DIE CUTTERS are normally used to manufacture card packaging. However, they can also be used to manufacture shapes / nets / developments from stronger materials. These include materials normally used for models. The manufacturing techniques for the model aeroplane is exactly the same whether it is made from balsa wood or polystyrene (Depron or Zepron)

INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES

Model gliders / aeroplanes (balsa wood / polystyrene) are usually manufactured using a steel die cutting machine.

A sheet of thin balsa wood or polystyrene is placed on the machine table and the die cutter ‘stamps’ out the shape and the material is then removed.

When the balsa wood is removed - the wing, tail and fuselage can be pushed out of the balsa wood / polystyrene.