Leading Edge Manufacturing
Design & Drafting

Home  /  Our Process  /  Design & Drafting

Expert Custom Metal Design & Drafting Services

With over 40 years of combined CAD/CAM and 3D modeling experience, the in-house design team at Leading Edge Manufacturing engineers solutions around your performance goals and production budget. Every detail is optimized for manufacturability, cost-efficiency, and durability, so each part moves from drawing to production floor without compromise.

Our design and drafting capabilities include:

Designers experienced in real-world fabrication

Project design consultation available upon request

3D modeling and detailed 2D drawings for precise manufacturing

Custom metal design and drafting at Leading Edge Manufacturing Team member in the parts room at Leading Edge Manufacturing Fabrication equipment in the Leading Edge Manufacturing shop Inside the Leading Edge Manufacturing fabrication shop

Our Design & Drafting Process

Using advanced CAD/CAM tools and 3D modeling, we turn concepts into build-ready plans that meet exact specifications, reducing costs and streamlining production.

01

Project Review

We review all prints, codes, tolerances, and specifications up front and resolve any missing details before they can affect your delivery schedule. Sending these files saves design time:

Autodesk .ipt, AutoCAD .dwg, IGES .igs

02

Drawing & Modeling

Our designers draw and model your project in AutoCAD, Geomagic, and Merry Mechanization, from small parts to large assemblies, backed by real fabrication experience.

03

Nesting

We nest flat layouts and cutting patterns on your chosen sheet material to minimize waste.

04

Shop Package

Before production, we build a complete shop package: 3D models, flat layouts, formed views, bill of materials, machine setup sheets, tolerances, and welding details. Then we support the hand-off to the shop floor.

Autodesk Inventor logo SolidWorks logo Geomagic logo Merry Mechanization logo
Our Process

Where This Fits in Our Process

Design and drafting icon 01

Design & Drafting

CAD/CAM tools turn your concept into precise, build-ready plans.

Machining icon 02

Machining

Most parts are made in-house to keep quality high.

Fabrication icon 03

Fabrication

Experienced builders craft every product with precision.

Finishing icon 04

Finishing

Final clean-up and assembly before delivery.

Powder coating icon 05

Powder Coating

In-house coating for an excellent finish every time.

Inspection and quality icon 06

Inspection

A proven quality system to deliver on time, every time.

Overview
← Our Process

Next step
Machining →

FAQs About Design & Drafting

What types of design files do you accept?

We work with a variety of CAD/CAM file formats, including .DWG, .DXF, .STEP, and .IGES files. If you're unsure about your file type, our team can help convert or recreate your design for compatibility.

Can you assist if I only have a rough sketch or concept?

Absolutely. Our experienced design team can turn your sketches, concepts, or existing parts into comprehensive 3D models and detailed 2D drawings, ready for fabrication.

Do you offer design consultations?

Yes, we provide project design consultations upon request to help optimize your part or assembly for cost, performance, and manufacturability.

What industries do you serve with your design and drafting services?

We serve a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, maritime, power distribution, accommodations, and HVAC.

How does your design process help reduce production costs?

Our design approach focuses on creating efficient, cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. By planning each part and process meticulously, we aim to reduce labor, materials, and complexity.

Do you provide both 3D modeling and 2D drawings?

Yes, we offer full 3D models for visualization and engineering purposes, along with precise 2D fabrication drawings to guide production.

Can you handle both small and large-scale design projects?

Yes. Whether it's a one-off prototype or high-volume production, our team is equipped to manage projects of varying scales and complexities.

How do you ensure the quality and accuracy of your designs?

Our in-house design team uses advanced CAD/CAM tools and a careful review process to ensure every design meets exact specifications and industry standards.