Service · Engineering

DFM review.
Cost optimization.
Engineer to engineer.

CAD and engineering services beyond just manufacturing. DFM review, design optimization for cost reduction, drawing creation from sketches, GD&T review, prototype iteration support. Direct engineer-to-engineer collaboration.

CAD & Engineering Quote Get free DFM review

DFM review free Multi-CAD support Cost optimization Engineer access

01 · Engineering services

Engineering capabilities.

Beyond making parts, we provide engineering services that reduce customer development cost and improve manufacturability.

DFM review

Free with quote

Manufacturing review of customer design. Identifies issues that increase cost or risk problems. Suggestions for cost optimization. Free with quote.

Cost reduction

VAVE optimization

Value Analysis / Value Engineering — identify cost reduction opportunities while maintaining function. Material substitution, geometry simplification, process change.

Drawing from sketches

Customer concepts

Customer provides hand sketches or rough concepts — we create production-ready CAD models and drawings. Common for rapid prototyping startups.

Reverse engineering

From samples

Reverse engineering from physical samples — measure existing parts, create CAD model and drawings. For replacement parts or design starting point.

Drawing standards

GD&T review

Drawing review for clarity, GD&T proper application, manufacturability. Help engineers improve drawing quality.

Material recommendation

Application-specific

Material recommendations for specific applications. Considering: mechanical, environmental, cost, manufacturing, regulatory.

Tolerance optimization

Function-driven

Review tolerances for proper function vs cost. Often parts have unnecessarily tight tolerances increasing cost.

CAD format conversion

Multi-CAD

CAD file format conversion between major systems. Not just exchange — actual remodeling for compatibility when needed.

Iteration management

Through development

Engineering management through prototype iteration. Track changes, validate revisions, document evolution.

02 · Tools and standards

Engineering software & standards.

SolidWorks

Standard SolidWorks file support

Autodesk Inventor

Inventor file native support

Fusion 360

Fusion 360 cloud collaboration

Catia / NX

Aerospace and automotive standard CAD

STEP file standard

STEP as universal exchange format

ASME Y14.5

GD&T per ASME Y14.5-2009/2018

ISO 1101

International GD&T standard

DFMEA support

Design Failure Mode Effects Analysis support

Tolerance stack-up

Tolerance analysis software

FAQ

CAD & Engineering questions.

Yes — DFM review is included with every quote. Our engineering team reviews customer drawings/CAD for: manufacturing issues (impossible features, tolerance issues), cost optimization opportunities, design improvements. Findings shared in quote response. No separate engineering charge for typical DFM. For complex redesign or extensive optimization, may quote engineering services separately — but standard DFM is no-charge value-add.

Typical cost reduction from DFM: (1) Loose unnecessary tolerances — 20-30% machining cost reduction. (2) Generous internal corner radii — eliminate EDM operations, 30-50% cost reduction. (3) Material substitution (6061 vs 7075 where strength allows) — 20-40% material cost. (4) Combine multiple parts into one casting — sometimes dramatic cost reduction. (5) Reduce surface finish requirements where not functionally needed — 15-25% cost reduction.

Customer provides: hand sketches, rough dimensions, application description, function requirements. We create: 3D CAD model, 2D production drawing with proper dimensioning and tolerances, GD&T as appropriate, material specification, finish specification. Iteration with customer to verify intent. Typical effort: 4-16 hours engineering depending on complexity. Cost: $300-1500 for typical part. Once drawing complete, customer can quote elsewhere if desired.

Customer ships physical sample. We measure with: CMM (precision dimensional), 3D scanner (complex surfaces), traditional measurement tools. Create CAD model matching sample geometry. Develop production drawings with appropriate tolerances. Verify model against sample. Typical effort: 8-24 hours depending on complexity. Used for: legacy part replacement, design starting point, competitive analysis.

We accept all major CAD formats: SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360, Catia, NX, ProE/Creo, STEP, IGES, Parasolid, STL. Native file better than STEP when possible — preserves design intent. STEP works for most cases. For complex assemblies or precision tolerances, native file preferred. Customer specifies which format works best for their design system.

GD&T review identifies: (1) Missing datums on controls that need them. (2) Over-constraining datums. (3) Tighter tolerances than function requires (cost issue). (4) Looser tolerances than function requires (quality issue). (5) Inconsistent tolerance practice. (6) Missing critical features. Improves drawings before production — catches issues that would cause manufacturing or functional problems.