Kumar has been working on CAD-based projects since 2010. He is a qualified mechanical engineer and has been working mainly for oil and gas companies.
He works mainly on AutoCAD and SolidWorks for 2D as well as 3D modeling. He provides drafting and sketching services as well as Acrobat PDF conversion services.
He also worked in the field of paper-plant engineering from 2005-2010 during his studies. While working for paper-plant builders, he provided CAD services via email and phone. He has since been using email-based communication with clients but also visits client sites whenever there is a requirement. He uses Skype and WhatsApp for client communication as well.
A. Ali is an Interior Designer and 3d modeler. He is an expert in AutoCAD, and provides drafting, designing and 3d modeling services. He has a certificate in interior designing from CRISP and 3ds Max with V-ray.
1. What kinds of clients do you serve?
All kinds of companies that require machining of car parts. I design car or industrial part machining lines, including design of special machines, fixtures, transfer lines, FMS lines and multi spindles.
2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting? What challenges did you face?
Design the metalic car parts production & machining lines like the Peugeot 206 & 504 pivot and rear arme, the Renault drive shaft, a KIA Motors cylinder block and head, and EF7 motor cylinder block & head and brake disk lines.
3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?
Mechanical Desktop , because it has very powerful 2D. And Catia software , because it has very powerful 3D, analyse, and CAM. Also, Master CAM and Powermill.
4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected you, and how are you responding to them?
The latest technologies enable us to finish projects quick and easy.
5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?
I can work both on site and remotely.
6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email? Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective? What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely? Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?
Face to face is best, and after that is email. Skype is last because my net connection speed is not good.
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Raval has been working since 2011 in the field of new product development. For the first two years, he worked on casting, forging and automotive projects. For the next two years, he worked on agricultural machinery design, producing drawings of tractors (from the initial design phase to the final marketing) for an Indian OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). This OEM assembled agricultural equipment, such as tractors, harvesters, sprayers, uni-platforms, etc. For the next 3 years he has been working for a major engineering, construction, manufacturing and financial services conglomerate. He serves US and Europe-based automotive clients involved in the manufacturing of products for recreational purposes, such as ATVs, snowmobiles and motorcycles.
While working in the engineering services industry, he has handled a number of automotive projects. The most interesting CAD project that he has worked on so far was the one where he got the opportunity to design various automotive systems including driveline, gearbox, differential, engine, chassis, interior body work and exterior body.
He observes that today in the market for CAD services, design and manufacturing are coming together and every day companies launch new technologies. He believes that with the help of CAD prototyping, experts can now quickly make designs and models.
As he has been working for clients based in the U.S and Europe in the field of design and development for many years, he has learned how to select the best software for each application. He uses software to represent his conception of an idea and makes a selection according to customer requirements. His favorite tools are Creo Parametric 2.0 and 3.0, which he uses for 3D modelling, casting, forging, sheet metal and assembling models. He also likes Catia for surfacing. He likes to work on Unigraphic and AutoCAD 2D for 2D modelling.
Since he is handling projects for US and Europe-based clients, all the work-related discussion happens on Webex, Skype, and Jabber. He is now skilled in ways of connecting with the clients through Skype and remote servers. When faced with a difficult situation, he also meets the client.
Having worked as an interim CAD draftsman and an external CAD consultant on projects, he has learned about many new technologies. He looks forward to new challenges and opportunities every day.
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P J Natesh provides drafting and AutoCAD engineering services, including CAD services, 2D drafting and 3D modeling services.
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A. Mondal has over 9 years experience in BIM and CAD Services. He specializes in Revit, Microstation, AutoCad, Nevis and QuickPen.
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S. Gazibaric is a tooling engineer for plastic and metal injection molding tools, sheet metal tools and plastic bottle tools. He has extensive experience in constructing medical equipment and medical devices. He has also worked as a designer of toys, plastic parts, bikes, engines and mechanical construction.
I work with companies in the medical equipment field that need technical documentation and mechanical engineering skills. My area of expertise is CAD/CAM tooling and manufacturing.
My most interesting project was tooling for Lego toy parts. It was interesting because it was very detailed and also fun because it makes children happy and I was able to be part of that.
My favorite software is Solidworks because it has so many integrated solutions which help with engineering.
I recently came across NX software, a fully integrated CAD/CAM/CAE product and I was very satisfied with it, but it is very expensive.
I enjoy working as a free-lance CAD draftsman because I can set my own hours.
I work remotely using TeamViewer for sharing CAD services, a free solution for remote desktops.
D. Bryson began work in machining and metalworking in Canada in 1981, becoming a world recognized journeyman tool and die maker in 1985. Re-entering the workforce as a CAD designer, he worked his way up to Senior Mechanical Engineer in a leading microwave radio company. He shares recognition in two patents relating to his design work of microwave radios. His previous hands-on metalworking experience has benefitted him greatly in his design career, where he continues to design and develop innovative yet simple-to-manufacture parts and assemblies. Familiar with all aspects of manufacturing including precision machining and grinding, stamping, die casting and welding. He is an expert in Solid Works and AutoCAD, including import and export of the many other software platforms in the marketplace.
My clients are varied. My background is in metalworking and mechanical CAD, both 2D & 3D. I have worked on very complicated mechanical assemblies and manufacturing drawings for the microwave industry, the semi-conductor industry, the nuclear industry and just the manufacturing industry in general. I have also worked with architectural CAD and have a client in the low voltage retrofit industry whose major customers are school districts and hospitals. They upgrade security systems and classroom technology. I have done both 2D drawings and 3D renderings for them. I have another client that installs automatic car wash systems and I do all their installation drawings. I have another client for whom I do RV park layouts. Finally, I have created drawings for individuals to submit with patent applications.
The most interesting project I worked on was a proprietary mechanical system that I can’t even talk about since the patent application is still pending. It had many small mechanical assemblies and a very large final assembly. All the work was in 3D. It will be interesting to see it actually come to fruition and know I was a part of it. I had to research many new to the market components that went into the assembly, create 3D models of them and integrate them correctly.
My favorite tool is Solid Works. With my mechanical background, it is the most versatile software available that ties part modeling, assemblies and drawings all together parametrically. I can’t imagine doing the work I do today on a drawing board with a pencil. A week’s work would take a year!
I have talked to all my clients many times over the last 2 years, thinking that they were bringing their CAD requirement in-house since I had shown a significant decrease in business from all of them. This was not the case. It is simply a slowdown in all industries. If anything, they have laid off their own full time people and are still planning on outsourcing the majority of their CAD work.
I have always been good at time management and servicing several clients on several projects at the same time. I have never missed a deadline or had an unhappy client. With a home office, I have the flexibility to work any hours required to get the job done.
I have been involved in many remote meetings as an observer but have not yet had the necessity to launch my own meeting.
T. Mifsud is a CAD consultant providing services to architects, engineers, builders , construction managers, and facility managers. He provides a range of CAD services, including implementation, standards and best practices development, training, project support, CADDBIM management and 3D BIM modeling services. He has extensive experience with Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Navisworks and AutoCAD. He is based in Southern NH which allows him to provide daily on-site services for clients in all 6 New England states. He has extensive real world experience in AEC-FM and CADDBIM management.
All project are challenging in different ways but the two main challenges are: unrealistic schedules and trying to meet our clients’ expectations
I use AutoDesk Suite and Revit. Pros and cons are too much detail to go into.
Training is ongoing. I have a program for our staff called “sharpen the saw” days, i.e. for 4 days a year (scheduled as work permits for the individual) each person or group selects a specific topic, researches/studies and develops a presentation for the benefit of the entire staff.
We don’t outsource anything in our skill set but do outsource to IT and web content/development consultants
We serve architects, construction managers, facilities manager for CAD, REVIT and BIM and our particular areas of expertise are training, implementing software, support services, library development, standards development.
I work with and support many clients on their projects so there isnt one stand-out that I could describe as the most interesting.
REVIT Architecture is my favorite software and I teach classes in it It makes everything easier than 2D AutoCad.
Over the last 5 years the trend in New England has moved totally away from drafting in 2D AutoCad. We anticipated this trend, moved ahead of our clients and now work primarily in 3D BIM.
I like not being tied to one desk and the challenge of constantly changing projects.
Ive been using remote software for 6-7 years. The one I prefer now is TeamViewer because it is good for remote support, training, teamwork whereas others we have tried are not as quick or flexible. Working remotely with clients is good for handling all types of questions. For comprehensive introductory training of 2 hours or more its preferred to have a face-to-face meeting.
T. Stonehocker is an independent design engineer with a strong mechanical background (e.g. machine design, machine building, 3Dmodeling, patents, CNC programming). He has been using 3D modeling programs since AutoDesks first mechanical desktop in 1994 and is currently using Solidworks 2010.
I am a mechanical engineer and I design and build specialty machines. I have served many different kinds of clients, in the welding fields, brake manufacturing, film manufacturing, auto manufacturing, tire manufacturing, blow mold (secondary equipment) presses and assembly machines, candy manufacturing and motorcycle / trike manufacturing.
All of the projects I work on are interesting in their own right, and I have never had a dull moment with any of them. If I had to pick a favorite I would have to say the motorcycle and trike designs that I have had the pleasure of designing for people.
The thing that made the bike projects stand out over the others I have done would have to be, taking a clients dreams and making them a reality. Of course the same thing that made them stand out was also the biggest challenge. I would have to say that the biggest challenge I faced designing the bikes and trikes for my clients was convincing them to do what would make the bike function the best not necessarily what was the coolest look. Sometimes a cool look is just a cool look and will not perform well, so trying to get them to change their minds and go with a not so cool look BUT a look that was both functional and appealing to the eye, was my most challenging effort. (I have attached a pic of the last bike that I designed for an architect in LA)
I use Solidworks 2012, KeyShot3 and PhotoShop. These are my three go to softwares, I use them all the time. I have used mechanical desktop, proE, catia and Solidworks and I have found that the majority of my clients are using Soildworks, I like it and it works for me.
I have found a few sites that have jobs posted that you can bid on that have helped me get in front of some clients. Also I have found a site that I have posted a profile and portfolio on that has been a big help to me. This site is a site that is mainly built for engineers and it caters to their needs with a place to post projects so all of the parties involved with a given project can be informed about everything that happens to that project at the same time. They also host several challenges that all of the engineers can participate in to show off their skills and have a little fun at the same time. I have learned a lot from different engineers from all over the world through sites like this and I like to think that I have been a positive influence to others in the world through my interactions with these sites.
I like the freedom of being able to work from my desk at home all hours of the day and night, using a virtual office to communicate with my clients to get the job done. I feel that it takes a dedicated individual to be a free-lance. That individual must be motivated with a strict since of professionalism to stay focused and get the job done. This type of individual must also be able to manage several projects at once because if they are good at what they do, they will be covered up with work all the time.
Yes I do most of my work remote, and I use dropbox to transfer my files back and forth with my clients. Yes I have used WebEx, Skype and GoToMeeting and I have found them all to be effective tools to communicate with my clients I have done design reviews complete with stress analysis on projects and I have done well using these mediums.I have had some face to face discussions with clients using Skype and it has work fine. The only thing I can think of that is probably better handled face to face would be a run-off on a machine or the delivery of the final product.
