Raval has been working since 2011 in the field of new product development. For the first two years, he worked on casting, forging and automotive projects. For the next two years, he worked on agricultural machinery design, producing drawings of tractors (from the initial design phase to the final marketing) for an Indian OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). This OEM assembled agricultural equipment, such as tractors, harvesters, sprayers, uni-platforms, etc. For the next 3 years he has been working for a major engineering, construction, manufacturing and financial services conglomerate. He serves US and Europe-based automotive clients involved in the manufacturing of products for recreational purposes, such as ATVs, snowmobiles and motorcycles.
While working in the engineering services industry, he has handled a number of automotive projects. The most interesting CAD project that he has worked on so far was the one where he got the opportunity to design various automotive systems including driveline, gearbox, differential, engine, chassis, interior body work and exterior body.
He observes that today in the market for CAD services, design and manufacturing are coming together and every day companies launch new technologies. He believes that with the help of CAD prototyping, experts can now quickly make designs and models.
As he has been working for clients based in the U.S and Europe in the field of design and development for many years, he has learned how to select the best software for each application. He uses software to represent his conception of an idea and makes a selection according to customer requirements. His favorite tools are Creo Parametric 2.0 and 3.0, which he uses for 3D modelling, casting, forging, sheet metal and assembling models. He also likes Catia for surfacing. He likes to work on Unigraphic and AutoCAD 2D for 2D modelling.
Since he is handling projects for US and Europe-based clients, all the work-related discussion happens on Webex, Skype, and Jabber. He is now skilled in ways of connecting with the clients through Skype and remote servers. When faced with a difficult situation, he also meets the client.
Having worked as an interim CAD draftsman and an external CAD consultant on projects, he has learned about many new technologies. He looks forward to new challenges and opportunities every day.
