Custom Metal Design & Drafting

Expert Custom Metal Design & Drafting Services

At Leading Edge Manufacturing, our custom design and drafting services are built on a foundation of experience, innovation, and precision. With over 40 years of combined CAD/CAM and 3D modeling expertise, our in-house design team works closely with clients to engineer solutions that align with both performance goals and production budgets. From initial concept to final assembly, we focus on optimizing every detail for manufacturability, cost-efficiency, and long-term durability.

Our design approach prioritizes clear communication, seamless collaboration, and real-world fabrication insight—ensuring every part is ready to move from digital drawing to the production floor without compromise.

Our design and drafting capabilities include:

Our Design & Drafting Process

At Leading Edge Manufacturing, our design and drafting process lays the groundwork for efficient, high-quality fabrication. Using advanced CAD/CAM tools and 3D modeling, we turn concepts into detailed, build-ready plans that meet exact specifications. This front-end precision helps reduce costs, streamline production, and ensure every part performs as intended.

Project Review

At the beginning of every project, our design team conducts an in-depth review of all information, prints, codes, tolerances, and specifications provided. If any further details are needed, we address them at this time. Our goal in this phase is to address any potential interruptions to your delivery schedule. The design team will also request any of the following files you have available to help save design and processing time.

Autodesk- .ipt, Autocad -.dwg, IGES – .igs.

Drawing & Modeling

After conducting a Project Review, our design team begins the actual drawing and modeling of your project. We use AutoCAD, Geomagic, and Merry Mechanization to do our CAD/CAM design. From small parts to large assemblies, we have the fabrication experience needed to support efficient manufacturing.

Nesting

Once all drawing and modeling are complete, our design team creates efficient nests of your project. This involves laying out the flat layouts and cutting patterns on the sheet material desired in order to minimize waste.

Shop Package

Before releasing your project into production, our design team creates a detailed shop package that will be used in the manufacturing process. These packages include all 3D Models and Flat Layouts, Formed Views, Bill of Materials, Machine Setup Sheets, Specified Tolerances, and Welding Details. Once this phase is completed, our design team provides the necessary support required to ensure a smooth transition into the production phase.

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 transform 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 cater to 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?

Certainly! 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 utilizes advanced CAD/CAM tools and follows a meticulous process to ensure every design meets exact specifications and industry standards.