Long March 5 Rocket Model Production
——A Special Case Study from a Space Technology Model Factory
I. Project Background
Commissioned by the National Space Museum, our factory undertook the task of producing a model of the Long March 5 rocket for exhibition. The model needed to achieve 90% structural fidelity, with a focus on showcasing the rocket body's structural features and surface details. As a science popularisation exhibit, it also needed to have the durability required for long-term display.
II. Core Manufacturing Processes
Frame Formation
The main rocket body is made of aerospace-grade aluminium alloy spun into shape. A CNC machine is used to process a core stage cylinder segment with a diameter of 1.2 metres, with a wall thickness controlled at 3mm to ensure strength.
The booster connection rings are made of 304 stainless steel laser-cut and seamlessly welded using argon arc welding.
The fairing inner lining is made of ABS engineering plastic injection moulding, with an outer layer of 0.8 mm aerospace-grade aluminium foil stamped into shape.
Surface Texture Shaping
Industrial-grade 3D scanners are used to obtain real rocket data, and CNC machining is employed to carve heat-resistant tile groove textures.
The rocket body welds use micron-level silicone transfer technology to replicate real weld marks
Oxidiser pipes and other small structures are made using photopolymerisation 3D printing followed by electrolytic polishing
Multi-colour spraying process
Primer layer: epoxy resin primer + 1200-grit water sanding to ensure a perfectly flat surface
Main colour coating:
White arrow body sections use polyurethane automotive paint (colour code RAL9010)
Blue logo areas use masking spray coating technology, with edge precision of 0.3mm
Weathering treatment: High-temperature oxidation gradient effects are sprayed on the engine nozzle
III. Special detail processing
Movable Structure:
The satellite mount is designed as a magnetic, removable structure, and the fairing can be manually opened and closed
Lighting System:
The arrow body is equipped with an LED matrix, which simulates the engine exhaust effect through fibre optic light guidance
Identification Reproduction:
All technical identifications, including hazard warnings and payload numbers, are reproduced using screen printing.
