Computer Aided Design (CAD)

CAD Design is a practical choice when you need the right balance of performance, finish, and cost for functional parts.

When Cad is a sensible choice

Computer aided design configuration upsets the domain of configuration, offering a modern stage for specialists, modelers, and fashioners to conceptualize, picture, and refine their manifestations with unrivaled accuracy.

Through computer aided design programming, complex plans once bound to the domains of creative mind can now be carefully created with virtual devices, empowering a consistent change from idea to the real world.

This innovation enables clients to investigate different cycles, control aspects, and reenact true circumstances, hence improving productivity and limiting blunders in the plan interaction.

With its natural points of interaction and powerful capabilities, computer aided design speeds up the improvement cycle as well as encourages advancement by working with coordinated effort and empowering the investigation of unusual plan standards.

Besides, Advanced Plan rises above customary limits, penetrating assorted enterprises going from car and aviation to form and amusement.

Its applications reach out past ordinary item plan to incorporate engineering diagrams, mechanical gatherings, and, surprisingly, virtual models, offering a flexible tool compartment for showing innovative dreams.

By outfitting the force of computer aided design, planners can rise above the constraints of manual drafting, opening additional opportunities for innovativeness and resourcefulness.

In a time portrayed by fast mechanical progression, Computerized Plan remains as a demonstration of humankind's steady quest for development, engaging people and businesses the same to push the limits of what is conceivable in the domain of plan and designing.

CAD DESIGN THAT SOLVES REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS

CAD design is not just about drawing something on a screen. It is about solving a problem properly, cost-effectively, and in a way that actually works in the real world.

Many customers come to us with a part that no longer exists, cannot be sourced, or would be prohibitively expensive to reproduce using traditional manufacturing. In many cases, injection moulding is simply not viable. Tooling costs alone can run into several thousand pounds before a single usable part is produced. That is where CAD-driven design and additive manufacturing provide a practical alternative.

We start by understanding what the part does, not just what it looks like. Is it structural? Does it move? Is it exposed to heat, UV light, or repeated stress? These questions directly influence how the CAD model is created and what material is selected. A cosmetic part and a load-bearing component require very different design decisions, even if they appear similar on the surface.

Using professional CAD software, we recreate or redesign components with manufacturing in mind from the outset. This allows us to improve weak points, adjust tolerances, and optimise geometry for strength and durability. If a part failed previously, we do not simply copy the failure—we improve it.

Material choice is also critical. ABS is a strong, widely used engineering plastic suitable for many indoor and mechanical applications. However, where UV exposure or outdoor use is expected, materials such as PETG may be more appropriate due to their enhanced stability and finish. These decisions are made collaboratively, ensuring the final part matches both functional requirements and budget.

Once the CAD model is complete, it becomes the foundation for manufacturing. A high-quality 3D model is essential; without it, accurate and repeatable production is impossible. Customers can also receive the CAD file if they wish to retain it for future use or further development.

Strength is managed intelligently through infill density and wall thickness. A decorative part may only require low infill, whereas a functional component subject to stress may require near-solid construction. We explain these trade-offs clearly so customers understand how design choices affect both performance and cost.

Post-processing options are also available, including sanding, priming, and resin coating, to enhance surface finish or strength where required. These are optional services, offered transparently, not added unnecessarily.

Ultimately, CAD design is the backbone of everything we do. It enables us to turn ideas, broken parts, and discontinued components into practical, affordable solutions—without the cost and complexity of traditional manufacturing.

FROM IDEA TO FUNCTIONAL PART: CAD DESIGNED FOR MANUFACTURING

Good CAD design is not about making something look impressive on screen. It is about ensuring that what you design can actually be manufactured, perform reliably, and last in its intended environment.

At Mitchell & Son, our CAD service is built around real-world use, not theoretical perfection. Whether a customer arrives with a broken component, a physical sample, or simply an idea, the process always begins with understanding the end use. That understanding shapes every design decision that follows.

We regularly work with parts that are no longer available commercially. In traditional manufacturing, reproducing these parts would often require expensive tooling and long lead times. By designing directly for additive manufacturing, we eliminate unnecessary costs while maintaining strength and functionality.

The CAD stage allows us to replicate parts accurately while also improving them where needed. Stress points can be reinforced, tolerances refined, and geometry optimised. In many cases, the redesigned component performs better than the original because it has been engineered specifically for its application rather than mass production.

Material selection plays a major role in this process. ABS remains a reliable choice for many engineering applications due to its strength and rigidity. However, where environmental exposure is a concern, PETG may offer better long-term performance. Each material has advantages and limitations, and we explain these clearly so customers can make informed decisions.

Strength is further controlled through internal structure. In 3D printing, infill percentage has a direct impact on durability and cost. A part designed for daily use or mechanical stress will require a higher infill than a purely aesthetic item. This is always discussed upfront to avoid unnecessary expense while ensuring performance is not compromised.

A high-quality CAD model is essential for successful production. It is not possible to manufacture accurately from sketches or flat images alone. This is why we invest heavily in proper CAD development before any printing begins. The result is consistency, repeatability, and confidence in the final part.

For customers who require it, we also offer finishing services such as sanding, priming, or resin reinforcement. These options enhance appearance or strength depending on the application, and are applied only when they add real value.

Our CAD service bridges the gap between idea and reality. It allows customers to avoid excessive tooling costs, shorten development time, and obtain functional, reliable parts designed specifically for their needs. That is the practical advantage of CAD done properly.

CAD DESIGN AS A COST-EFFECTIVE ADDITION TO 3D PRINT MANUFACTURING

Traditional manufacturing methods such as injection moulding are excellent for mass production, but they are often unsuitable for low-volume, replacement, or bespoke components. The upfront costs alone can make small projects financially unrealistic. CAD-driven additive manufacturing provides a more flexible and economical solution.

At Mitchell & Son, CAD design is used as a problem-solving tool. Customers frequently approach us with parts that are broken, discontinued, or impossible to source. Rather than forcing an expensive manufacturing route, we redesign these components specifically for 3D printing.

The CAD process begins with analysis. We examine how the part functions, how it failed, and how it will be used going forward. This allows us to redesign intelligently rather than simply replicate. Weak areas can be strengthened, unnecessary material removed, and tolerances adjusted for modern manufacturing methods.

Material selection is guided by application rather than convenience. ABS is often suitable for mechanical and indoor use, while PETG may be recommended where UV exposure or environmental durability is required. Each choice is explained clearly, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

Strength and cost are balanced through design decisions such as infill percentage and wall thickness. A near-solid internal structure may be necessary for moving or load-bearing parts, whereas a lighter internal structure may be sufficient for static components. These variables are discussed openly so customers understand how performance and pricing are connected.

A professionally designed CAD model is essential. Without it, manufacturing accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This is why every project includes proper CAD development before production begins. Customers can also retain the CAD file for future use, providing long-term value beyond the initial job.

Optional post-processing services are available to enhance finish or strength where required. These are offered as genuine enhancements, not mandatory extras.

By combining CAD expertise with additive manufacturing, we help customers avoid unnecessary tooling costs, reduce lead times, and achieve functional results. This approach is particularly valuable for restorations, prototypes, replacements, and bespoke components where traditional manufacturing simply does not make sense.

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