On-Site Training Simulators, To Go

Real world training is so important to a product’s performance, longevity and operation. Without the proper tools to make something work correctly, time and money that could have been saved may fly out the window.

Training tools range from in-person classrooms to at-home virtual instruction and everything in between. Many times a simulation needs to be set up, whether with actual equipment or using virtual simulations, and every instance is unique.

In the above shown example, Honeywell came to CalCo with a need for an on-location demonstrator, inside a semi-portable carrying case for easy use during training, and easy storage all other times. By the end, the case was a working representation of a product group that works together in a building. A trainee could walk through the various instances and operations of each mode and test for proficiency.

The case was designed for strength and longevity with 2 wheels on one end and telescoping handle on the other. The removable face plate is texture painted aluminum diamond plate, and fabricated to fit all pieces securely.

When looking into a training simulator for your team, you will need to consider the audience, the location and the information that needs hands-on simulation. This is something your team will make great use of in the education of your employees, distributors, customers, service technicians and sales people. The more people that are familiar with the operation and maintenance of your equipment, the better experience will be had by all.

Click here for email information and be sure to reference this article and the scope of your project.  Or call 847/639-3858.  Find us on Facebook too.

Get Your Message Across in a Big Way with a Large Banner

Poster with Stand

Wall Mounted Poster

Sometimes the only way to get your point across is to GO BIG. Our training banner for fire departments is a good example of that. It is 6 feet high and 2.5 ft wide and includes a stand for portability. This banner shows a cutaway fire hydrant and is used to educate firemen on the inner workings of the hydrant. While this banner is used specifically for fire stations,  CalCo can create a banner for any product or situation. They are useful for training, sales presentations, investor meetings or trade shows.

Let CalCo help you get your message across with a large banner.  Show a cutaway of your product or blow up your small product so it is more noticeable.  Call 847/639-3858 or click here for contact information to get help with any kind of signage or display.  Visit CalCo on Facebook too.

A Training Engine Cutaway Tells the Whole Story

How exactly does an engine work? What is the difference between a gasoline and a diesel engine? What is an EGR cooler?

When it comes to training people on the common principles and uncommon details that every single engine contains, nothing beats a full size cutaway of an engine. Whether on a moveable piston engine, a static turbine engine or any other kind of engine, training departments across the globe rely on the realistic detail of an actual engine cutaway to best relay standard and model specific information to students.

At CalCo, you can be sure that widest viewing angles for the most cost effective prices can be achieved with the same high level of attention to detail as found in trade show floor displays. The finish level may be a bit subdued, but the longevity of the training equipment and quality of craftsmanship is just as high.

Training engines highlight the areas you want to teach and give a working knowledge of how the engine functions. Whether an entire engine or just a few key components, CalCo puts together just the right model to help you describe the part relationships and stories behind new or complex technologies.

Add color coded passageways to clarify the function of each section, custom cutaway areas exposing internal parts and paint to emphasize the parts of the engine you want to draw attention to.

A professional photography shoot of the training engine can be included to add to the training materials provided to students as well. Employees, distributors or anyone in the training session can follow along with the materials, make notes and leave with a visual reminder of the session. These trainees will have an easier time remembering the parts when they are color coded, they can remember the key points of the product when they are highlighted and they will remember the training when this unique engine is used.

A recent article in Industry Week discussed the importance of assessing your needs and using relevant materials. To access the article click here.

Training is more dynamic when it is hands-on and with a visually stimulating and interactive product it can be even more exciting. Let CalCo help to make your training sessions memorable!

Call CalCo at 847-639-3858, click here for contact information or visit CalCo’s Facebook page.

Dave Kasper, CalCo’s Senior Consultant, Has ALL the Answers

CalCo has been in business for almost 60 years. The reason – the people who work here and their dedication to getting a job done right and on time.   Dave Kasper, our Sales Manager, is a key component in our success.  Dave has been with CalCo for 9 years and has become indispensable due to his ability to come up with new and innovative ideas and to work with our customers to make sure they get exactly what they want.  Talking to Dave on the phone can turn a project around completely because he not only quotes, coordinates and communicates with you about your project but he also develops new ways to display them.  Recently he designed a large pedestal with multiple levels of display space which we constructed based on his designs.  He also developed a waterjet cut acrylic fire hydrant for a display which was lightweight and easy to transport.  He has designed many point of purchase layouts and has helped customers develop animation, 3D models, prototypes, displays and cutaways of every type. Although we have an archive with all projects we have completed it is sometimes easier to go and pick Dave’s brain.

Some of Dave’s ideas are shown above and some of his beliefs are explained below.

What is CalCo’s first priority?

Customer satisfaction.

What makes CalCo different from its competitors?

Honestly CalCo is one of those places that is more like a consulting firm for your marketing, sales and training departments. It is difficult to know about so many technologies and possibilities for your displays, and it is nice to be able to speak with someone who can offer suggestions that you may have never thought of otherwise.

What information do you need to know before beginning a project?

The first place we like to start is getting a good understanding of where your displays will be used, and in what context. Is this a training seminar, a trade show exhibit or a sales tool for road warriors, etc. . . Next is what story are you looking to tell with your project; how a product works, what the new upgrades look like and what they mean or even “We are number 1″! Once we get into the finer details and pricing/timing estimates, we will need some drawings or photos with dimensions to get started. From there we will take care of everything else, from asking additional questions, providing examples where needed and nailing down the shipping details in advance of that glorious day!

Whether you have a good idea of the type of display that you want or you need some good ideas, Dave can help.    For a free quote or to discuss your next project contact CalCo at 847/638-3858 or click here for more information.

CalCo Can Help Create Training Programs and Training Aids For Your Company

Better Production through Proper Training

Your organization may have the best people around but without proper training even the best people can be underutilized and less productive.

CalCo offers several ways to train your personnel. One is through e-learning programs. The benefit of these on-line or DVD training sessions is that they are customized to your company and they ensure that all employees are taught the same information and procedures to increase knowledge across the board. Testing can be included to monitor retention and understanding.

CalCo also offers hands-on training aids.  Some types include actual cutaways of your product showing functionality,  light-weight models which can be easily shipped or moved from one location to another, training boards, animation showing a process or product in action, displays or booths.   Most people respond to a hands-on approach and can get a better understanding of a product when they can look at it and explore it on their own. Training aids help to give a visual, tactile and more complete understanding of a product or process.

If you need help with any kind of training aids contact CalCo to start a discussion.  Call 847-639-3858 or click here or on the envelope icon at the top right of the page for contact information.

Final Cut: Everyone Loves a CalCo Cutaways Engine Cutaway

Small Engine Cutaway

Car Engine Cutaway

Truck Engine Cutaway

**click on any image for a closer look

Engine cutaways make great showpieces, tools and displays, and are very complicated to create with the intricacy and precision that makes them look effortless.

From small engine cutaways to turbine jet engine cutaways, CalCo Cutaways has been leading the industry in expertly crafted displays for close to 60 years,  CalCo’s senior technicians are familiar with multiple types of engines and will put their 75+ years of combined experience to work for you!

Some of the engine cutaways that CalCo has created include:

• Diesel Engine Cutaways
• Outboard Engine Cutaways
• Automobile Engine cutaways
• Inboard Marine Engine Cutaways
• Helicopter Engine Cutaways
• Motorcycle Engine Cutaways
• Jet Engine Cutaways
• Small Engine Cutaways

Jet Engine Cutaway

Diesel Training Engine Cutaway

Tractor Engine Cutaway

Semi Truck Diesel Engine Cutaway

Forklift Engine Cutaway

Gasoline Engine Cutaway Slices

Outboard Marine Engine Cutaway

Engine Cutaway Closeup

Before and After Photos

of Engine Cutaway Transformations

A few of the uses for your engine cutaway include:

• Education and Training
• Lobby Displays
• Trade Shows
• Sales Purposes

If you are looking for a proven engine cutaway specialist – Call CalCo at 847/639-3858, email news@CalcoCutaways.com or click here for contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions about CalCo Cutaways

How much do CalCo’s services cost?

Each project is different and is priced according to man hours involved, materials for bases, shipping containers or electrical parts, and outside services like plating.  We provide quotes based upon our estimates of time and material to do each job.

How long does it take?

A good rule of thumb is to plan ahead. Some projects can be turned around in a week or two, and some can be 90 days, depending upon the project. When production levels are high, lead times are longer, and it is always a good idea to get a no obligation quote in advance.  Our average turnaround time is 4-6 weeks but it is entirely dependent on our schedule at the time that your project arrives.   If necessary and if physically possible, we will adjust our schedule to meet yours and once we commit to a delivery date, you can count on it.

What do you need from me to provide a quote for my cutaway project?

The best and most effective way is to send the part with a description of the work you want done.   If your product or part is very large, transportation can be difficult, so typically we like to have a dimensional drawing along with weights and the primary materials of the product (carbon steel, stainless, aluminum, etc.)   A photo of the product is always helpful as well, along with a description of the areas you are looking to feature.  With this information we can provide an accurate estimate, which can be confirmed upon receipt of the actual product.

How do I specify where to cut on my product?

Generally, you will receive the best cutaways if you tell us what features you want to show and leave the specific cutting designs to our skilled technicians. They have the knowledge and experience to show and retain components in such a way as to show what you want in the best and least expensive way. We strive to show as much as possible in one view with as simple a cut as possible.

If I can do all or some of the work in-house, shouldn’t I?

There are three ways of looking at this question:
Financially: Because we specialize in making cutaways and displays, we are pretty darn good (and efficient) at it. Therefore, it generally takes our experts less time to do a cutaway so we are almost always less expensive than full or even incremental in-house costs.

Quality Control: We provide all cutting, clearancing, finishing and final fitting, plus basemounts and shipping containers. All these services must be coordinated, anticipating the needs of the others. At Calco you get a one stop shop that will handle all of these needs for you. We have the tools necessary to do the job right and the expertise and knowledge to make it look great.

Resources: Just because you can do something doesn’t mean that it is the best use of your resources (time and talent). Most companies are continuously assessing what they should and can do well, and then outsourcing the rest.

What else can CalCo do for me besides cutaways?

• Working Models
• Custom Stands and Basemounts
• Lighting
• Custom Fit Cases
• Custom Fit Permanent Shipping Containers
• Animation and Electronic Media
• Professional Photography
• 3-D Printing, Scale Models and Prototypes
• Point of Purchase Displays and Signage
• Custom Sales Awards and Corporate Gifts
• Web Enabled Training and Training Programs
• Metal Plating
• If you don’t see what you need, just ask!

Our Promise:

Highest Quality, Great Value and Guaranteed On-Time Delivery.  We want our customers to be satisfied and we will do everything within our power to meet this goal!

If you have any other questions that you would like CalCo to answer please contact us by email at News@CalcoCutaways.com or by clicking the envelope in the top left corner of this window.  For more information visit our website at www.CalCoCutaways.com or click here for contact information.

Meet Dan Fierla, Senior Supervisor and Cutaway and Display Expert, at CalCo

Ever wonder how CalCo can continually make first class cutaways and always seems to know just what you wanted? We owe much of it to our production supervisor, Dan Fierla. Dan started at CalCo as part of a high school cooperative work program and has been here ever since. In his 32 years, he has moved up the ladder from high school intern to Senior Supervisor, in charge of production and managing our facility and workers. If you have worked with CalCo you may have spoken to Dan and you most likely learned that he has high standards for the work that we do. If it doesn’t meet Dan’s expectations, it is not going out the door. Customer service and satisfaction has always been a key component at CalCo and Dan is one of the reasons why. Another of his famous attributes is his dedication to time commitments. We pay close attention to deadlines and work hard to meet every one. While we always try to work projects into our schedule, we have turned away business because we could not have maintained our high standards and met the delivery date.

According to Dan the most important information that you can give us about your project is……

“information that will help me to make your project have that just right look.  Details like, what are you trying to show with this cutaway/display?  Is it the size/type of the internal parts you want to showcase? Or is it something special that separates your product from the competition? This information helps me to design the cuts to show what the customer needs and wants to see.”

His favorite project that he has completed is…..

“I had the honor to work on and am very proud of a Double over head cam V6 marine engine for a large engine manufacturer. This project from start to finish was done right.  David Meeler from their marketing department, came to Calco, told me all of the features he would like to show, which helped me to machine the engine and give it that personal touch.  Colors and color coding were all picked out by the customer. When the engine made its maiden voyage at the Florida Boat Show it was a big hit.”

Something you should know about him is……

“I get great satisfaction out of working with the other members of the CalCo team.  I am driven to make CalCo the Best it can be for both employee and customer. When I see pictures of  trade show booths like Navistar, DeZURIK and Kimray, and all of them use Calco cutaways/displays to show case their products,  I have a great sense of pride in knowing I played a part in helping them project a positive image.”

Dan’s level of experience and overall knowledge of products helps you in terms of deciding the best way to display the internal components of your product. Chances are great that Dan has the best and most cost effective way to show your products key features.  He can assist you in creating your ideal cutaway/display.  He also has innovative ideas to show off large products, create working models or design custom stands.

If you have a project that you are interested in discussing, give CalCo a call at 847/639-3858, email us at news@calcocutaways.com or click here for our contact page.

CalCo: Your Turn-Key Solution for Product Displays

CalCo likes a challenge! We have been in the business of solving our customers problems for almost 60 years.

CalCo started in 1953 as a cutaway shop taking products and cutting away a portion to show the internal parts since they can be a valuable selling tool.  We have come a long way over the years by adapting to customer needs and changes in product displays.  In that time, we have become a turn-key solution for our customers by adding new services.  Did you know there is a place you can go to get all of your product display needs performed at the same time?

In addition to cutaways,  CalCo provides :

• Working Models with or without a cutaway
• Product Displays
• Sales and Training Aids
• Lighting
• Custom Basemounts
• Custom Shipping Containers
• Acrylic covers  and Displays
• Point-of-Puchase Displays
• Custom Cases
• Scale Models and Rapid Prototyping
• Three Dimensional Printing
• Animation
• Sales Awards
• Corporate Gifts
• Plating
• Training Programs
• Professional Photography
• Waterjet Cutting

CalCo can solve your trade show or product display problems with just one phone call!  A typical project now involves creating a cutaway, attaching a brushed aluminum base or custom rolling basemount, building a custom shipping container and a shooting a professional photography session before the project is completed and shipped back to the customer ready to go directly to a trade show or presentation.

If you need help with your trade show, sales or training needs, call CalCo at 847/639-3858 or click here for our contact page and let us make your idea a reality!

Fire Hydrant Cutaway Poster, Great ISO Training Solution

Have you been looking for a Fire Hydrant Cutaway to fill a requirement for an upcoming inspection? Are you finding the $2,000 to $4,500 price tag for a full size hydrant cutaway to be a bit cost prohibitive? CalCo has just the solution for you:

A 6-foot-tall, full-color Fire Hydrant Cutaway Banner may be able to fill in for the real thing.  While the final decision ultimately lies in your inspector’s hands, many times this type of solution is valid, and at a fraction of the cost, only $195.00 with a portable banner stand included!

It has been found that a thorough understanding of the parts and relationships involved in your standard street corner hydrant can be critical when in an emergency situation. This knowledge is most effectively taught through the use of a full size, hands on hydrant, which operates the same way an installed hydrant does.  However, when this type of tool is unavailable, the Fire Hydrant Cutaway Banner is the next best thing.

All of the important internal features are prominently displayed in ‘close to full scale’ size, making understanding and visualizing the real thing easier than using a poster size photograph or drawing.

Be sure to check with your inspector or local ISO/State (or whichever organization is running the inspections) to see if this solution will qualify for your location, and then call 847-639-3858 and have your credit card handy to get as many on order as you need for your area.

In the cross section between safety education and budget requirements, the Fire Hydrant Cutaway Banner is the overflowing winner!

Click here for further contact information.