FUTURE JOBS READERS Level 2-⑤ Digital Modelers

What is a model and why are they useful? Where can people see models? The Use of Models What is a model and why are they useful? A 3D model A model is a 3D image of what an object will look like in real life. It can show what to change or improve to make the design better. A model of a house A model of an apartment building A dentist with a 3D model Where can people see models? A dentist might use a model to show you how to brush your teeth correctly. Or maybe you have even seen a model of a house before the house is built.

Working with a 3D printer The Job of a Modeler What is a modeler? A 3D model of a car A modeler is a person who makes models. He or she converts an idea into a real object. Working with a 3D printer

How to Become a Modeler Do modelers need to get a university degree? Yes, in general, most modelers must have a university degree. What kind of degree do they get? Modelers can get different kinds of degrees. It depends on what type of field the modeler wants to work in. Some may study design. Some may study architecture. Some might study science.

Software for Modelers Using a software program A program that helped to design a car Do modelers who work with computers need to know how to write software? No, they don’t. These days, software programs make modeling easier, but modelers do not need to know how to make software programs. They need to know how the software program works and how to use it to make models.

Isn’t making models a kind of natural skill, like making art? Modeler's Efforts Practice, practice, practice Isn’t making models a kind of natural skill, like making art? Training with new software No, it isn’t. Many people think modeling is a natural skill. But modelers need to practice modeling in order to get better. On top of experience, modelers will always need to take classes and get further training to keep up with advancements in technology.

What do different kinds of modelers do? Modelers at Work What do different kinds of modelers do? A biological modeler is someone who makes models of body parts. He or she may work with a doctor, dentist, or other medical professional. An architectural modeler works with an architect to create models of buildings. The architect will give the modeler a rough sketch of the building. Then the architect and modeler will discuss the design and plan how to make the model. Other kinds of modelers work on teams at companies. The companies might make anything from candy to toys to shoes. Modelers are needed for anything that requires a design process. 3D printed shoes 3D models of a nose and ear 3D printed toys A model of a heart A architectural model

What do modelers use to make their models? How does 3D printing work? A modeler working with clay What do modelers use to make their models? Once the design is set, the modeler will use a variety of materials and tools to create the model. In the past, modelers used clay, plastic, wood, and metal to create models. Today, they can use 3D printing. A model created on a 3D printer A 3D printer and a computer How does 3D printing work? With 3D printing, a modeler can use CAD software to design the model to “print” as an object. Instead of ink, the 3D printer uses a material like plastic for printing. It builds the object layer by layer from bottom to top until the object is finished.

How has 3D printing changed the work of modelers? Looking to the Future Sketching on a computer Sketching by hand How has 3D printing changed the work of modelers? With 3D printing, things that needed to be done by hand in the past are now automated. Therefore, a modeler can produce better quality work in less time.

Vocabulary advancement n. automate v. the process of helping something to make progress or succeed automate v. to use machines and computers instead of people to do a job or task

Vocabulary biological adj. clay n. connected with the science of plants and animals clay n. a type of heavy, sticky earth that becomes hard when it is baked

Vocabulary layer n. material n. a level of material covering something the substance of which something is made

Vocabulary metal n. technology n. a substance like gold, silver, iron, copper, etc. technology n. the study and knowledge of scientific discoveries