J. Brouwer has over 40 years of engineering experience as a contract engineer with a wide variety of defense and aerospace companies. Since being introduced to CAD in 1982 he has accumulated over 54,000 design hours on 3-D CAD, 10,000 on ComputerVision’s CADDS 4X and the remainder on IRONCAD, ZW3D and variety of other PC based CAD programs.
He also provides the following services:
I support companies that do not have an engineering department. I provide mechanical and plastic product design.
It was a project for Boeing. They were making models for testing. We did the F-22 and Osprey — who gets to work on project like this? It was a few years ago and we had to make 3D prints. Just making sure the solid/surface models were complete. The work was done in Ironcad and a Hybrid CAD system.
IronCAD is my tool of choice because of its ease of use and great flexibility, but I also use a hybrid CAD system when a project has to be broken down to wireframes and surfaces. I have used most of the Pro/E paradigm systems: Pro/E, SW, Inventor and Solid Edge, but never have really got proficient with the Pro/E paradigm.
Much of my work is reverse engineering requiring working from scanned data. It requires a Hybrid CAD systems to work with this data. I also get called in when the project is a mess and they need it cleaned up and get the parts made.
The freedom it offers.
I started telecommuting years ago when we used phone handset modems. Using CADKEY, I would sent the files back and forth. I use all of the programs you have mentioned. Most of the problems can be handled remotely. Face to face is always important at every milestone, even though I have done projects where I have never met face to face.
R. Wright is an independent CAD consultant, and is an expert in the area of computer aided drafting. He began as a draftsman and construction administrator.
I serve clients who are involved in residential and commercial projects.
The most interesting projects were a Veterinarian Clinic and Refurbishing a 100 year old elementary school. I had faced numerous design changes with the veterinarian clinic and with the elementary school, and had some challenges in retrofitting 100 year construction techniques.
I have AutoCAD and Revit skills. Revit is my favorite software design tool because it incorporates the most information in a building model. It allows 2D, 3D and rendering.
I am observing a downward turn in the amount of work for CAD designers.
I like working as an interim CAD draftsman or as a consultant, because I can work well in an office environment or alone as a consultant.
Yes, I have provided a number a CAD consulting services remotely by way of GoToMeeting, and there was no issue in the design process or project scope that could not be handled remotely.
J. Potenza serves as a CADD consultant for construction projects in Massachusetts. He began as a civil drafter for the City of Boston in 1978 while attending Boston Architectural Center, and learned the Auto-trol system in 1982. He became a CADD Manager in 1985. It was at this time that he became proficient in AutoCAD, Intergraph and GDS and began creating CADD Drafting standards. Mr. Potenza headed up the CADD design for a Wastewater Treatment Plant on GDS.
Building on his GDS experience, he created and implement the CADD standards for the Boston Central Artery Project. In 2010, Mr. Potenza began teaching CADD/Engineering. Because of his extensive design/build experience, he was recently asked to design and manage the construction of a new 104,000 sq. ft. educational campus in Woburn, MA.
I have worked primarily with A/E firms for over 30 years. Architectural design, Civil and Utility relocation.
The Central Artery/3rd Harbor Tunnel. The massive coordination of companies and disciplines. The constant changes and revisions.
My favorite was Auto-trol but I dont think it exists any more. Autocad now. I was in cad before Autocad existed.
I think companies would rather hire a service now. It hasnt really affected me.
I like the constant project change and the challenge of completing a job on time.
Yes, on many joint ventures. I have used GoToMeeting and found it somewhat effective. Preliminary design and most changes can be handled remotely. Face-to-face meetings are best for initial project start up and major changes.
L. Bublik is an independent CAD consultant. Mr. Bublik was previously the head of the design and drafting department at a leading Control Valve design company. Mr. Bublik oversaw all design activities for the company and managed a team of 2D and 3D designers (focusing on SolidWorks and AutoCAD). His innovation in Control Valves design resulted in over $200 million in annual revenue for the company. Mr. Bublik started his career as a machinist, when he was responsible for setting up and operating lathes, mills, drill presses and other machine shop equipment. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
As a mechanical engineer I work with any individuals or companies that need my special design expertise.
I recently had a project for treatment tables for hospitals with special design features that were very interesting to work on. Challenges were to find special electric motors and switches for the tables.
SolidWorks is the best and my favorite because it is solid modelling and you can see right away what kind of product you are designing.
Clients try to pay less because of the slow job market; they want more work for less money so I have to accept any reasonable offer.
I like working free-lance because I can have a more flexible schedule.
I use Skype for remote meetings and also the phone. Skype is good for design work questions because I can share my screen and resolve problems. If I have customers in my area I meet with them in person.
A. Enoch is currently a Mechanical Design Consultant, a role he has been performed since 2002. He specializes in 3D-modeling, 2D drawings, project management and gear design. Mr. Enoch has over 20 years of design experience designing a variety of products from pressure vessels, to military vehicles, tooling and fixtures. He has an Associate Degree in Engineering.
I work for many different clients and my special area of expertise is Mechanical Design.
My most interesting work is designing fixtures for military vehicles for the Government. I enjoy accomplishing designs that everyone else has problems with.
SolidWorks is my favorite software tool – I love it.
One of the trends I see is companies not wanting to pay decent rates for my work. When I negotiate with them to allow me to work from home it lowers the rate.
Working as a free-lancer gives me the independence I like.
I dont often work remotely or use screen-sharing tools, but if I do I like to make sure I have all the information I need before starting to avoid setbacks. I dont like wasting time.
D. Hildebrandt is a CAD Technician with extensive experience in military, residential, municipal and commercial construction. He provides the following services:
Mr. Hildebrandt graduated from Porter & Chester Institute for Mechanical Design/Drafting, and has an ACI Certification for Concrete Inspection Field Technician Level 1, and a Construction Management Certificate from the University of Washington (Construction Safety, Project Management, Construction Estimating, and Project Planning and Control).
Civil Engineers, Structural Engineers, Architects, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Environmental Consultants, Geologists, Telecommunications Engineers, and Builders. All phases of construction design and drafting using AutoCad, Civil 3D, and a host of graphical and processing software.
The JFK International Airport Air Train. I was one of the designers responsible for traffic control, pedestrian control, and crane movements. Time was a crucial factor, as it was near-impossible to design in advance due to construction timelines, change orders, etc. Therefore every inch of the way (a year in the making) required fast-paced engineering and realistic answers to very limiting factors.
Civil 3D is my favorite, as it includes all the tools I need to help design including survey data manipulation, earthwork calculations, road design, and profiling tools for utilities and infrastructure design.
More dedicated services. A shrinking job market requires dedication and hard work in order to hold on to clients. I’ve got to work harder to keep the work coming. There are many people looking for work who can do what I do for a fraction of the cost so I’ve had to cut corners and make deals that work in favor of my clients. Of course they work in my favor too as I’ve not lost any work and am very grateful to be busy.
I’ve always viewed the 24 hours in a day as my time when I’m not required to show up to an 8 to 5 job. I can work any time at my own pace (always very fast) and spend quality time with my family. It is an all-around flexible way to operate. Sometimes it’s difficult to make time for multiple clients, but dedication and superior workmanship are the key.
Yes. I do work remotely via email and phone. The background I posses enable ease in communication. I’ve been dealing with engineers for 25 years. I haven’t the need to work using screen-sharing. Closely-located clients, email, scanning, phone calls, and travel cover all the bases. Any and all engineering or design projects. Of course face-to-face is easier, but engineers need flexible and experienced designers to make their projects grow quickly and accurately.
N. Felix is a draftsman and CAD & CAM technician. He performs conversions from 2d to 3d, designs parts from sketches, and models ideas and parts.
I serve many types of clients, including medical, consumer products, machinery and furniture.
I love working with medical devices and products because I know eventually it might save someones life.
Autodesk Inventor, because it is easy to use and produces great quality work.
More and more, customers are looking for renderings of their products. The more realistic, the better. I took it upon myself to learn 3d rendering.
I get lost in all my projects and time just flies when I am working on a CAD project.
I have had video conference calls with customers for clarifications.
S. Mat Said is an independent CAD service provider. Mr. Mat Said is an experienced CAD manager and has supervised a team of 30 draftsmen (focusing on 2D AutoCAD). Mr. Mat Said started his career as a CAD Draftsman.
ConnectA. 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.
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.
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.
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.
The latest technologies enable us to finish projects quick and easy.
I can work both on site and remotely.
Face to face is best, and after that is email. Skype is last because my net connection speed is not good.