Engineering draughtperson/drafter wanted
Discussion
Not sure if this is the right place to ask where I may find a good old-fashioned drafter, but it seems as good as anywhere ...
I’m looking for an individual I can give automotive components to, and they in turn would produce accurate engineering/machine drawings from said parts, so I can provide drawings to engineering/machining companies to enable them to quote/produce components from.
I’m Midlands based (south-west) but happy to travel within 30 miles to initiate the process.
Any leads/recommendations gratefully accepted.
MTIA
Mods, please feel free to move to a more relevant section if required.
I’m looking for an individual I can give automotive components to, and they in turn would produce accurate engineering/machine drawings from said parts, so I can provide drawings to engineering/machining companies to enable them to quote/produce components from.
I’m Midlands based (south-west) but happy to travel within 30 miles to initiate the process.
Any leads/recommendations gratefully accepted.
MTIA
Mods, please feel free to move to a more relevant section if required.
ARHarh said:
Just a thought, but surely any engineering / machining company would prefer CAD models / drawings to quote and machine from these days.
They almost certainly would prefer STEP/IGS files as they generally create the G codes for CNC machines nowadays, without someone needing to manually do it.All that drawings are good for nowadays is tolerancing, which I would propose the OP should guide the draftsperson on as they (should) know fitment and criticality of interfaces, form, packaging constraints etc…
Slippydiff said:
So I need CAD drawings ?
And who would I get to produce said CAD drawings ?
A 3d model in SolidWorks/CATIA/Creo/NX will need to be created. This is normally in a STP file format and will be generated by the CAD engineer.And who would I get to produce said CAD drawings ?
This 3D model is then used as the master to create the CAD Drawing, and is often in your standard file formats, Tif, PDF, Gif, JPEG etc. The drawing would then generally be marked up with critical dimensions (affecting fit, form, or function), along with appropriate datum structures and GD&T.
Depending on the parts you’re making, you may need someone more experienced in solid modelling or surface modelling - solid modelling is more for castings and as such lends its way towards metal parts. Surface modelling is used for A-surface development and more injection moulding and blow moulded components.
I’d suggest you go somewhere like Fiverr and see if anyone offers this as a business. The best thing would be to get it 3d scanned in a CT scanner, have it uploaded as an STL file and then manually convert it to a STP file. This would ensure accurate dimensions are taken, however would definitely not be a cheap option.
You could try it yourself with something online, there’s often free versions of CAD software for non commercial use.
Perhaps working backwards and find a machining company you'd be happy to do the work for you and ask them if they have any in house CAD engineers or if they know anyone?
I think finding the machinist will be the difficult part of your endevour!
I think finding the machinist will be the difficult part of your endevour!
Edited by ApexCult on Wednesday 19th July 18:52
I dare say the company you have found to machine the parts won’t want to produce the drawings themselves as there’s more risk for them if the parts are incorrect to the original, whereas someone else is to blame if the drawings are done externally. Either that or they might not have the hardware/software to do it.
I work at a precision engineering company, and we have done similar for some customers, but we also get them to check and approve our drawings before manufacturing.
It can depend on the complexity of the parts to be modelled/drawn, whether they can be reverse engineered using basic measuring, or if points need to be plotted using a CMM/scanned with a 3D scanner to produce the model.
Edit: we’re based in North Yorkshire, so a bit out of your 30 mile range!
I work at a precision engineering company, and we have done similar for some customers, but we also get them to check and approve our drawings before manufacturing.
It can depend on the complexity of the parts to be modelled/drawn, whether they can be reverse engineered using basic measuring, or if points need to be plotted using a CMM/scanned with a 3D scanner to produce the model.
Edit: we’re based in North Yorkshire, so a bit out of your 30 mile range!
DM me and I should be able to point you in the direction of what you actually need. It really depends. A drawing will allow you specify tolerances, surface finishes, interference fits, brazing standards etc. A CAD model will be required in conjunction if it's a very complex 3d part (so they can use it to plot the tool path) if it's just a basic item that can be turned on a lathe just a drawing will suffice.
Edited by Crudeoink on Thursday 20th July 08:17
For more complex parts, I can often hear an audible sigh of relief when I tell machining companies that I can send them a 3D model file alongside a drawing. If nothing else it helps them quickly work out how long it'll take to machine it, so they can cost it up much easier.
It comes down to what parts exactly you're looking to be working with. Something simple you can just use an etch-a-sketch, or you'll need shiny scanning capabilities.
It comes down to what parts exactly you're looking to be working with. Something simple you can just use an etch-a-sketch, or you'll need shiny scanning capabilities.
At the risk of pissing on chips here….
There is a little bit more to this than “getting some CAD drawings done.”
The clue is in the title block on every single engineering drawing.
Who drew it?
Who checked it?
Who approved it?
In most companies this is three separate individuals. If a person is to create some CAD geometry for you, then the question becomes - who is checking it, and who is approving it. Even little companies (<20 people) can have 3 names on the sheet. At Ford/Rolls-Royce it seems like it’s a cast of thousands!
So, if the CAD designer is to create the drawings, is there an expectation that they would fill in the blanks on their drawing border and self-check and approve?
This means that if you have paid for the work to be done, and this work won’t be less than £30/hr, are you also assuming that they will take on the responsibility for self-checking and approval and any liabilities for their own work?
By the way – everyone who can drive a CAD mouse in UK mechanical engineering is in work on good money right now…
If something doesn’t fit properly, will you be emailing them with a request for drawing changes or asking them to fix the parts at their cost?
I know this is getting serious and quickly, but there is a reason why most CAD users don’t do this kind of work anymore as its drummed into them at Uni nowadays what their responsibilities at work should be.
The manufacturing people love CAD geometry as its bought into Mastercam et al, via STEP, IGES, DXF, STL etc…set up on the screen, bring in the tooling portfolio and G-code is created in minutes. its like magic!
BUT
The manufacturing people should be informing the designer what their material offsets are, what’s in their tooling carousels/tooling library etc... so the design can reflect what is going to be made more easily. And so, it goes on.
There is another issue here as it sounds like some reverse engineering work is in operation.
Who is taking the responsibility/liability for this reverse engineered design?
Do you know exactly what materials were used in the original, as well as all the treatments the materials went through?
Who could do what you are requesting? I could do all the above in my sleep.
Would I take technical responsibility for it? No
Engineering is great - isn’t it?
I strongly recommend putting the task on https://www.upwork.com/ where someone in a faraway land will be willing to do this work cheaply and 2 fingers to any liability issues.
There is a little bit more to this than “getting some CAD drawings done.”
The clue is in the title block on every single engineering drawing.
Who drew it?
Who checked it?
Who approved it?
In most companies this is three separate individuals. If a person is to create some CAD geometry for you, then the question becomes - who is checking it, and who is approving it. Even little companies (<20 people) can have 3 names on the sheet. At Ford/Rolls-Royce it seems like it’s a cast of thousands!
So, if the CAD designer is to create the drawings, is there an expectation that they would fill in the blanks on their drawing border and self-check and approve?
This means that if you have paid for the work to be done, and this work won’t be less than £30/hr, are you also assuming that they will take on the responsibility for self-checking and approval and any liabilities for their own work?
By the way – everyone who can drive a CAD mouse in UK mechanical engineering is in work on good money right now…
If something doesn’t fit properly, will you be emailing them with a request for drawing changes or asking them to fix the parts at their cost?
I know this is getting serious and quickly, but there is a reason why most CAD users don’t do this kind of work anymore as its drummed into them at Uni nowadays what their responsibilities at work should be.
The manufacturing people love CAD geometry as its bought into Mastercam et al, via STEP, IGES, DXF, STL etc…set up on the screen, bring in the tooling portfolio and G-code is created in minutes. its like magic!
BUT
The manufacturing people should be informing the designer what their material offsets are, what’s in their tooling carousels/tooling library etc... so the design can reflect what is going to be made more easily. And so, it goes on.
There is another issue here as it sounds like some reverse engineering work is in operation.
Who is taking the responsibility/liability for this reverse engineered design?
Do you know exactly what materials were used in the original, as well as all the treatments the materials went through?
Who could do what you are requesting? I could do all the above in my sleep.
Would I take technical responsibility for it? No
Engineering is great - isn’t it?
I strongly recommend putting the task on https://www.upwork.com/ where someone in a faraway land will be willing to do this work cheaply and 2 fingers to any liability issues.
A lot depends upon the type of machining required and the quantity of components. For a handful of simple parts a back of a fag packet sketch with key dimensions and tolerances has been suficient in the past. Is it simple milling and turning, or are there bores and surfaces to be ground and are machined threads, 'O' ring grooves and so on required?
A visit to the company and a chat with the the workshop foreman or the boss, if its a small place, may save you a lot of time, but sketch it out for yourself listing what is needed and what matters. It is a lot easier to discuss it from a sketch than a verbal description. Bear in mind for measuring, they will need a datum face or point to work from. There is also no point having tightly controlled tolerances on dimensions that aren't critical.
A visit to the company and a chat with the the workshop foreman or the boss, if its a small place, may save you a lot of time, but sketch it out for yourself listing what is needed and what matters. It is a lot easier to discuss it from a sketch than a verbal description. Bear in mind for measuring, they will need a datum face or point to work from. There is also no point having tightly controlled tolerances on dimensions that aren't critical.
Depends on the workshop. There are many machinists out there that can program a CNC using 3D CAD data to make a part, but on a Manual Mill / Lathe or entering CNC code using a hand drawn sketch, not a chance!
I have 12 machinist in my company, all really good on the CNCs, but only 4 of them can use the manuals properly and of those 4, 2 have done an apprenticeship with us.
The inquiries we get for 1off, 2off is increasing all the time as the old boys who could jump on a manual and produce a part in few hours retire.
I have 12 machinist in my company, all really good on the CNCs, but only 4 of them can use the manuals properly and of those 4, 2 have done an apprenticeship with us.
The inquiries we get for 1off, 2off is increasing all the time as the old boys who could jump on a manual and produce a part in few hours retire.
Crudeoink said:
DM me and I should be able to point you in the direction of what you actually need. It really depends. A drawing will allow you specify tolerances, surface finishes, interference fits, brazing standards etc. A CAD model will be required in conjunction if it's a very complex 3d part (so they can use it to plot the tool path) if it's just a basic item that can be turned on a lathe just a drawing will suffice.
Your PH account isn't allowing me to send you/you to accept emails or PM's 
You need someone with 3D scanning capabilities if the part is more complex than can be measured using hand held tools.
Given a scan, I could theoretically produce drawings but the critical aspects in my mind are:
1) Being able to accurately scan your parts and capture all the features.
2) Applying the correct machining tolerances, surface finishes, material to the drawing.
There's a lot of margin for error there and especially if you don't know any aspect of the above that could support a successful outcome. Any mistake could prove costly and for that reason alone, I'd want some assurances. Therefore as a job it sounds really interesting but would probably run a mile!
Although PM me as I'm happy to advise if you need help with anything. I've access to a great machine shop who do F1 and aero work and are reliable/high precision, if a little expensive, but you get what you pay for.
Given a scan, I could theoretically produce drawings but the critical aspects in my mind are:
1) Being able to accurately scan your parts and capture all the features.
2) Applying the correct machining tolerances, surface finishes, material to the drawing.
There's a lot of margin for error there and especially if you don't know any aspect of the above that could support a successful outcome. Any mistake could prove costly and for that reason alone, I'd want some assurances. Therefore as a job it sounds really interesting but would probably run a mile!
Although PM me as I'm happy to advise if you need help with anything. I've access to a great machine shop who do F1 and aero work and are reliable/high precision, if a little expensive, but you get what you pay for.
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