TOMORROW – a startup developing weather forecasting technology, aimed at giving countries and organisations the information they need to prepare for the effects of weather and climate.
They asked us to produce a 3D printed satellite so they could show it at an exhibition.
The model was adapted for 3D printing and printed in MJF – powder printing – then went through various finishing steps and paint.

Why a software startup needs a physical model

Tomorrow develops weather forecasting technology – a product that is entirely data and algorithms. At an exhibition that is a problem: there is nothing to show. A satellite model gives the sales team an object to point at, and explains in a second exactly where in the data chain the company sits.

The technology

The model was adapted for printing – wall thicknesses, thin elements such as solar panels and antennas, and a split that allows assembly – and then printed in MJF in nylon powder. After printing it was cleaned, finished and painted in the company’s colours.

What decides the quality of an exhibition model

Thin elements – antennas and panels are the real test of the technology
Colour – the shade has to match the branding, not approximate it
Surviving transport – the model flies to the exhibition, it does not stay in the office

A similar project of your own?

Send us a file or a description of the problem and you will get a recommendation on technology, material and timescale – talk to an engineer. See more of our projects.