A. Ali is an Interior Designer and 3d modeler. He is an expert in AutoCAD, and provides drafting, designing and 3d modeling services. He has a certificate in interior designing from CRISP and 3ds Max with V-ray.

Interview with Mr. A. Ali

1. What kinds of clients do you serve?

All kinds of companies that require machining of car parts. I design car or industrial part machining lines, including design of special machines, fixtures, transfer lines, FMS lines and multi spindles.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting? What challenges did you face?

Design the metalic car parts production & machining lines like the Peugeot 206 & 504 pivot and rear arme, the Renault drive shaft, a KIA Motors cylinder block and head, and EF7 motor cylinder block & head and brake disk lines.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

Mechanical Desktop , because it has very powerful 2D. And Catia software , because it has very powerful 3D, analyse, and CAM. Also, Master CAM and Powermill.

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected you, and how are you responding to them?

The latest technologies enable us to finish projects quick and easy.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?

I can work both on site and remotely.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email? Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective? What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely? Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

Face to face is best, and after that is email. Skype is last because my net connection speed is not good.

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.

Y. Hatakeyama is an independent car and product designer. Mr. Hatakeyama was previously the manager at Ford Motor Company in Japan. At Ford, Mr. Hatakeyama oversaw all design activities for the company and managed a team of 2D, 3D designers, clay modelers and studio engineers. He has designed many concept cars, such as the Ford 4-Trac, Explorer Sportsman Interior and Subaru Jo-car. Mr. Hatakeyama started his career as a car designer at Subaru, from 1983 to 1991. He then worked for Ford from 1991 to 2009, in Japan, USA and Australia. He received a BA in Engineering at Chiba University and studied at Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. He is a member of the Hamamatsu Smallest Vehicle System Project, NPO.

M. Michelena is currently an independent CAD consultant, he has worked in a telecommunication industry for 18 year as a Engineering Graphic Designer, Project Manager, Project Coordinator, CAD specialist, at companies such as MOTOROLA INC, MORRISON HERSHFIELD CORP, STARCONTROLS INC. based in United States. In 2003 received the BA of Infirmation technology at the American Intercontinental University located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA. Previously worked as a CAD instructor, and Tech-Architect in Caracas/Venezuela at RASTERTECH INC, company afilliated to AUTODESK CORP, (giving training such as AUTOCAD, CIVIL/SURVEY, AUTOARCHITECT, SCANDESK, etc.) to several Architectural and Engineering companies. In 1980 received the BA of Tech-Architect at IUTAJS (Inst. Universitario de Tech. A. J. Sucre in Caracas/Venezuela)

T. Stonehocker is an independent design engineer with a strong mechanical background (e.g. machine design, machine building, 3Dmodeling, patents, CNC programming). He has been using 3D modeling programs since AutoDesks first mechanical desktop in 1994 and is currently using Solidworks 2010.

Mr. T. Stonehockers samples

Interview with Mr. T. Stonehocker

1. What kinds of clients do you serve? What is your particular area of expertise?

   I am a mechanical engineer and I design and build specialty machines. I have served many different kinds of clients, in the welding fields, brake manufacturing, film manufacturing, auto manufacturing, tire manufacturing, blow mold (secondary equipment) presses and assembly machines, candy manufacturing and motorcycle / trike manufacturing.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project you worked on? What made it interesting? What
   challenges did you face?

   All of the projects I work on are interesting in their own right, and I have never had a dull moment with any of them. If I had to pick a favorite I would have to say the motorcycle and trike designs that I have had the pleasure of designing for people.

   The thing that made the bike projects stand out over the others I have done would have to be, taking a clients dreams and making them a reality. Of course the same thing that made them stand out was also the biggest challenge. I would have to say that the biggest challenge I faced designing the bikes and trikes for my clients was convincing them to do what would make the bike function the best not necessarily what was the coolest look. Sometimes a cool look is just a cool look and will not perform well, so trying to get them to change their minds and go with a not so cool look BUT a look that was both functional and appealing to the eye, was my most challenging effort. (I have attached a pic of the last bike that I designed for an architect in LA)

3. Of the software tools you use, which is your favorite and why?

   I use Solidworks 2012, KeyShot3 and PhotoShop. These are my three go to softwares, I use them all the time. I have used mechanical desktop, proE, catia and Solidworks and I have found that the majority of my clients are using Soildworks, I like it and it works for me.

4. What trends are you finding in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected
   you, and how are you responding to them?

   I have found a few sites that have jobs posted that you can bid on that have helped me get in front of some clients. Also I have found a site that I have posted a profile and portfolio on that has been a big help to me. This site is a site that is mainly built for engineers and it caters to their needs with a place to post projects so all of the parties involved with a given project can be informed about everything that happens to that project at the same time. They also host several challenges that all of the engineers can participate in to show off their skills and have a little fun at the same time. I have learned a lot from different engineers from all over the world through sites like this and I like to think that I have been a positive influence to others in the world through my interactions with these sites.

5. What do you like about working as a free-lance, interim CAD draftsman or external CAD
   consultant working on a time-bound project?

   I like the freedom of being able to work from my desk at home all hours of the day and night, using a virtual office to communicate with my clients to get the job done. I feel that it takes a dedicated individual to be a free-lance. That individual must be motivated with a strict since of professionalism to stay focused and get the job done. This type of individual must also be able to manage several projects at once because if they are good at what they do, they will be covered up with work all the time.

6. Have you ever provided CAD services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen-sharing tools (like WebEx, Skype, GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   
   Are there any issues you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   Yes I do most of my work remote, and I use dropbox to transfer my files back and forth with my clients. Yes I have used WebEx, Skype and GoToMeeting and I have found them all to be effective tools to communicate with my clients I have done design reviews complete with stress analysis on projects and I have done well using these mediums.I have had some face to face discussions with clients using Skype and it has work fine. The only thing I can think of that is probably better handled face to face would be a run-off on a machine or the delivery of the final product.

L. Bublik is an independent CAD consultant. Mr. Bublik was previously the head of the design and drafting department at a leading Control Valve design company. Mr. Bublik oversaw all design activities for the company and managed a team of 2D and 3D designers (focusing on SolidWorks and AutoCAD). His innovation in Control Valves design resulted in over $200 million in annual revenue for the company. Mr. Bublik started his career as a machinist, when he was responsible for setting up and operating lathes, mills, drill presses and other machine shop equipment. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

Interview with Mr. L. Bublik

1. What kinds of clients do you serve?

   As a mechanical engineer I work with any individuals or companies that need my special design expertise.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting?
   What challenges did you face?

   I recently had a project for treatment tables for hospitals with special design features that were very interesting to work on. Challenges were to find special electric motors and switches for the tables.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

   SolidWorks is the best and my favorite because it is solid modelling and you can see right away what kind of product you are designing.

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected you, and how are you responding to them?

   Clients try to pay less because of the slow job market; they want more work for less money so I have to accept any reasonable offer.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?

   I like working free-lance because I can have a more flexible schedule.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   I use Skype for remote meetings and also the phone. Skype is good for design work questions because I can share my screen and resolve problems. If I have customers in my area I meet with them in person.

M. Demic is a graduate of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Construction and Mechanization. He has specialized in the design of motor vehicles and IC engines and is an expert in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Catia V5 (Finite Element Analysis) and Pro Engineer.

A. Ali is an Interior Designer and 3d modeler. He is an expert in AutoCAD, and provides drafting, designing and 3d modeling services. He has a certificate in interior designing from CRISP and 3ds Max with V-ray.

Interview with Mr. A. Ali

1. What kinds of clients do you serve?

   All kinds of companies that require machining of car parts. I design car or industrial part machining lines, including design of special machines, fixtures, transfer lines, FMS lines and multi spindles.

2. What was the most interesting CAD project that you ever worked on? What made it interesting?
   What challenges did you face?

   Design the metalic car parts production & machining lines like the Peugeot 206 & 504 pivot and rear arme, the Renault drive shaft, a KIA Motors cylinder block and head, and EF7 motor cylinder block & head and brake disk lines.

3. Of the software tools that you use, which is your favorite and why?

   Mechanical Desktop , because it has very powerful 2D. And Catia software , because it has very powerful 3D, analyse, and CAM. Also, Master CAM and Powermill.

4. What trends are you observing in the market for CAD services? How have these trends affected you, and how are you responding to them?

   The latest technologies enable us to finish projects quick and easy.

5. What do you like about working as an interim CAD draftsman or external CAD consultant working on a time-bound project?

   I can work both on site and remotely.

6. Have you ever provided CAD consulting services remotely, either via phone, the Web or email?
   Do you use any screen sharing tools (like Webex, Skype, or GoToMeeting), and are they effective?
   What kinds of questions and problems could you tackle remotely?
   Are there any issues that you feel are better handled face-to-face?

   Face to face is best, and after that is email. Skype is last because my net connection speed is not good.