Computer aided design
Throughout the design phase of your new product development we will use computer aided design (CAD). CAD is a very powerful tool which captures design intent electronically and allows the designer to move their thinking forward quickly exploring the many avenues the design process demands. Each idea can be stored separately or discarded if not worthy and presentation images produced.
At 3Minds we use the latest 3D-CAD which helps us to translate our initial thoughts and concepts into an electronic solid model. This virtual model will help you to visualise the design and help us to realise the component parts and ensure that they will fit together. We have many years of experience using 3-Dimensional Solid modelling software including industry leading Solidworks® and Autodesk® products.
As we review the design with you and move toward parts which we want to manufacture as prototypes we can use the solid model/s by converting them to files which can be sent to a rapid prototyping bureau or CNC machinist. These processes are particularly powerful for reducing the design cycle and time to market.
2D Draughting
When the design phase is concluding we can edit the original model as necessary to conclude the design and convert the file into 2D detailed parts drawings. The latest CAD software will still allow amendments at this stage and will automatically update the 2D files.
At 3Minds we also use the CAD data to produce technical illustrations and exploded views for production information, brochures and technical manuals.
