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Versatile, US-Based CAD Outsourcing Services

Our team of professional designers and drafters can handle your outsourced CAD designs. Our experts offer 3D CAD modeling, CAD conversions, CAD drafting services, and many other CAD services.

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Precision And Expertise You Can Trust

CAD/CAM Services is a US-based outsourced engineering company. Our team has an impressive history, completing projects in some of the most demanding industries such as aerospace, energy, and defense. With over 35 years of success, we have the skillset to tackle your project, and a portfolio to prove it. Our team is experienced in CATIA, Siemens NX, PTC CREO, SolidWorks, and Autodesk, and we can commit to tight timelines on the most complicated projects.

Registered and Certified

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Our Clients

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The CAD/CAM Advantage

Isn’t it so hard to find the right people for your CAD engineering job? You have to find a team that communicates well, has great experience, has a good work ethic, and the ability to handle your most difficult projects. If you’ve been struggling to find the right outsourced CAD services, look no further.

Our team at CAD/CAM Services offers high-quality outsourced 2D and 3D CAD services that your team needs. We offer speed, precision, quality, and dependability that you won’t find elsewhere. Each of our clients have a dedicated CAD/CAM Services Project Manager that is here to communicate with you while leading our dedicated in-house team. We can provide an estimate in hours, and deliver projects in as little as 24 hours total. With our robust list of services, you’ll find the solution to your designing and engineering problems at CAD/CAM Services.

What can we do for you? 2D CAD conversions, 3D modeling services, CAD migration, 2D document scanning, 3D scanning, 3D printing, reverse engineering, drafting, simulation, sheet metal design, and much more. From professional as-builts to unique 3D CAD assemblies, our team of over 100 engineers and draftsmen is here to help.

The CAD/CAM Advantage

CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo, and Solidworks Services

CAD/CAM gives you high-end design services using industry-standard software. You choose the platform you’re most comfortable with, and CAD/CAM will deliver.

3D CAD Modeling and Design

At all phases of the product lifecycle, CAD/CAM provides 3D modeling and design. You get plans that you can leverage right away or input into your manufacturing.

3D Scanning and Reverse Engineering

You may be modifying an existing design or using it to build a complementary unit. Either way, we can scan an existing part so you can use it in the next phase of your project.

CAD Conversion and Migration

If you have CAD designs generated by multiple software or need to migrate data to a centralized system, we can make sure you receive useable-editable-and feature-rich data.

2D CAD Services

2D designs are still the go-to option for critical Infostructure Projects, engineers, and architects, and CAD/CAM provides you detailed 2D plans to visualize and build your project.

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As Seen In The Press

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How It Works

Fill out a contact form so we can get in touch.

1

Describe your project, your goals, and any necessary details.

2

Attach your files using a secure DoD storage link that CAD/CAM provides for your data.

3

CAD/CAM provides an estimate regarding how long the project will take and how much it’ll cost.

4

We come to a verbal agreement and initiate a purchase order.

5

CAD/CAM begins to work on your project, communicating with you every step of the way, as frequently as you’d like.

6

You get your results. CAD/CAM delivers your final product in whichever format you need.

7
GET A QUOTE

Industries We Serve

Aerospace

  • Tired of your old legacy inaccurate mylars warping due to age or storage conditions?
  • Do you need this Set of Mylars converted into Catia?
  • Are your Rivets and holes misaligned in the main Assembly?
  • Maybe you have Solidworks, Creo, or NX files needed in Catia?
  • How do we get shop drawings for our 3D model?
  • Is AS-9102 certification required?
  • Can we flatten this complex sheet metal surface?
  • Can you create a model based on the Loft Data?
  • Tired of your old legacy inaccurate mylars warping due to age or storage conditions?
  • Do you need this Set of Mylars converted into Catia?
  • Are your Rivets and holes misaligned in the main Assembly?
  • Maybe you have Solidworks, Creo, or NX files needed in Catia?
  • How do we get shop drawings for our 3D model?
  • Is AS-9102 certification required?
  • Can we flatten this complex sheet metal surface?
  • Can you create a model based on the Loft Data?
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Automotive

  • We require a complicated wire harness developed in Catia or Creo Schematics.
  • How to reproduce this complex surface in CAD?
  • Are your Rivets and holes misaligned in the main Assembly?
  • Maybe you have Solidworks, Creo, or NX files needed in Catia?
  • How do we get shop drawings for our 3D model?
  • Is AS-9102 certification required?
  • Can we flatten this complex sheet metal surface?
  • Can you create a model based on the Loft Data?
  • We require a complicated wire harness developed in Catia or Creo Schematics.
  • How to reproduce this complex surface in CAD?
  • Do we comply with the latest Federal requirements?
  • How can we build this model and import it to our PLM?
  • How do we get an exact replica of this part?
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Shipbuilding

  • How do we take accurate CMM measurements?
  • How can we confirm stack tolerancing?
  • Will this design pass the review cycle?
  • Maybe you have Solidworks, Creo, or NX files needed in Catia?
  • How do we get shop drawings for our 3D model?
  • Is AS-9102 certification required?
  • Can we flatten this complex sheet metal surface?
  • Can you create a model based on the Loft Data?
  • How do we take accurate CMM measurements?
  • How can we confirm stack tolerancing?
  • Will this design pass the review cycle?
  • Do we ensure product quality, revision management and provide complete traceability?
  • With GD&T, does everything fit?
  • Will Generative Design Help?
  • We are refurbishing/updating a vessel, so we need the 3D CAD files for this.
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  • Do you know if the drawing is the most-recent As-Built?
  • Are you missing any drawings in the As-Built package?
  • Do you need to update that legacy drawing?
  • Maybe you have Solidworks, Creo, or NX files needed in Catia?
  • How do we get shop drawings for our 3D model?
  • Is AS-9102 certification required?
  • Can we flatten this complex sheet metal surface?
  • Can you create a model based on the Loft Data?
  • Do you know if the drawing is the most-recent As-Built?
  • Are you missing any drawings in the As-Built package?
  • Do you need to update that legacy drawing?
  • Are you looking for a DHS PPD-21 CAD company?
  • Do you have a set of paper drawings you need in AutoCAD?
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Mold Tool & Die

  • We have a part, but we need to create a mold.
  • How do we know if our injection material will make it to all sections of that mold?
  • Are your Rivets and holes misaligned in the main Assembly?
  • Maybe you have Solidworks, Creo, or NX files needed in Catia?
  • How do we get shop drawings for our 3D model?
  • Is AS-9102 certification required?
  • Can we flatten this complex sheet metal surface?
  • Can you create a model based on the Loft Data?
  • We have a part, but we need to create a mold.
  • How do we know if our injection material will make it to all sections of that mold?
  • Will we get the quality we require?
  • Should we check for stock simulation or machine tool collision?
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Engineering & Manufacturing

  • How can I migrate my fully-featured files to Catia, NX, Creo. SolidWorks, and Inventor?
  • What do we do with our legacy data?
  • Are your Rivets and holes misaligned in the main Assembly?
  • Maybe you have Solidworks, Creo, or NX files needed in Catia?
  • How do we get shop drawings for our 3D model?
  • Is AS-9102 certification required?
  • Can we flatten this complex sheet metal surface?
  • Can you create a model based on the Loft Data?
  • How can you use Design for Manufacturing best practices?
  • What do we do with our legacy data?
  • Have we implemented all required modifications or ECOs?
  • Can, or should, we 3D Print this?
  • Does this assembly match my Design Intent?
  • Can you deliver our CAD files by my strict deadline?
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Moto & Gear

  • How can I get a CAD model of a gear with the proper involute?
  • How do we ensure that our designs are water-tight?
  • Will all parts of this assembly fit this enclosed space?
  • Maybe you have Solidworks, Creo, or NX files needed in Catia?
  • How do we get shop drawings for our 3D model?
  • Is AS-9102 certification required?
  • Can we flatten this complex sheet metal surface?
  • Can you create a model based on the Loft Data?
  • How can I get a CAD model of a gear with the proper involute?
  • How do we ensure that our designs are water-tight?
  • Will all parts of this assembly fit this enclosed space?
  • How do we handle CMM-based quality control?
  • How do we get this part or assembly in a *.STEP file?
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Reverse Engineering

  • 3D Scanning -> Point Cloud -> Mesh -> 3D CAD model
  • Do you need .0002" or .01" accuracy for your 3D scans?
  • Are your Rivets and holes misaligned in the main Assembly?
  • Maybe you have Solidworks, Creo, or NX files needed in Catia?
  • How do we get shop drawings for our 3D model?
  • Is AS-9102 certification required?
  • Can we flatten this complex sheet metal surface?
  • Can you create a model based on the Loft Data?
  • 3D Scanning -> Point Cloud -> Mesh -> 3D CAD model
  • Do you need .0002" or .01" accuracy for your 3D scans?
  • Do you know if you need a .STL file or a .STEP file?
  • What 3D scanner should I buy?
  • Do I have the right equipment and software for this?
  • Can I compare a used part to a new one with scanning and reverse engineering?
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Government

  • Need an ITAR-certified team of engineers? How about a one-stop-shop for all of your engineering,drafting, designing, simulation, and proof-of-concept needs?
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  • Looking for an outsourced CAD company you can trust with confidential information?
  • Are your Rivets and holes misaligned in the main Assembly?
  • Maybe you have Solidworks, Creo, or NX files needed in Catia?
  • How do we get shop drawings for our 3D model?
  • Is AS-9102 certification required?
  • Can we flatten this complex sheet metal surface?
  • Can you create a model based on the Loft Data?
  • Do you need an engineering team with previous Government experience?
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Our CAD Services Through Real-Life Case Studies

3D Scanning of Impeller by Laser and Computer Tomography

Sometimes due to the unavailability of spare parts, you have to make them yourself. This is the story of how we helped our client to recreate the missing parts with a full range of CAD design services: from CT scanning (due to complicated geometry) to...

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3D Scanning of Impeller by Laser and Computer Tomography

Sometimes due to the unavailability of spare parts, you have to make them yourself. This is the story of how we helped our client to recreate the missing parts with a full range of CAD design services: from CT scanning (due to complicated geometry) to...

Automotive Design from 3D Scans

Though 3D scans post-processing is more time and resource-consuming, it is impossible to recreate an original design from poor quality scans.

CAD Migration with Custom Standard

Despite being a relatively old industry, CAD software is still rapidly developing. This makes manufacturers change their focus CAD software. The migration process can be very time consuming, especially when you have your standards. We have proven that...

Design Improvement through Reverse Engineering

Sometimes photos alone can be a sufficient input for a CAD Perfect™ reverse engineering.

Existing Design Modification

Even traditional sports with a long history can benefit from modern CAD technologies. New things can be created without breaking old rules. Parametric modeling helped us to create new putter head designs.

What Our Customers Are Saying

“CAD / CAM Services scanned > 6,000 maps for us and sold and installed a scanner and an EDMS system to our district. It has turned out to be a great investment for our district. We had several competitive firms compete on cost and scanning quality. CAD / CAM Services was the hands-down winner for myself, the engineering staff and the board. We are presently publishing the images on the internet and plan to continue using CAD / CAM Services They treated us fairly and delivered on-time and on-budget.”

Bo Daffin, CTA, RPA

Deputy Chief Appraiser of Central Appraisal District of Collin County

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“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Greta Nintzel

Content & Digital Media Associate, Rich Media Team (amazon supply)

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Angie

CTR USARMY CCDC ARL (USA)

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Bill Johnson Jr.

Dallas Aerial Surveyors

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Richard Schmitter

GTE Media Ventures

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Pete Iannuzzi

Sony Music

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Jerry McNabb

R Civ USAF – Tinkers Air Force Base

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Bill Scott

City of Carrollton

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Bo Daffin, CTA, RPA

Deputy Chief Appraiser of Central Appraisal District of Collin County

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Greg Schulz

Richardson Independent School District

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Phillip Schmidt, Jr.

District Plant Engineering Manager, UPS

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Nathan Jones

City of Garland Texas, Engineering Department

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Shane Duncan

Engineering Manager – W Machine Works Inc.

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Nikko Meyers

Scan Direct

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Ed Turk

V.P. Cornelius – Pierce Consulting Engineers

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Chris Kidd

Dilon Technologies

News & Insights

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Whether to improve the car’s aerodynamics or make the driver’s experience more comfortable in the cockpit, WTRAndretti’s engineers have decided to trust and rely on Creaform’s expertise and technology.

CAD Outsourcing Doesn’t Have to Be Done in India Do a Google search for “CAD Outsourcing” and what you’ll find is lots of firms located in India, which is fine if you’re prepared to go off-shore for CAD services. But what if your U.S. based company prefers to stay a...

Before proceeding forward in explaining the affinity between AutoCAD and Fiber Optic, it would be prudent to rationalize the utility of optical cables. When communicating between systems, either via the internet or via an internal network system, a medium needs to be...

In today’s competitive market, companies need as much help as possible. If you want to take a larger market share, you can start by outsourcing some of your work. This is a quick way to expand your engineering power without onboarding and training a new staff. This...

What is a CAD translation, and how does that differ from Raster to Vector conversion? Raster to vector conversion means taking a scanned raster file and changing it to a vector file. However, a CAD translation means taking a vector file that is in one format, usable...

FAQ's

BIM FAQs
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Engineering FAQs
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CAD Drafting FAQs
What’s the minimum price for CAD drafting?

Our CAD drafting services have a minimum order price of $195.

With a standard ‘D’ or ‘E’ size 2D AutoCAD *.dwg being $ 195.00.  This is a fixed price for almost all 2D CAD work. *There is a small exception for GIS or very dense drawings.

Which CAD file formats do you work with?

All the CAD file formats are listed on this page but bear in mind that we also work with exotic and legacy CAD systems.  After 31 years of providing CAD Services, we have run into almost any CAD file format.


What’s the fastest turnaround for CAD drafting work?

Our facility runs three shifts and we're open and operating 24/7 to ensure the fastest turnarounds on the market. We offer turnarounds as low as 24 hours on our CAD drafting work. For larger projects, we can commit to aggressive timelines and tight turnarounds to ensure you meet your needs.

How are your CAD drafting projects billed?

We like to bill our CAD drafting projects per hour. The rate depends on the CAD software that we use and any specialties or expertise that your project requires. It typically starts at $55 an hour, and you only get billed for hours that went directly to your project (no, you don’t get charged for any time spent daydreaming or working on other projects).

Often, we’ll include a limit to the cost, called a “not to exceed quote”. This will protect your budget and make sure you’re never paying too much.

We can also provide a fixed cost as part of our PO, if you would prefer that route.

What do you need for an accurate CAD drafting quote?

To get the most accurate CAD drafting quote, we’ll need the following:

  • Target CAD file/software. We’ll make sure we send files you can actually open and use.
  • How many parts you need drafted. Larger orders usually come with some discounts, so make sure you tell us how many drawings you need.
  • Any existing notes/drawings/files. These can help with the CAD drafting process, but you can also come to us with a general idea and some constraints if the part isn’t designed yet.
  • Turnaround time. If you have a strict need-by date, we need to know it. Alternatively, if you have a date that you’d like delivery by, let us know and we’ll make sure you get the part in time.
  • Any manufacturing requirements. In some cases, clients have an in-house machine shop that will make the part, and all they have is a CNC milling machine. This changes how we engineer and design the part. If you have manufacturing requirements that might limit the design process, please let us know. This ensures the final design can be made in your facilities.

General CAD Questions
How do I send a sample, in order to get a quote?

Fill out our quote form, attach your files, or simply send us an email. Tell everything about your project, like the model purpose.

For smaller files < 15 MB you can simply email them to us.  For something larger, just drop them in any number of drop boxes like Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and others.  Or if you would like, just contact us for a private, hardened link.

It is fine to use most any time of compression such as  *.zip, *.rar, *.tar, *.7z, *.arc, *.LBR, and even *.iso images.

A direct email is [email protected]

We also use a hardened OwnCloud web file sharing platform for unlimited file transfers. We provide unique and very private Web Storage Portals, this also supports file syncing for extreme convenience for you. Because so much of our work is DOD or weapons design work, Security – and confidentiality is very important to us.

Will CAD / CAM Services Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?

Yes. NDAs are a common part of our business. All data is yours – not ours, and treated as proprietary data and not for public consumption or use. Probably 70% of our work is under NDA agreements. We can generally get these signed within the day.

What is the estimated delivery time?

It depends on the scope of work:

  • 2D drawings – small quantity, normally 48 hours.  We have several customers where they contract to us, keeping 4-8 drafters busy full time.
  • 3D models – complexity dependent, but smaller jobs in 2-3 days. Some models we have spent months on.  Again, we have several customers where they contract to us, keeping 6-10 3D CAD designers busy full time.

Simple jobs have a lead time of 48 hours. Larger projects are delivered and invoiced weekly.

Did you really own the trademark Cad Perfect™, Cad Perfect CAD Conversions™ and Cad / Cam Services™?

Yes, we did back in 2008. We started using Cad Perfect™ back in the early 1990s because all of our customers wanted only real Cad Perfect™ work. Back then the buzz words were terms like machine ready, or DXF Traceover and others.

The problem is, nobody wanted that. They all wanted drawings and models that they did not have to touch. Everybody wanted drawings just as if they hand redrew the work themselves.

Thus, Cad / Cam Services™ was the first company to start offering ONLY Cad Perfect™ work.

Do you support the PPD-21 Directive?

Yes we do, and have now for several years. In addition, we also support the industry specific plans as well.

3D Scanning FAQs
How much does scanning services cost?

It depends on the complexity of the scanned model and material properties. As, for example, it may be much more complicated to properly scan an object with a reflective surface, than a non-reflective surface. It also depends on three main factors:

  1. the physical size of your part
  2. the required scanning resolution
  3. if industrial CT or metallurgy scanning is needed

Simple quick cell phone photos are worth a thousand words to us. To know for sure you can request a quote. It is of course, free – and treated as if an NDA is already in place.

Some averages:

  • The typical 3D scan is somewhere around $200-400 per part.
  • Tomographic (CT) scanning is $600-900 per part.

Because so much of our business is Aerospace related, our scanning – and the completed CAD file HAS to be within ±.005” anywhere on that part, we never use consumer-grade scanners. The scanners we use start at $25,000 and go up to $700,000 (CT) per scanner.

At any given time, we have in excess of $ 5 million just in scanning hardware we use. In addition, a hidden factor of scanning on any system is the assembly and clean up of any scan. The rule of thumb is a 2-1 ratio. So even with our experienced scanning staff, if we spend one-hour scanning; we will then spend an additional two hours of clean up and assembly before our CAD group gets the Point Cloud file to simulate or reverse engineer.

What is the Point Cloud/Mesh/3D Scan?

A point cloud is thousands if not millions of data points located in space by X, Y, Z coordinates. Images of this nature are often captured with Faro Focus or Artec scanners that specialize in large-area scanning.  Most likely you obtain building and territory plans in this file format.

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A polygon mesh is a set of triangles located in the same manner. These scans are obtained with Artec, Creaform, Enscan and other handheld scanners. Parts and reverse engineering device scans are usually polygon meshes.

What types of scanners do you use?
  • Faro Arm – Very good for most parts, fast and accurate
  • Turntable scanners – high accuracy, high detail, fast scanning. Great for smaller parts.
  • Portable handheld – may be favorable for some larger parts – if not a tripod-mounted scanner.
  • Long Range – these mount on a tripod, and are intended to scan buildings, plants, and other larger sized projects.
  • Industrial CT scanners – incredibly expensive, but they offer two main benefits – the ability to inside an object (think of a void in a solid object), and their accuracy.  At this level, we are often in the Âą.001” – Âą.002” range, and often used in metrology scanning.

Which scanner models do you use?
How accurate is 3D scanning?

The scanners we use are as accurate as the industry offers – from anybody at any cost. We use Faro and Artec 3D scanners, in addition to Faro CMM type arms, including the Surveyor tables. Depending on what scanner we use:

  • CT scanners – 4 to 400Âľm/voxel resolution
  • Artec Portable scanners high accuracy (0.03 – 0.05mm)
  • Artec Portable scanners high resolution (up to 0.15mm)
  • Our CyberGage 360 – generates highly precise full 360 degrees automated scan with accuracy NIST traceable to approximately 7 microns
  • The CyberGage 360 has a system repeatability of Âą.005mm.
Digitizing FAQs
What is the average raster to vector (R2V) 2-D conversion price?

The typical AEC D & E size sheet is $135. There are possible discounts depending on the job size. The more you convert the less you pay.  The bulk of the files we produce are for AutoCAD.

Creating models and drawings over scanned analog documents seem so easy – why such a low price?

In order to make an accurate representation, you have to calibrate the original drawing, which may have deformed during its storage period. Non-dimensioned mediums need to be thoroughly calibrated before digitizing.

Parts of scanned data may be lost due to time and other factors. Because it is important to recreate the design intent,  we need to recreate lost data.

You ONLY receive  Cad Perfect™ files – as if you had drawn these by hand.

Do you support BIM modeling?

Using Revit, yes we do.  Think of BIM as an intelligent 3D model of your building.  We know exactly where all of the HVAC is, IT cabling, electrical, the cost of doors and windows, when mechanical systems need to be serviced, all the way to a room number with a phone number and IP in that room. In addition to our Ray Tracing technology to support some very life-like photo renderings.


What is DHS – Critical Infrastructure Products

The Department of Homeland Security protocol  PPD-21 requirement has deemed that sixteen (16) industries and services are critical to our US Nations security.

These industries  require additional security protocols when creating CAD files. CAD / CAM Services follows all of these requirements. Think of industries and info structures such as power, water, along with fourteen (14) other industries.  For a full list please see Critical Infrastructure Products.

What is a “Calibrated” Mylar image?

Mylar films can be stored in climate-controlled facilities. However, films get skewed and change sizes over time – ironically not linear. So what changes on one end, does not apply to what is in the middle, or the other end.  We have seen ‘J’ size Aerospace Mylars (about 48×180”), vary by a full inch.

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CAD/CAM Services utilizes a proprietary process to make Mylar raster images dead on a 5” or 10” grid. Our process was developed in conjunction with, and approved by Boeing engineers.

3D Modeling FAQs
How do you bill 3D CAD services tasks?

Per hour. Hourly rate depends on what CAD software used and typically starts at $75 per hour.  In general, to make this process safer for you, we often provide you a fixed not to exceed the cost as well.  That way, you are protected from an open-ended PO. However, the reality is our fees are based on time. In addition, services in say Catia or NX are more expensive than say Solidworks. Or, simulation services are commonly done by real engineers.

What do you need to give me accurate pricing?

First of all, we need to know the target CAD system and whether you have an existing  template, or set of CAD standards for this project.

The main question is the overall complexity. As each part and assembly consists of different features and elements the best way is to provide us with an example.  Again, a picture is worth a thousand words.

If you already have a model and need us to improve it or update it in any way we need to know which dimensions and features are critical and which can be modified to achieve your desired result.  Even a before and after example works very well. We started with x, and got to this CAD file.

We can also offer you better options if you provide us with the purpose of your project (demonstration, 3D printing, FEA Simulation, CNC manufacturing, etc.).  This helps us better refine the task.

How do you check your models?

We create 2D drawings from our 3D models for QC purposes. We follow aerospace standards and deliver ±.005” accuracy models for all projects.  All of our QC is done by a different person than the designer. On Catia work, we often use Q-Checker for Airbus.

What is the minimum price for your 3D modeling services?

We have a minimum order fee $150.

Reverse Engineering FAQs
What is the average price for Reverse Engineering?

It all depends on the part’s complexity, size and structure.

What do you guys need to provide me with accurate pricing?

We need to know whether you need your parts to be scanned by us. Or many times we can work with 3D scans provided by third-party companies.  The quality of the scan is everything in our business. Anyway, we strongly advise you to use us for both the scanning and the CAD conversion aspects.  That way, we can control the quality. Sometimes we receive poor quality scans which make it impossible to create truly Cad Perfect™ models for you.  By all means, send us a couple of even cell phone photos, and the rough size of the object.  Most of the time, this will provide us enough information to provide a real bid.

The price depends on the part complexity, size, as well as the target file parametres. We need to know whether you need full parametric models, and your desired accuracy. If you tell us the purpose of reverse-engineered models, we can often provide you with possible solutions. The target CAD software may change the price as well. This includes sophisticated Workstation add-on products such as Composites, Catia electrical wiring, mold design, and others.

What is the quality of reverse-engineered parts?

We can provide ±.005” aerospace quality for every model. CT scanned parts can have even higher precision up to ±.001”.

CAD Conversion FAQs
What do you need to provide me with an accurate quote?

We need to know source CAD and target CAD software. Since large quantity orders can be discounted by us you can provide us with the number of parts you need to be converted.

If you tell us the desired purpose of the conversion we can offer you some conversion options. We can also convert your files into vendor-neutral file types (.STEP, .STL, etc,).

Please email us even cell phone photos, and the rough size of what you wish scanned and converted [email protected].

What do I get?

You get native Cad Perfect™ files with the full-featured model tree (where applicable, since some file types have no trees), and features can be fully parametric. It all depends on your goals.  We prefer to not translate any files. Our goal is to deliver to you a file that you do not have to touch. Our work is exactly as if you had reproduced that work in-house.

Which CAD file formats do you work with?

All the CAD file formats are listed on this page but bear in mind that we also work with exotic and legacy CAD systems.  After 31 years of providing CAD Services, we have run into almost any CAD file format.


Which CAD systems do you work with?

We support all the modern CAD systems including SolidWorks, Catia, Siemens NX, PTC Creo, Inventor, Revit, AutoCAD, and many others.

I have some weird CAD files from the previous century, can you help me?

Yes, absolutely. We can perform legacy CAD conversions.  Just send us some example files, and what CAD system we need to wind up in, and let us design the best solution for you.We have worked with old Computer Vision tapes, Anvil, and many other 1980’s systems.

Finite Element Analysis FAQs
What is the purpose of FEA?

A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a form of non-destructive testing (NDT) that shows how your part reacts to real-world loading events. A common example is running an FEA on a support bracket. The FEA will give results showing how much the bracket deflects, how much reactive force is seen, and the kind of internal stresses the bracket experiences.

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FEA results will change dramatically based on the position and angle of the load, how much force is applied, the material properties of the part, and the design of the part itself.

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An FEA is used to optimize a part before manufacturing begins. It allows you to find weak points within your part or assembly, and it will predict a failure before you physically make anything. This gives you an opportunity to fine-tune each part to optimize its size, strength, and cost before you start producing it.

What do you need to make an accurate simulation?

The more information we have, the more accurate the simulation results will be. It also depends on what type of simulation you want to run. For a simple FEA, we can run an accurate simulation with just a 3D CAD model and loading/force/pressure information that you want to simulate.

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Don’t have a 3D model? Not a problem, our team can make one for you from scratch, and then run an FEA on it.

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For a more detailed answer, a well-run FEA will need:

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• Material properties: What material is the part made out of? We can run different FEAs with different materials to help you pick the right one.

• Loading conditions: The size, location, and type of load you want to simulate.

• Bonding condition: How is the part held in place? Is it bolted, welded, or just sitting on a tabletop?

• A 3D model

• For other simulations: Please provide us with all thermal, dynamic, aero, and/or fluid flow information. Feel free to call us and we’ll walk you through what we need.

Digital Mockup (DMU) FAQs
Can you make me a cool part catalog?

You bet we can. We created millions of files for Amazon’s online catalog, so no doubt we can help you.  Click Link 1, Link 2 or Link 3 for some live Amazon examples. Simply select any file type from the list under the photo.

We directly support TraceParts.com, PartSolutions, GrabCAD, and several others.

What can you do to make a cool part catalog?

There are no limits to creative tasks. Contact us and we will work something out.  This includes part animation, expanded views, opening up assemblies, and full digital mock-ups.

Do you create scenarios for a video demonstration?

We can stage what you want, or propose to you with our exclusive cinematic masterpiece.

Resources

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