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A BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is something you’ll put together before starting a project. It outlines how information is managed and shared throughout the lifecycle of your pre-construction and post-construction operation.

A BEP can specifically outline objectives, milestones, responsibilities, contacts across your supply chain, and how you’ll share information. It’s a quick way to make sure all parties are on the same page before construction starts or before you open your doors for business.

Another common misconception is that BIM is just for massive skyscrapers and huge manufacturing facilities. We made a BIM file for a small company’s garage warehouse, so there is certainly no limit to how big your company has to be.

BIM is for any company that operates a facility. The BIM file will include information that helps you every week by minimizing downtime, improving yield, and maximizing your efficiency. Whether you’re making hand-knitted sweaters or skyscrapers in Manhattan, BIM will help your operation.

It’s always best to start a BIM project before construction begins, but it’s never too late to make a BIM file. In fact, we create as-built BIM files for existing buildings. The difference is that pre-construction BIM can also help you manage the costs and time impacts of the construction project.

If we make your BIM file while construction is still going on, we still have an opportunity to streamline the construction process. Our developed BIM file should help with the communication, coordination, and efficiency of all the tradespeople.

Starting a BIM file after construction is completed simply means the focus of the BIM file has to shift. Instead of optimizing the file for construction costs and timeline, we’ll focus on the functionality of the final building and future work you’ll do inside the building.

As you can see, there’s no such thing as “too late” for us to make your BIM file!

In BIM, it’s common for us to talk about 2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D files:

• 2D BIM is no different than a flat building layout. Example: A floor plan of a single room.
• 3D BIM is a building layout with wall height, and the ability to add multiple floors in a single file. Example: a multi-level hospital building.
• 4D BIM takes a 3D model and adds in a time component. Sometimes it’s a schedule for project managers, other times it’s a maintenance schedule for your mechanics. Example: a 4D BIM for new construction involves step-by-step project timelines plus a deadline.
• ‍5D BIM starts with a 4D BIM model and adds in cost. This is the most comprehensive type of BIM file. With 5D BIM, all the information you need for your new construction project can be found in one place. 5D BIM includes the costs for manhours, raw equipment, and different installation steps. Example: New construction of apartment buildings in which the cost and timeline are very important to investors.

BIM work takes a lot of time and previous experience to do correctly. Unless you have a dedicated BIM specialist or BIM department in-house, it will take too long to learn the idiosyncrasies of BIM. In other words, you’ll be wasting a ton of time and money on each part of your BIM file — not to mention, there’s a good chance the final BIM model will be missing a ton of information. By outsourcing to CAD/CAM Services, you will save time, save money, get more data from each file, and be able to handle bigger and more complicated BIM projects.

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We’ve developed BIM files for companies across industries. There is not one specific use for BIM, but instead there are a ton of common uses:

• Visualization
• Scope Clarification
• Partial Trade Coordination
• Collision Detection/Avoidance
• Design Validation
• Construction Sequencing Planning/Phasing Plans/Logistics
• Marketing Presentations
• Options Analysis
• Walk-throughs and Fly-throughs
• Virtual Mock-Ups
• Sight Line Studies

Actually, BIM is completely different from SolidWorks. In 3D CAD files, the file revolves around dimensions and material properties, and that’s it. With 3D, 4D, or 5D BIM, the file revolves around information.

Having a 3D building layout is just the first step of BIM — next, we’ll input information like equipment specs, maintenance tasks, location of critical parts, structural information, cost data, timeline impacts, and much more.

We’ve been offering BIM services for 35+ years at CAD/CAM Services, and you’d be surprised by how many companies we’ve helped from different applications and industries. The simple answer is that there’s no cookie-cutter user for a BIM file. We’ve helped tiny machine shops, massive defense companies, plastics manufacturers, and commercial construction companies all the same.

We have a joke around our office that explains who can benefit from BIM: If your existing building or new construction project has walls, you can benefit from BIM.

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A well-made BIM file can be a lifesaver for any type of company:

• BIM files include valuable information that can help the day-to-day efficiency of your production facility.
• Your maintenance team can use BIM to predict equipment breakdowns and avoid devastating downtime.
• BIM files can keep your building up to code and help establish a paper trail for safety audits, such as audits by fire authorities.
• A BIM file is a central file for all different trades to put in information. Your HVAC, electrical, mechanical, and installation crews can all work from the same file.
• BIM is great for stakeholders. You can create digital walk-throughs or fly-throughs to look at virtual mock-ups of new or existing buildings.
• BIM can help you spot collisions before installation. Maybe a water line is going through an area that’s supposed to be reserved for a structural beam. Spotting issues sooner means avoiding costly mistakes later.
• A BIM file can also confirm that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the scope and the design of a facility. After reviews are done, you can lock in the BIM file and use it as a reference, making sure everyone has the same target.

BIM stands for Building Information Model, Maintenance, or Management. We typically say “Model”, since BIM is a technical model of your new or existing building. A BIM file is much more involved and detailed than a 3D CAD file, and the purpose of a BIM file is completely different. BIM files are created to help your projects in multiple aspects. BIM helps with the cost, performance, appearance, logistics, efficiency, and environmental impact of your new construction or existing facility.

People choose to outsource engineering work to save time, save money, and simplify their workforce. With our team, you don’t have to pay for sick time, pay for days off, or deal with admin or HR headaches. Instead, you pay us a simple rate, and you only pay for the direct engineering effort that we provide.

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The biggest bonus is that you can add or remove outsourced engineers in seconds — just tell us, and we’ll make sure you have the right engineering power assigned to your projects.

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When you choose CAD/CAM Services, you also free up all of your in-house engineers to work on other tasks. In our experience, involving CAD/CAM Services makes everything simpler and smoother.

Our designers will run a finite element analysis (FEA) and do hand calculations whenever loads are a concern. This is just another way that we can guarantee CAD Perfect® designs for all of our customers.

Our team has over 100 engineers and drafters, and we have a ton of flexibility. Plenty of our clients keep a handful of engineers busy full-time, so we’re not opposed to assigning an engineer to help you long-term.

We will use our experience to assign the right number of engineers to your project. If you ever think you need more or fewer engineers, just let us know and we’ll adjust the assignments.

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Whether you need one engineer for one day, or 20 engineers for a year, we can help.

Yes, we can. Our trained and qualified engineers can run manual calculations, develop calculator tools, and use non-destructive engineering simulations to calculate whatever you need. We will share the results of these calculations with you and also define what the results mean, in plain English.

Our engineering services are really versatile, and they include services such as making CAD models, running simulations and doing calculations, reverse engineering parts, and optimizing designs. Our engineers can do all of the design work for your prototype or production item. With dozens of services offered under one roof, you can get more when you choose CAD/CAM Services.

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Our engineers have tons of experience and impressive educations, which is why we can offer so many projects in the first place.

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We can do almost anything: design a motor mount, reverse engineer an entire F-35 fighter jet, or create a million digital mock-ups of your parts. In fact, these are all projects we’ve done for big companies in the past.

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If you’re not sure how an engineer can help, contact us and let one of our associates explain exactly what CAD/CAM Services can do for you.

Yes, we do. CAD/CAM Services employs over 100 engineers and drafters to handle your most challenging engineering projects. When you need an engineer, you need CAD/CAM Services.

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Some of our most fun projects are taking someone’s sketch on a napkin, and transforming it into a manufacturable part. Yes, we can turn your sketch, idea, or dream into an engineered CAD file. Our team will go through engineering simulations, Design for Manufacturing (DFM) best practices, and tough calculations to make sure our designed part will work perfectly for you.

Allow our team at CAD/CAM Services to be your on-call engineer. We love going back and forth with inventors and dreamers like you, and our goal is to provide 3D CAD files and 2D manufacturing drawings. With our help, you can start building your dream part, assembly, or product today.

A CAD conversion is when our team of engineers takes your sketch, physical drawing, existing CAD file, 2D CAD file, or idea and transforms it into a professional 2D or 3D CAD file. For instance, you can send us a picture of your legacy drawing, and we can create a 3D CAD model from scratch in your favorite CAD program (like NX, CREO, CATIA, SolidWorks, etc.).

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A CAD conversion takes many shapes, and our engineers are able to perform most of the CAD conversions that you can think of. As long as you want high-quality 2D or 3D CAD files, then CAD/CAM Services can help.

In our experience, FEAs are invaluable. Spending a few hours running a simulated FEA in the background can save you weeks of your time, thousands of dollars, and countless headaches. One time, we ran an FEA for a client and found that their base platform needed to be an extra 1/4” thick, or else it would have collapsed under the weight of the machinery and people. Without an FEA, the platform was likely to fail in real life, and risk people’s lives — but it was completely avoided with just a simple FEA. In this case, the original designer changed the thickness of their platform in CAD, created manufacturing drawings, and then sent the plans out for fabrication: a change that took a day of effort.

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An FEA can:

• Save you time

• Save on manufacturing costs

• Help you to avoid common design issues

• Optimize your part so you don’t overpay for manufacturing

• Keep your people safe

• Maximize power and fuel-efficiency

• Minimize drag

• Avoid thermal or physical failure

• Understand cyclic loading results

• Find the failure point of your designs

• Fine-tune your material selection

• Learn the physical limitations of each part

• Establish confidence in each design

• Be shared with stakeholders and investors to secure funding and buy-in

Generally, an FEA is a good idea for any new part that you’re going to make. The FEA tells you whether or not your design is optimized, and it points out your part’s weak points (physically, not metaphorically). For structural or load-bearing parts, FEAs are often required by your industry standards. For any one-off parts or custom pieces, an FEA can keep your operation safer.

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Consult with our expert engineers to get a better understanding of whether or not your part needs an FEA, and let CAD/CAM Services handle the full project for you.

On our advanced computers, an FEA can be run in a matter of minutes. For incredibly detailed or complex FEAs, it might take a few hours or even overnight. Not to worry, we have dedicated workstations that just run FEAs 24/7, so you won’t have to wait long for the results.

Yes, our team has license access to all of the major simulations on the market. Currently, we offer:

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• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Simulation Services

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Services

• Discrete Element Method (DEM) Simulations

• Testing Simulated Products

• Fiber-Based Material Simulations

• Geometric Optimization and Design Iteration

• Aero and Hydrodynamics Analysis

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.

Please scroll up to see our extensive list of CAD file formats that we work with. Note that these file formats are only for 2D CAD drafting, we offer 3D CAD design and CAD conversions that offer dozens more file formats to choose from.

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.

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.

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.

Any part that will be machined or manufactured can be made with CAD drafting. We’ve designed everything from simple brackets to entire aircrafts in CAD drafting. Parts can be reverse-engineered or designed from scratch, OEM parts or aftermarket alternatives, and everything in between.

We’ve been doing this for 3 decades, and we’ve worked with many different industries and too many applications to count. From our experience, we learned that any industry can benefit from CAD drafting services. The bottom line is that you’ll save time and money any time you need to manufacture or fabricate a part (whether it’s new, a spare, or an OEM part).

CAD drafting is a thousand times better than manual drafting. With CAD, it’s much easier to design a part, the accuracy is much higher, machinists have an easier time making the part, it’s simpler to iterate on designs, sharing files is more optimized, and collaboration is a breeze.

Manual drafting has been aged out, and very few companies create new manual drawings, they almost all defer to CAD drafting instead — it’s the same reason why we use calculators instead of counting on our fingers.

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they’re very different. CAD drafting involves 2D drawings that give a manufacturer the information they need to fabricate a part. The standard format is 3 “plan” views and an isometric view with plenty of dimensions, notes, and specifications.

CAD designing typically involves 3D CAD modeling. We also offer that through CAD/CAM Services if you need 3D models as well. If you go through the CAD designing process and make a 3D model, you can also generate 2D CAD drafting drawings from it.

With a CAD drafting purchase, you’ll receive CAD Perfect 2D files that are ready for manufacturing. We design each part with manufacturing in mind, and we include all of the information needed to fabricate your part. We don’t do any machining, just engineering, designing, and drafting. However, you can take our files directly to a machine shop and they can make the part with no further information needed from you.

Our full list of CAD software can be found above, but we use all of the large 2D CAD drafting software like AutoCAD, Inventor, CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo, and SolidWorks. We also deal with foreign CAD software and rare files to fit your workflow.

Outsourcing your CAD drafting will likely save you time and money on each project. At the same time, you’re avoiding the headaches of drafting while leveraging industry experts at CAD/CAM Services.

Depending on the software used, our 2D CAD drafting costs $45 an hour and up. For more niche industries/applications, more intricate designs, and faster turnarounds, our hourly or fixed price will be higher. In general, you can expect to pay the following starting rates for CAD drafting projects:

• AutoCAD 2D, D or E size sheet: flat rate $185
• Basic AutoCAD 2D work $45+/hr
• SolidWorks work, level 2 or 3 CAD tech: $55+/hr
• Creo 2D work: $95+/hr
• Siemens NX work: $95+/hr
• CATIA V5 work: $95+/hr
• Additional BIM work: $65+/hr

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21) is a Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience United States directive that aims to strengthen and secure the country’s critical infrastructure.The goal of this directive is to reduce vulnerabilities, identify and disrupt threats, minimize consequences and hasten response and recovery efforts related to critical infrastructure.

The directive defines resilience as the ability to prepare for and adapt to ever changing conditions, terrorists, and withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions. Resilience includes the ability to withstand and recover from deliberate attacks, accidents, or naturally occurring threats or incidents.

The Department of Homeland Security has identified 16 different infostructures:

1. Chemical Sector,
2. Commercial Facilities Sector,
3. Communications Sector,
4. Critical Manufacturing Sector,
5. Dams Sector,
6. Defense Industrial Base Sector,
7. Emergency Services Sector,
8. Energy Sector,
9. Financial Services Sector,
10. Food and Agriculture Sector,
11. Government Facilities Sector,
12. Healthcare and Public Health Sector,
13. Information Technology Sector,
14. Nuclear Reactors Materials and Waste Sector,
15. Transportation Systems Sector,
16. Water and Wastewater Systems Sector.

This is both Government and private sectors.

If you are in any of these industries, this directive is important to you for many reasons.  Do you know where your critical sections are? Are they well protected? Are there concerns for Hazmat, security clearance requirements, and other concerns?  Can you quickly rebuild what might be lost?

The important part of this means that critical infrastructure must be secure and able to withstand and rapidly recover from all hazards. Achieving this will require integration with the national preparedness system across prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery.

Further details can be found at:  Government PPD-21

DHS – The National Infrastructure Protection Plan details:  The National Infrastructure Protection Plan

Industry specific plans:  2015 Industry specific PPD-21 plans

CAD / CAM Services provides PPD-21 for the following industries:  DHS – CAD / CAM Services

Depending upon when you catch us, yes, we can handle rush jobs. We often work over the holidays, Thanksgiving and even Christmas holidays. If you have a deadline – call us.

For years we have run three shifts of about 30 drafting folks per shift – allowing us to deliver work 3x faster, and seven days a week. Yes, we work 24/7, so you do not have to. The fun never stops here.

For 3D scanning, this is a different question. Because of the common setup work required, at best expect a 48-72 hour turn to be scanned. CAD or simulation services are in addition to that.

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.

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.

• 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 ±.001” – ±.002” range, and often used in metrology 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 400µm/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 ±.005mm.
  

Yes with both the DeskTom and EasyTom CT scanners.  They both support metrology grade Computed Tomography (CT) inspection.  This provides nondestructive, 3D Scanning of Internal and External Geometries.  We use the Volume Graphics VGStudio Max high-end industrial CT software for the demanding of CT applications.

Yes. This is one of CT scanners’ major points – to see into objects. This is the best solution for nondestructive quality control.

• 4 to 400µm/voxel resolution
• Full inspection of large size samples
• Modular and micro-resolution capability
• 6 motion axis

For 3D scanning services our minimum order fee is $120.

Depending on the situation we can offer you dissecting your part for scanning purposes or use CT if applicable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes.  We have accurately converted old Mylars into 2D and 3D CAD files for 20 years.

We start with a very good raster scan, generally on Contex 54” or the new 60” scanners.  In addition, we can often work with existing scans that you might have.

After that, we have to adjust the raster image to fit independently in each 5” or10” grid.  Each of the four corners of each grid has to be independently moved and calibrated.This is a tricky, manual, and a proprietary process. But at this point, that Mylar image is back to the original spec. This is exactly what we did for the Air Force.  Over 70,000 J-size Mylars were scanned and calibrated. Now our corrected and calibrated images are the Air Force standard – not the Mylars.

When you import it to your CAD software we make sure that the image is appropriately scaled, calibrated, and truly horizontal and vertical.

We are proud to announce that we create digitized copies of old non-dimensioned drawings within the Aerospace ±.005” accuracy requirement.

This is exactly the process we have used on several iterations of the 767-8, 300, and 300F.  We would be required to scan 200-300 J-size Mylars, and with zero reference points, and no dimensions. Our next step was to create via FreeForm designs in Catia the 767 wings. All of which was then certified by Boeing.

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.

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.

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.

We have a minimum order fee $150.

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

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.

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

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].

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.

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.

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

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.

Yes, we performed successful conversions from many local or exotic and ancient CAD systems. You can continue the development of old projects in modern software with our help.

Of course, we offer CAD migration services. If you want all the Cad Perfect™ files to comply with your updated company standard, just send us the guidelines and we will make Cad Perfect™ files which are perfect for you!

It is better to ask the following question:

What can you do that a software translator cannot do?

1. Verify files.
2. Update files
3. Fix files
4. Convert the CAD data to native intelligent CAD data with full feature trees.
5. Update data to the current CAD standards.
6. Work in the native PLM systems.
7. Correctly write scripts for this process as needed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

• 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 ±.001” – ±.002” range, and often used in metrology 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 400µm/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 ±.005mm.
  

Yes with both the DeskTom and EasyTom CT scanners.  They both support metrology grade Computed Tomography (CT) inspection.  This provides nondestructive, 3D Scanning of Internal and External Geometries.  We use the Volume Graphics VGStudio Max high-end industrial CT software for the demanding of CT applications.

Yes. This is one of CT scanners’ major points – to see into objects. This is the best solution for nondestructive quality control.

• 4 to 400µm/voxel resolution
• Full inspection of large size samples
• Modular and micro-resolution capability
• 6 motion axis

For 3D scanning services our minimum order fee is $120.

Depending on the situation we can offer you dissecting your part for scanning purposes or use CT if applicable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes.  We have accurately converted old Mylars into 2D and 3D CAD files for 20 years.

We start with a very good raster scan, generally on Contex 54” or the new 60” scanners.  In addition, we can often work with existing scans that you might have.

After that, we have to adjust the raster image to fit independently in each 5” or10” grid.  Each of the four corners of each grid has to be independently moved and calibrated.This is a tricky, manual, and a proprietary process. But at this point, that Mylar image is back to the original spec. This is exactly what we did for the Air Force.  Over 70,000 J-size Mylars were scanned and calibrated. Now our corrected and calibrated images are the Air Force standard – not the Mylars.

When you import it to your CAD software we make sure that the image is appropriately scaled, calibrated, and truly horizontal and vertical.

We are proud to announce that we create digitized copies of old non-dimensioned drawings within the Aerospace ±.005” accuracy requirement.

This is exactly the process we have used on several iterations of the 767-8, 300, and 300F.  We would be required to scan 200-300 J-size Mylars, and with zero reference points, and no dimensions. Our next step was to create via FreeForm designs in Catia the 767 wings. All of which was then certified by Boeing.

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.

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.

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.

We have a minimum order fee $150.

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

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.

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

Some of our most fun projects are taking someone’s sketch on a napkin, and transforming it into a manufacturable part. Yes, we can turn your sketch, idea, or dream into an engineered CAD file. Our team will go through engineering simulations, Design for Manufacturing (DFM) best practices, and tough calculations to make sure our designed part will work perfectly for you.

Allow our team at CAD/CAM Services to be your on-call engineer. We love going back and forth with inventors and dreamers like you, and our goal is to provide 3D CAD files and 2D manufacturing drawings. With our help, you can start building your dream part, assembly, or product today.

A CAD conversion is when our team of engineers takes your sketch, physical drawing, existing CAD file, 2D CAD file, or idea and transforms it into a professional 2D or 3D CAD file. For instance, you can send us a picture of your legacy drawing, and we can create a 3D CAD model from scratch in your favorite CAD program (like NX, CREO, CATIA, SolidWorks, etc.).

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A CAD conversion takes many shapes, and our engineers are able to perform most of the CAD conversions that you can think of. As long as you want high-quality 2D or 3D CAD files, then CAD/CAM Services can help.

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].

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.

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.

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

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.

Yes, we performed successful conversions from many local or exotic and ancient CAD systems. You can continue the development of old projects in modern software with our help.

Of course, we offer CAD migration services. If you want all the Cad Perfect™ files to comply with your updated company standard, just send us the guidelines and we will make Cad Perfect™ files which are perfect for you!

It is better to ask the following question:

What can you do that a software translator cannot do?

1. Verify files.
2. Update files
3. Fix files
4. Convert the CAD data to native intelligent CAD data with full feature trees.
5. Update data to the current CAD standards.
6. Work in the native PLM systems.
7. Correctly write scripts for this process as needed.

In our experience, FEAs are invaluable. Spending a few hours running a simulated FEA in the background can save you weeks of your time, thousands of dollars, and countless headaches. One time, we ran an FEA for a client and found that their base platform needed to be an extra 1/4” thick, or else it would have collapsed under the weight of the machinery and people. Without an FEA, the platform was likely to fail in real life, and risk people’s lives — but it was completely avoided with just a simple FEA. In this case, the original designer changed the thickness of their platform in CAD, created manufacturing drawings, and then sent the plans out for fabrication: a change that took a day of effort.

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An FEA can:

• Save you time

• Save on manufacturing costs

• Help you to avoid common design issues

• Optimize your part so you don’t overpay for manufacturing

• Keep your people safe

• Maximize power and fuel-efficiency

• Minimize drag

• Avoid thermal or physical failure

• Understand cyclic loading results

• Find the failure point of your designs

• Fine-tune your material selection

• Learn the physical limitations of each part

• Establish confidence in each design

• Be shared with stakeholders and investors to secure funding and buy-in

Generally, an FEA is a good idea for any new part that you’re going to make. The FEA tells you whether or not your design is optimized, and it points out your part’s weak points (physically, not metaphorically). For structural or load-bearing parts, FEAs are often required by your industry standards. For any one-off parts or custom pieces, an FEA can keep your operation safer.

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Consult with our expert engineers to get a better understanding of whether or not your part needs an FEA, and let CAD/CAM Services handle the full project for you.

On our advanced computers, an FEA can be run in a matter of minutes. For incredibly detailed or complex FEAs, it might take a few hours or even overnight. Not to worry, we have dedicated workstations that just run FEAs 24/7, so you won’t have to wait long for the results.

Yes, our team has license access to all of the major simulations on the market. Currently, we offer:

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• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Simulation Services

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Services

• Discrete Element Method (DEM) Simulations

• Testing Simulated Products

• Fiber-Based Material Simulations

• Geometric Optimization and Design Iteration

• Aero and Hydrodynamics Analysis

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

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.

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

• 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.

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.

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.

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