A physical model is an accurate scale representation of the actual 3D structure of a molecule. It is based on the atomic coordinates of the molecule as determined by X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, or other experimental method.

We design and build physical models of all types of molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, small molecules, and macromolecular complexes, and in a variety of formats, including ball-and-stick, spacefilling, wireframe, backbone, and more.

Constructing a physical 3D model is accomplished through our partnership with 3D Molecular Designs. molvisions designs the model using 3D computer visualization software. 3D Molecular Designs builds the model, based on our design, using a process called rapid prototyping. The result is a scientifically accurate physical model, professionally designed and built to your exact specifications. top

Physical 3D models have been used successfully in many contexts:

• As research tools.
  The atomic-level accuracy of our models makes them excellent tools for illustrating important structure-function relationships. They have been used everywhere from lab and departmental meetings to informal group discussions.
• For sales representatives.
  Physical models make excellent tools for sales representatives, especially when marketing new drugs or products to medical professionals. They can give your company the extra sales impact necessary in a competitive environment.
• For investors.
  Physical models can dramatically improve understanding of your research goals and results, especially for investors who may be far removed from the research lab.
• As part of media and educational packages.
  The relationship between structure and function is a central concept in drug design, and biology in general, but can be difficult to convey with traditional teaching tools. Physical models provide a way for students to quickly grasp and internalize this concept through combined visual and tactile learning.
• As gifts and honoraria.
  Each physical model is unique and always a conversation piece. They make wonderful gifts for professors and researchers, honoraria for seminar speakers or visiting scientists, and more. Unlike many gifts, the uniqueness of a physical model provides a very personal and memorable touch.
• In research and office spaces.
  Physical models mirror the molecules they represent; not only are they scientifically useful, but each is a work of art in its own right. They make beautiful and relevant additions to research lab or office space.

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The exact dimensions of each physical model will vary, depending on the shape of the molecule. As a result, we commonly describe the size of a model in terms of the 3D cube that it occupies.

Most models fall in the range of 4-7 cubic in. (10-18 cubic cm). The smallest useful models are generally 2-3 cubic in. (5-7 cubic cm). We have built models as large as 12 cubic in. (30 cubic cm).

As a general rule, the price of a physical model increases with its size and the complexity of its design. We find that most models cost in the range of $500-$1500 USD; however, this is just a rough observation. Our cost calculations are based on a number of things that vary from model to model; therefore, it is difficult to provide a more accurate price scale until we see the design specifications for your particular model.

You can see prices for existing custom models by visiting the Model Gallery at 3D Molecular Designs. Please note, however, that new designs are more expensive than existing models, to account for the design time required.

We are able to offer slight discounts for academic labs and for bulk orders; please contact us for details. top

You can obtain a physical model in one of two ways:

1. To purchase an existing model, browse the 3D Molecular Designs Model Gallery or visit the 3D Molecular Designs Web site;
2. To design a custom model, contact molvisions to request an initial design and price quote.

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Physical models are based on actual 3D molecular structure files (e.g., from the Protein Data Bank). When you request a quote for a physical model, we ask that you identify your desired structure in one of three ways:

• choose one from our list of several common structures;
• send us the four-letter PDB ID code for a particular structure;
• send us the structure file itself.

When we receive your request at molvisions, we first produce an initial draft of a design and send it to you, along with a price quote and other customer information. If you decide to build the model, we work closely with you to produce a final design that reflects your exact specifications.

If you are unable to submit a 3D structure file, for example to protect sensitive company information, we ask that you identify a closely related structure that we can access. We use that as a basis for the initial design draft and price quote. If you then decide to build a model based on your non-public 3D structure, we offer several secure design options including, for customers in the Research Triangle Park area, on-site design. top

We submit your final design to 3D Molecular Designs, and they build the physical model at the Center for Biomolecular Modeling. Two different methods are used for custom models, depending on your design specifications:

• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), to build models out of plastic-based resins (nylon);
• Z Corporation Color Printing (ZCM), to build models out of plaster.

Once it is built, 3D Molecular Designs ships your physical model directly to you. top

molvisions is an authorized custom model designer for 3D Molecular Designs, the company that actually builds the models. We use computer-aided design software, specialized for 3D molecular structures, to provide each customer with a physical model that meets their specifications and exceeds their expectations.

molvisions is located in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, approximately 20 minutes northeast of the Research Triangle Park and Duke University. For companies and researchers in the RTP area, we offer on-site design services; more information is available if you are interested in this service. top

3D Molecular Designs builds the custom physical models that we design. They also offer many other physical 3D model products, including a Water Kit, a DNA Kit, and more. Visit their Web site to lean more, or order other 3D Molecular Designs products.

The company is located in Milwaukee, WI, adjunct to the Milwaukee School of Engineering and associated with the Center for Biomolecular Modeling. top