Process — What to Expect 

Projects may include:
▪ fabrication drawing packages
▪ retrofit integration
▪ field-measured equipment modifications
▪ weldments and structural assemblies
▪ layout development
▪ manufacturability improvements
▪ vendor-ready CAD documentation
▪ production support

Engineering packages are tailored to the application and can range from simple fabrication drawings to detailed production-ready documentation.

Typical deliverables may include:
▪ fabrication drawings
▪ CAD models
▪ BOMs
▪ cut lists
▪ layout drawings
▪ assembly references
▪ field measurement documentation
▪ vendor-ready purchasing drawings

Design work is developed around:
▪ manufacturability
▪ installation constraints
▪ maintenance access
▪ available shop capabilities
▪ project cost targets

Support may also include:
▪ retrofit integration
▪ field fit-up evaluation
▪ tolerance simplification
▪ fabrication coordination
▪ sourcing support when required

Projects are developed collaboratively to balance functionality, reliability, manufacturability, and overall project goals.

Projects commonly begin with one or more of the following:
▪ existing CAD models
▪ fabrication drawings
▪ sample parts
▪ sketches
▪ production support needs
▪ part sourcing requests

When manufacturing documentation is incomplete, engineering support can be provided to create:
▪ fabrication drawings

▪ machining drawings
▪ STEP files

▪ DXF files
▪ vendor-ready CAD packages
▪ manufacturability improvements

Parts may be sourced through:
▪ domestic vendors
▪ overseas manufacturers
▪ existing customer-approved suppliers

Sourcing & Manufacturing Support may include:
▪ manufacturability evaluation
▪ vendor RFQ coordination
▪ manufacturing method and material recommendations
▪ vendor communication
▪ production clarification
▪ sourcing coordination during manufacturing

RFQs may be coordinated for:
▪ fabrication
▪ machining
▪ sheet metal
▪ welding
▪ laser cutting
▪ formed components
▪ assemblies
▪ prototype work

Vendor selection is based on factors such as:
▪ lead time
▪ manufacturability
▪ pricing
▪ quality requirements
▪ communication
▪ project complexity

Quotes are provided for review and approval before manufacturing begins. 

Production orders and sourced components typically require:
▪ approved quotes
▪ purchase authorization
▪ upfront payment before manufacturing begins

Engineering, vendor coordination, and manufacturability support performed before production ordering may be billed separately from component costs. 

Clients are updated throughout the process regarding:
▪ lead times
▪ production status
▪ shipping updates
▪ significant manufacturing or schedule changes

Projects commonly begin with:

• production bottlenecks

• labor-intensive tasks

• safety concerns

• inefficient workflows

• retrofit challenges

• prototype issues

• rough concepts

• sketches

• photos

• existing equipment

• or product improvement goals

Clients do not need complete drawings or a fully defined solution to begin a project. 

Many projects start with:

• a problem that needs solved,

• a process that needs improved,

• or an idea that needs engineering development.

Collaborative Concept Development

Some projects begin with field evaluation, site visits, or process review before concepts are developed.

Multiple concepts or approaches may be explored to evaluate:

• manufacturability

• labor reduction

• safety improvements

• maintenance access

• cost

• reliability

• and production efficiency

Concepts are refined collaboratively with the client to balance practical constraints, budget, and project goals.

Phase 0 — Feasibility & Concept Development

This phase is focused on evaluating project viability before significant development begins.

Work may include:

• requirements definition

• constraint identification

• concept generation

• manufacturability review

• preliminary sizing or layout development

• risk identification

• rough project planning

• early vendor or process evaluation

• budget and feasibility discussions

Typical outcomes may include:

• concept sketches

• rough CAD layouts

• preliminary engineering direction

• feasibility feedback

• prototype planning

• or phased project recommendations

This phase helps reduce development risk, clarify expectations, and establish realistic project scope before major engineering investment.

Phase 1 — Engineering Development & Prototype Design

Once a concept direction is selected, engineering development begins.

Work may include:

• CAD modeling

• fabrication and machining drawings

• prototype design

• mechanism development

• structural layouts

• assembly development

• material selection

• tolerance definition

• vendor-ready documentation

• manufacturability improvements

• and sourcing coordination when required

Engineering packages are tailored to project requirements and may range from simple prototype documentation to detailed production-ready packages.

Typical deliverables may include:

• CAD models

• fabrication drawings

• machining drawings

• BOMs

• layout drawings

• DXF and STEP files

• assembly references

• prototype documentation

• or vendor-ready purchasing packages

Phase 2 — Prototype Review & Iteration

Prototype development is typically an iterative process.

Support may include:

• prototype evaluation

• fit-up reviews

• revision development

• manufacturability improvements

• tolerance refinement

• material or process changes

• assembly simplification

• or production feedback integration

Additional development cycles may be performed as needed depending on project goals, testing results, budget, and production requirements.

Phase 3 — Production Preparation & Manufacturing Support

Once the design is validated, support may continue into production preparation.

Support may include:

• production-ready documentation

• vendor coordination

• RFQ support

• manufacturing recommendations

• assembly clarification

• fabrication support

• sourcing coordination

• production troubleshooting

• and revision management during manufacturing

Designs are developed around:

• manufacturability

• reliability

• cost targets

• available production capabilities

• installation requirements

• maintenance access

• and real-world production constraints

Communication & Project Updates

Communication frequency varies based on project scope and development phase.

Clients may receive:

• design progress updates

• milestone reviews

• prototype discussions

• schedule updates

• revision reviews

• and implementation support throughout development

Site Visits & Field Work

Site visits may be required for:

• field measurements

• retrofit integration

• prototype evaluation

• installation review

• production troubleshooting

• or defining project constraints

Field work is billed separately when required.

Typical rates:

• Travel / Non-engineering time: $75/hr

• Engineering work: $125/hr

Travel expenses or extended-distance travel may be quoted separately depending on project location.

Project Scope & Support

Development work is collaborative and project-specific. Scope, deliverables, revision structure, timelines, and support levels are defined within each quote or proposal.

Additional engineering, sourcing, revisions, or support outside original project scope may require a revised quote or additional billing.