Model Making Guides

4D Services

Bespoke Model Trees

This information sheet outlines 4D Modelshop’s bespoke tree-making service, offering custom-built scenic trees tailored to a client’s exact specifications. It highlights the workshop’s ability to match foliage colours, replicate species-specific or stylised forms, and produce trees in a wide range of sizes and finishes, supported by nearly 3,000 configurable options through the Build-a-Tree online tool. The document explains the ordering process, required client information, lead times, and sample production, emphasising close collaboration to ensure accurate, high-quality results for architectural, modelmaking, and scenic projects.

4D Services

Dry Transfer Service

This information sheet outlines 4D Modelshop’s bespoke dry transfer production service, offering single-colour, multi-colour, and metallic finishes with high or low tack adhesives. It explains how to prepare and supply artwork, including colour references and separation requirements, and describes the approval process for artwork created in-house. The guide also details pricing considerations and typical applications—from product design and branding to architectural model detailing and hobby modelling—highlighting the service’s flexibility and precision.

4D Services

Laser Cutting and Engraving Service

This information sheet outlines 4D Modelshop’s laser cutting and engraving services, detailing their cutting capacity, supported materials, and artwork requirements. It explains that the laser can cut acrylics, wood, card and fabrics up to 15 mm thick, engrave at up to 1000 dpi, and mark cylindrical objects using a rotary attachment. Artwork preparation guidelines, including accepted file formats and colour-coded line conventions for cutting, scribing and engraving, are provided. The sheet also highlights related services such as metal laser marking, stencil cutting, and acid etching, offering a versatile solution for bespoke modelmaking, prototyping, signage and decorative projects.

4D Services

Photo Etching Service

This guide outlines 4D Modelshop’s photo etching service, which reproduces customer artwork in brass, copper or nickel silver with precision-cut or half-etched detailing. It explains artwork preparation requirements, including file formats, line weights and colour coding for different etch depths, as well as notes on scaling and font handling. The document introduces the workshop’s controlled etching technique, enabling finer detail and reduced over-etching even on thicker metals, and describes options for in-filling half-etched areas. A summary of available metal thicknesses, achievable tolerances and maximum sheet sizes helps users plan their project, while contact details are provided for technical advice and bespoke support.

4D Services

Services Overview

This guide provides an overview of 4D Modelshop’s on-site workshop services, which include photo etching, dry transfers, laser cutting and engraving, vinyl cutting, resin and metal casting, bespoke tree making, in-filling, and professional artwork support. These services can be combined within a single project, enabling complex commissions such as engraved awards or laser-cut components fitted with etched detailing. Known for fast turnaround and high-quality results, the workshop team work closely with clients to meet exact specifications. Visitors can also see the facilities in action during monthly Workshop Insight Sessions.