Design and CAD
From single part modeling all the way up to full machine assemblies, plus shop drawings from someone who actually gets their hands dirty (so the dimensions will actually be useful and properly referenced). CAD modeling is done in SolidWorks, or Autodesk Fusion. Send native files, or STEP, IGES, Parasolids, etc… And don’t worry if you only have a napkin sketch, generating new models is no problem and typically can happen quickly.
Whether you’re an inventor who needs help developing their product, an industrial company needing CAD services/support, or even a small company who needs a part-time engineer on the team; Mechanical Superiority can help.
Remote CAD and product development
Many times, engineering support may not even require being in the same state. I have experience working with clients across the country to help them develop their designs remotely. CAD and other technologies (like 3D plastic printing) can be a good way to communicate enormous quantities of information across long distances, and final manufacturing can be done by a preferred machine shop closer to you.
How it went for a customer in Virginia →
Reverse engineering of obsolete parts
When I worked in mining and heavy industry support, we often ran into situations where older machinery was being used to perform critical functions. Sometimes the manufacturers of the machines were long-defunct, and sourcing spare parts was difficult or impossible. This gave me lots of opportunities to learn how to reverse-engineer parts so that our machine shop could remanufacture them and get the machines back up and running. There is a bit of an art to this process, and it makes things go smoother if you partner with someone who has done it before. So if you need new parts for an old machine that is still useful to you, send a message and let’s see if I can help you out!
Aluminum and stainless, made small
Everyone and their mother can run a MIG welder to bubble-gum some carbon steel together, but not many people have good experience with aluminum and stainless. With a foot in the aerospace world, I have had good mentorship in design and construction for aluminum specifically, which also means that I am an experienced TIG welder. If you’re looking for a welder who can make aluminum welds that are solid and aesthetically pleasing, send a message.
I have also spent lots of time on a rivet gun. In my experience, riveted assemblies are a great (and highly under-utilized) option for clean-looking fit-and-finish that is also structurally strong and ductile. This can also be combined with seam welding edges after assembly for certain applications. If you have an idea for a design that might be suitable for rivets, call and let me help you think it through.
The cloud signs → The tractor frame →
CNC plasma table
Are you a fabricator or a welder with an idea to make a 3D design from flat plate, but not sure how to work out the plate geometry? I have lots of experience using CAD modeling to do just that! I can even cut the parts on my plasma table and provide a ready-to-weld kit for you to tack up. If you are located remotely or you’d rather have parts water-jet or laser cut for precision, I can send the DXF’s to your favorite local shop and have them cut your kit for you there.
Business-to-business
If you are an existing shop who is missing some CAD/design support, turning away jobs because there is no existing print, or don’t want to handle small production runs; feel free to call. Good partners are hard to find, and I am always looking for good ones to send bigger work that I can’t handle as well. Let me know if you’d like to work together.
Bigger than one shop
My capabilities are also amplified by my partnership with EhPro Custom Fabrication in Trinity, TX: Lots of sheet metal and general design experience with equipment to match; a sheet roller for curved and tubular designs, a large sheet brake, and even a Haas GR-510 CNC Gantry Mill, among other things. It’s a partnership that can punch above its weight. So if you have an idea for a project that you think is too big for one small shop to handle; don’t underestimate us! Call to inquire about our combined capabilities.
The travel pods → Government buyers: see Gov. Customers.