Light for Modellers

Whether in a technical modelling workshop or a hobby workshop, the right light is a crucial component for modellers to create detailed illustrative models, in addition to craftsmanship. Natural daylight is highly dependent on the weather and time of day, and general room lighting is usually insufficient to illuminate the model-making workshop adequately. For example, you may not see details well and, mainly when colouring, the colour of a model painted the day before may suddenly look completely different the next day. Consequently, you need the additional light that can move directly onto the model. Here, however, significant differences become apparent, especially in the quality of the lamp. Too high luminance, incorrect illuminance and too low colour rendering strain our eyes and cause serious health complaints. Although many luminaires have excellent lighting properties, they are rigid and laboriously redirected to the object each time. It is, therefore, crucial to know what to look for in lighting for the modelling workshop. On the following page, we would like to give you an overview of the most important properties for healthy light at model builders’ workplace and help you choose a suitable luminaire.

The right illuminance is an essential factor for the lighting of model making workplaces. Unlike office workplaces’ lighting, where an illuminance of 500 lux is sufficient, at least 1500 lux is required for the delicate work in model making. We recommend an illuminance of at least 2800 lux for detailed observation in model making, which exceeds the DIN standard’s guideline value. In rooms with dark walls and little daylight, we recommend an illuminance of 3300 lux or more. When working on the minor units, high colour rendering (at least CRI > 80) and the best light quality must recognise contours accurately. When painting or decorating models in detail and checking colours, the light should have a very high colour rendering (CRI > 90) and the light colour daylight (> 5300 Kelvin) to perceive colours correctly.

The flexibility of the lamp plays an essential role in the model shop. Many conventional lights are bulky, get in the way, or often adjust to the desired position due to the stiff lamp arm. Therefore, look for an ergonomic design and flexible articulated arm technology that makes it easy to move the lamp to the desired position. If magnification is desired and illuminated, a ring magnifier light is a good choice, allowing the modeller to have both hands free to work.

Glare is a particular problem when working with shiny materials such as metals and can cause irritation and distorted perception. However, glare can easily avoid by providing optimum glare protection and suitable integration of the luminaire in the model workshop.

Our luminaires offer lighting solutions that have been specially developed for the requirements of a model workshop. The lighting can deliberately adapt to their workbench due to various articulated flex arm and magnifier luminaires. We rely on the latest LED technology and ergonomic design to meet model makers’ requirements for a high level of visual comfort in terms of light and flexibility. When developing our RMD workplace lights, we always make sure that the minimum standards for the lighting of model making workshops are met to the best possible extent to create the conditions for effortless and error-free work.