digitally. “The pendulum has swung back and settled into a hybrid of digital and clay modeling,” says Ford modeling manager Lloyd VandenBrink.
![clay car body design clay car body design](https://www.carbodydesign.com/media/2016/06/Car-Design-at-SEAT-Full-size-clay-model.jpg)
Ford currently employs between 100 and 200 modelers, including both physical and digital modeling pros. In Michigan alone GM hires at least 20 clay and digital sculptors each year. design studio and several other facilities around the world. along with additional skilled personnel at its North Hollywood, Calif. General Motors employs about 400 clay and digital sculptors at its technical center in Warren, Mich. “A finished clay model can be painted or covered in a vinyl film to give the appearance of a finished product, and clay models are also used by the OEMs for wind tunnel studies and real-time surface changes to improve aerodynamics.” These changes can be captured with a scanning device and quickly fed back to the computer to be implemented or studied,” he says.
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“Clay can be easily modified or used to create an alternative design solution. “It can be used as a model to pull a mold from for fabricating a composite hard part,” says Trostle. A sense of aesthetics, scale and surface development are very important.”Ĭlay modeling perfects appearance-related items such as exterior fascias, spoilers, air intakes, splitters, lower body add-ons and certain interior components like center consoles and instrument panels. “Engineering knowledge is not as important. “Many younger clay modelers are also being trained in digital sculpting and clay mill programming as the need continues to grow.”Ī good candidate for clay training is “an individual who can visualize in 3-dimension, understands surface development, and has an ability to interpret a 2D sketch or rendering into 3D,” he reports. Many design schools that teach industrial/automotive design also offer specific clay modeling programs,” says Roush’s Trostle. “The automotive design studios will continue to have a need for talented clay modelers. Skilled modelers are coveted by automotive design managers, and they can move around the world taking on specialized projects. Nissan and Aston Martin are among the automakers offering in-house apprenticeship programs. Globally at least 25 universities, colleges and trade schools offer instruction in auto clay modeling and the related engineering skills. An auto clay modeler’s annual salary averages $81,474 in the U.S., with some pulling in nearly $140,000 per year. With many experienced clay modelers now nearing retirement age, steady hands and a bit of artistic talent – combined with the proper training – can lead to a lucrative creative career. (AVI) Conference and signing autographs at Bartec’s AAPEX booth. Giuliano Zuccato, one of six clay design modelers who took part in crafting the original 1964 Mustang, attracted a lot of attention and inspiration in Las Vegas this past fall, giving a keynote address at the Audio-Video Inc. Everyone in the industry wants to see what a design looks like in 3D before signing off on it.” “That’s a misconception that a lot of people have,” sasys Mark Trostle, chief of automotive design at Roush Industries. Getting your hands dirty during the automotive design stage may not seem like a likely occurrence, yet it remains quite common as clay modelers continue to ply their art form despite ongoing advances in computerized engineering technology.