3D Computer Aided Design ServicesPart Design
With plastic or cast parts, I add in draft, rounds, and tolerances to produce a robust manufacturable part. Sheet metal parts are designed to industry standards, and can be easily converted to a flat pattern. Whenever possible, I design plastic parts with snaps, ultrasonic weld joints, and inserts, to reduce hardware and/or assembly time. Complex Assemblies
Assemblies may include PCB's, cables and connectors, fluid and laser systems, tubing and pumps, gears and brackets, displays and cooling components, or whatever your product requires. I'll put mechanisms into motion to insure moving parts won't interfere with the surrounding components. Also, I have the ability to program constraints that control critical paramaters into the assembly. I also use assemblies to quickly create new parts, making them more cost effective and efficient. The parametric environment of a 3D assembly gives the product life, and prevents interference and assembly problems when the prototypes or actual parts are delivered for manufacturing. Reverse Engineering
Regardless of the size and complexity of the part, a usable 3D data file can be made. Capable design engineers use available technologies to scan in the surfaces or probe in data points to obtain accurate information. However, most companies hand me the part, and I use calipers, height gauges, etc., to create a 3D file. The method used depends on the complexity of the surfaces, and how accurate the reproduction needs to be. Some companies need to put existing products and molds into 3D CAD. Then changes can be made to update the appearance or features. This often results in an increase in sales.
Mechanism Design
2D Prints to 3D Database
As old products are updated, or new tooling is required, companies often have to convert 2D drawings to 3D data files. Critical Path Design provides this service. Yes, I 'm aware that existing parts without a 3D model rarely match the original 2D print, so each part is inspected and measured feature by feature for accuracy. Drawings
Concept, patent, or illustration drawings for catalogs and manuals can also be generated as needed. The drawings produced by CPD are parametric, or associated, to the actual part or assembly. Once the drawing is created it automatically updates itself as the 3D file is modified. When used properly, this saves time and money in the development process. "The best way to predict the future is to invent it." Continue to Project Management >>> <<< Back to Product Design and Development
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Corporate Services
I can 
Managing and creating 3D complex assemblies is a strong point of Critical Path Design. Starting with enclosures and finishing with the correct hardware, I have experience assembling hundreds of parts to make a product. Factors like cooling, EMI, cable routing, and assembly techniques are confronted before actual parts are made. This saves countless hours and tooling change costs that often delay projects. 
Reverse engineering is the technique of analyzing an existing physical part or product, yours or a competitors, for the purpose of copying or improving the product. By converting the data into a usable 3D CAD file and adding their own ingenuity, companies may quickly have a competitive product.
Mechanism design is a common and exciting practice! I have experience designing with springs, belts, pulleys, gears, brackets, electronic and pneumatic sensors, solenoids, motors, and linkage to help make your ideas work with fewest parts, and at optimal performance.
Regardless of the complexity of the features, I am capable of converting 2D drawings into 3D data files. Companies that design in 2D often use Critical Path Design to get 3D data files for prototyping and tooling.
Creating detailed part and assembly drawings for production using standard dimensioning and/or geometric tolerancing is a common service provided with every project.