From our very first idea through to the final product, this is a long process that we would like you to share with us and you will be very proud to add our genuine models to your collection.
IXO PRODUCTION PROCESS
*** This is a copy from the IXO company statement of declaration which describe the commitment to quality production. The description describes the process for a die-cast car but applies equally to their aircraft line!
| History & Production |
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| When
we decided to create
ixo-MODELS,
our goal was to put together the most advanced manufacturing techniques,
the best die-cast model cars development and marketing experts under the
same brand.
From our very first idea through to the final product, this is a long process that we would like you to share with us and you will be very proud to add our genuine models to your collection.
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| The Project & The Tooling Process |
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| Our
Marketing people are real car enthusiasts ! They daily follow the car
industry and motor-sport actuality, they also keep track of all the car
models from different manufacturers, drivers for major racing teams and
the results of the most popular races.
Every year, very limited number of car models will be selected by our marketing team and to be reproduced in the ixo-MODELS range. The first step was to get granted with permission from the car manufacturer or the team owner and then to prepare all the documentation needed to reproduce the model (CAD computer data, factory drawings, photos, etc.). For the racing models, our own product-developing colleagues will attend the most prestigious races (such as Rally Monte Carlo or Le Mans 24 hours) or Car Shows to provide us with the necessary documentation. All these information are then distributed to Engineering Department where our team of sculptors will create the 3-dimensional model, Simultaneously, our Project Engineers will elaborate the computer drawings for all the different parts and tools. Once the model prototype and technical drawings are prepared, we shall start to work on the tools. Manufacturing die-cast model cars requires highly sophisticated steel tools. As different material will be used, we will require several tools.
ABS plastic accessories PVC rubber-type tyres Clear plastic windows The tooling process takes several months and only after numerous tests, the tools are finally approved and given to the Production Department. The metal body will be produced through a die-cast injection machine, where the melted zamak (zinc alloy) will be sent inside the mould at a temperature of 470s. These die-cast bodies will be trimmed and polished in a centrifugal drum containing ceramic stones. A similar process will be used to inject the plastic parts. Our PMC department carefully follows the production planning and schedule of each ixo-MODELS which each consists of the more than 50 different parts. Specific personnel has been arranged to follow up the schedule of the production of all different parts to ensure the assembly of ixo-MODELS to be on schedule. Most of these parts, including the plastic parts, are hand painted to give to the models the most sophisticated finish. The decoration techniques add to the racing cars even more realistic elements, which ixo-MODELS can claim to have the most advanced technology and expertise. Several techniques must be simultaneously used to guarantee an accurate decoration : |
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