SolidWorks

Yes. Bend allowance, K-factor or bend tables, bend radii and relief settings are set from the tooling and material information you supply rather than left at software defaults. Flat patterns are then checked against that process. Where your shop has its own tested bend data, we use it — a first-article bend on your brake remains the final confirmation.

Yes. Mates reference stable geometry — planes, axes and design features — rather than faces or edges likely to disappear when a part changes, and the assembly is constrained to move only where the real mechanism moves. We test it by changing key dimensions and checking that it rebuilds without errors or unexpected movement.

Yes. Drawings, exploded views, section views and BOMs are created from the model, so they update when the model changes. Dimensions, tolerances, GD&T, notes and title block content are added to suit the manufacturing purpose of each drawing and checked before issue — associativity keeps geometry consistent, but the drawing still needs a proper review.

Yes. A parametric model can be built from a physical sample with measurements, legacy drawings, photographs with reference dimensions, or scan data. Accuracy depends on the input: wear, damage or missing information means some dimensions are interpreted, and those are flagged for confirmation rather than presented as measured.

Yes, where the variants genuinely share a structure. One master model driven by configurations or a design table keeps sizes, options and part numbers consistent and avoids copied files drifting apart. Where variants differ too much, separate parts are simpler and more maintainable — we choose based on the family, not by default.

Yes. Geometry can be simplified for analysis — small fillets, cosmetic features and fasteners removed or represented appropriately, contacts and loads considered in how the model is split. This is model preparation only; the analysis, its assumptions and engineering conclusions sit with the person or team performing the simulation.

Yes. File naming, part numbering, custom properties and folder structure follow your conventions so delivered files slot into your vault or file system. We work within your system rather than administering it — vault configuration and workflows remain with your team.

Yes. Frames are modelled with structural member profiles, trimmed and end-treated, with a cut list generated from the model. The cut list, profiles and end conditions are checked before drawings are issued, and weld symbols and notes are added to match your fabrication standard.

Yes, where the shape needs it — moulded enclosures, ergonomic handles and blended transitions are often easier to control with surfaces, which are then knitted and thickened into a solid. Prismatic machined or fabricated parts are usually better as straightforward solid features.

Yes. BOM columns, part numbering, descriptions, materials and quantities are driven by custom properties agreed with your team, so the BOM reads correctly without manual editing. Setting this up early avoids correcting properties across hundreds of parts later.

Yes. Draft, wall thickness, ribs, bosses and parting lines are considered during modelling. Final mouldability or castability should be reviewed with your toolmaker or foundry, who know the specific process and tool constraints.

Yes, on the CAD-data side — cleaning up file names, duplicate parts, broken references and custom properties so files are ready to check in. Installing and configuring the PDM system itself is handled by your IT team or reseller.

Yes. Jigs, fixtures and tooling are modelled around the part, locating scheme and process you describe, with drawings and BOMs for manufacture. Fit and repeatability are confirmed on the shop floor during trial.

Yes. A design review can look at material, part count, standard sizes and manufacturing method and propose changes. Any change that affects strength, function or certification needs engineering verification before it's adopted.

Yes. Standard hardware can come from Toolbox or your own library, whichever your team uses, with properties set so fasteners appear correctly in the BOM.

Yes. Part geometry is prepared with draft, parting considerations and clean surfaces so it can feed tooling design. Tool design itself, including shrinkage and gating, sits with your toolmaker unless agreed otherwise.

Yes. Sub-assembly structure, simplified configurations, mate references and in-context relations are reviewed so large assemblies open, rebuild and draw more efficiently. Hardware and file location also affect performance, so results vary.

Yes. Simulation intent is discussed before modelling so geometry, splits and simplified configurations suit the analysis. The analysis itself is performed and interpreted by your engineer or analyst.

Yes. Top-down suits designs where an envelope, layout sketch or key interfaces drive the parts; bottom-up suits assemblies of largely independent or standard components. In-context references are kept deliberate and limited so the assembly doesn't become fragile.

We can support it — identifying the dimension chain, extracting nominal dimensions and tolerances from the model and drawings, and setting out a worst-case or statistical stack for review. For critical, safety-related or regulated assemblies it should be reviewed by a qualified engineer and isn't a substitute for specialist tolerance analysis.

Yes, where it's in scope. Renders from the engineering model keep visuals consistent with the actual design. For higher-end marketing imagery, see our 3D rendering service.

Export settings are agreed with the recipient where possible, and STEP or IGES files are re-opened and checked after export — geometry, units, assembly structure and missing faces. Neutral formats carry geometry, not feature history, so the supplier receives a dumb solid unless native files are also supplied.

Yes. Native files are kept organised, and neutral STEP files with drawings in PDF/DWG can be maintained alongside them. Feature history won't transfer between platforms, so recipients will usually need to rebuild or use direct-editing for changes.

Yes. Visible surfaces, split lines, fastener positions, draft and textures are considered alongside the internal fit of components, and cosmetic intent is reviewed with you before tooling information is prepared.

Yes. Ongoing modelling and drafting support works to your templates, properties and file conventions, so delivered parts and drawings fit your existing library.