In the fast-paced product design and engineering world, having a reliable partner can make all the difference. White Horse CAD consistently delivers top-notch design and engineering solutions to businesses across various industries. Some of our recent work includes:

• Storage containers for use in a marine environment
• Bespoke packaging
• Ornamental architecture and metalwork
• Extension of a client product range with new engineering drawings
• Concept models for medical devices

Perhaps these examples inspire you to explore a new idea. If so, read on to find out how Visualiser Pro could benefit your concept or product if you’re further in the development process. We provide various 2D and 3D CAD services not limited to animation; you can learn more about them in this newsletter, along with a recap of our expertise and bespoke examples of 3D Printing.

Why choose White Horse CAD for your design and engineering needs

Expertise:

White Horse CAD boasts a team of highly skilled professionals well-versed in the latest design and engineering technologies. We work with a wide range of industries, including automotive, medical devices, and consumer products, to name a few. This diverse experience allows us to approach each project with a fresh perspective and tailor our services to meet specific client needs.

Comprehensive Services:

We offer everything from 2D and 3D CAD design to animation, prototyping, and 3D printing. This end-to-end approach means clients can rely on us for the entire product development cycle, from concept to production. It saves time and ensures a seamless transition from design to manufacturing.

Innovation: 

White Horse CAD Limited is known for our innovative approach to design and engineering. We stay up-to-date with technological advancements and quickly incorporate them into our work. This commitment to innovation translates into more efficient processes and superior results for our clients. SolidWorks is our primary design tool and we use the latest version but can also work compatibly with older versions. 

Client-Centric Approach:

We understand that each project is unique and take the time to understand our client’s specific needs and goals. We aim to provide solutions that meet and often exceed client expectations. With clear communication and transparency throughout the project, we ensure that clients are always in the loop and can make informed decisions.

Quality Assurance:

Quality is paramount to us. We rigorously ensure that every design meets the highest standards. Our attention to detail and dedication to producing error-free designs and prototypes have helped us earn a reputation for excellence in the industry.

White Horse CAD is a design and engineering partner you can trust. All of the above combined makes us the standout choice for clients looking to bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re a start-up with a ground-breaking concept or an established company looking to enhance your product line, White Horse CAD Limited is the partner to turn your vision into reality. With us by your side, you can confidently navigate design and engineering complexities. To learn more, please visit our website or call the office on 01373 801 803.

10 Things we can do for you

Render of a Printed Circuit Board

Here’s a recap of the services and expertise we provide:

Designs for new products and improving existing ones.
3D CAD model from concept sketches.
Photo-realistic renders & animations for product visualisations.
CAD assemblies to evaluate how individual components interact.
Production-ready engineering drawings for manufacturing.

Advice on manufacturing options for your product.
Design test fixtures to aid your production, verification, and validation process.
Evaluate your product by printing a 3D prototype.
Design special-purpose tooling and production equipment.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate design suitability.

Explain concepts, prompt discussion and gain attention with animation

Screenshot of gear render animation

Visualize Pro is our newest tool, bringing products to life through photorealistic animations and renders.

Here, we’re using a gear animation as an example to show the high-quality finish, different camera angles, and parts in motion for assembly/disassembly. There are many benefits to using animations – have a look and let us know of interest for your products or projects. 

1) Animation is an excellent way to visualize a concept or explain how something works – even before a prototype.
2) Different material finishes and lighting scenarios can be applied to the product.
3) It brings parts to life by showing parts in motion.
4) Animation provides interactive content for websites and presentations, giving a quicker, further reach than a physical product.
5) It Is a useful tool to explain concepts, prompt discussion, and gain attention.

See the animation on our LinkedIn page.

#VisualizePro #CAD #ProductDesign #wiltshirebusiness #Animation

Bespoke 3D Printed Trophies

Soapbox Derby STEM success

Over 6,000 people attended the entertaining and enjoyable Westbury Soapbox Derby, the theme of which was sustainable energy. Arke Ltd delivered workshops and gave out hundreds of windmills in cup kits to primary schools before the event as part of their educational program to engage pupils in engineering and STEM. White Horse CAD provided accompanying large technical drawings to assist their learning and creativity with designs.

There were many impressive entries and following testing at the Arke Stand, three awards were presented for Best Powered Windmill, Best Sustainable Windmill and Best Aesthetic Windmill. The three happy winners received a prize, including a STEM construction set and a bespoke 3D printed trophy courtesy of White Horse CAD. One of whom was tracked down using the power of social media so they didn’t miss out! Collaborating with Arke Ltd and sharing our expertise to benefit the pupils and budding engineers was great.

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Despite February being a shorter month, we’re delighted to share it is among our highest on record for the number of new jobs. We take it as a testament to our work when existing clients return with more projects. We’ve also welcomed new clients who need our expertise – take a look at the case study below.

The continuing business also means we are approaching our 1,000th job! To celebrate the milestone, we will give a chocolate hamper to the client who books the job. Keep your eyes peeled for the announcement of the winner.

We’d also like to thank you for the recommendations. The outcome has been positive and we’ve been able to provide extra design resources for teams needing more capacity.  Some examples of recent and current work include:

• Using CAD data to calculate the centre of gravity for a consumer product to ensure user comfort and a balanced fit.
• Creating renders for a new product range of gardening equipment for a client’s website.
• Designing a bespoke ceiling track for a camera/lighting equipment.
• A 3D print of a concept for a manufacturing team.
• Bespoke protective packaging for numerous products. 

Please read on to find out the latest from WHC, including a case study, celebrating staff success and how to receive our updated information pack if you haven’t already.

Engineering success for WHC’s Luke

Rewind to Sept ’22….. we employed a Trainee Engineer to help with our growing business. Luke’s BTEC in Engineering, willingness to learn & work ethic were just some attributes making him our number-one choice.

Skip forward nearly 18 months, and his ability to master technical software, work independently on designs, and ask questions to ensure the highest quality of work continues to impress us. Plus, he’s great company in the office and an asset to the WHC team, as we receive more design jobs each month. We’re happy to share Luke’s well-deserved promotion to Junior Design Engineer as he continues to forge a successful career.

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So here we are in December and our last edition for 2023. With the Christmas break on the horizon, this has been one of our busiest months this year, and most jobs on record for December! So, we’ve got plenty to do before we close on Friday, December 22nd. We hope everyone will recharge and enjoy the festivities before we open again on January 3rd.   Please read on to see a couple of highlights we’ve picked out from 2023, and if there are any services, products, or areas of interest you’d like us to cover in future editions, please let us know. Our top three firsts Again, we are enjoying various projects with clients from many sectors. From large international companies to start-up single entrepreneurs, we have provided CAD support to bring their ideas to fruition. We’re delighted to have had a 20% increase in jobs this year! And here are three firsts from 2023 that we’d be happy to replicate in the future…   We 3D scanned organically shaped plasticine samples to create designs for kitchenware. Our client was confident that we could represent them and visit their client directly. We’ve worked with more clients in the leisure industry designing equipment than before. Helping to inspire the next generation of engineers A sunny May Saturday saw the return of the Soapbox Derby at the Westbury White Horse, with many inspiring entries hurtling down the steepest course in the UK. We provided the engineering drawings for the Westbury & Warminster Youth Club soapbox, so we were delighted to see their model in action! This was a great practical opportunity for young students to work through the design and manufacturing process and hopefully inspire them to explore a future in engineering.         Business growth and cause to celebrate six years trading June marked six years since Tim set up White Horse CAD, and the office moved to accommodate our growing team, client projects, and CAD equipment.    One notable piece of equipment was the Creality K1 3D printer. The printer has proved to be ultra-fast and accurate. It’s been in action making replacements for obsolete parts, 3D models for design validation and prototyping, and printing parts for our Tensometer. The investment has been worth it, as we’ve turned around requests quickly to benefit the client.  Trainee Engineer Success Tensometer -testing the strength of 3D prints Our Trainee Engineer, Luke, joined WHC, having completed his Level 3 BTEC in Engineering. He’s been with us for over a year and continues to show great progress, completing many jobs and learning along the way. He is an asset to the team.  Alongside working with clients, Luke also picks up internal projects, including our own Tensometer to measure the strength of our 3D Prints. It’s a handy kit that helps us test and reassure clients about the strength of materials.               Office hours over festive period We’ll wrap up for 2023 on Friday December 22nd and return to business on Wednesday, January 3rd. As always, thanks for your support this year; we hope you enjoy the festivities and look forward to a prosperous new year.

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Welcome to our November update. The past month has been full steam ahead working on some exciting projects. Due to our confidential agreements, we can’t reveal too much, but here’s some insight into recent jobs. We hope these give some food for thought…

• Bespoke protective packaging
• Drawing updates for an electronic company
• Floor plans for a local health authority (more on that below)
• Providing expertise in a design review for a medical device
• Reverse engineering and 3D scan of an obsolete part

On the latter point, a 3D scan can be necessary for obsolete parts, particularly when time is of the essence to get a replacement. Read on to find out more about 3D Scanning, the common myths and the truth behind them.

3D Scanning Myth Busting

3D Scanning is a relatively new tool in the engineering arena. Although the technology is still in its infancy, it has come a ling over the past decade. It is a handy toll for reverse engineering parts that are difficult or impossible to measure. 3D Scanning can also create full-colour 3D assets for websites or presentations.

3d Scanning produces CAD data – Myth

People often think the output of a 3D scanner is a full defined CAD file to create 2D and 3D manufacturing data. However, this is not the case. 3D sanners output mesh data or point clouds, which you can import onto CAD software as a 3D graphical file or mesh. They do not output defined CAD data with flat surfaces, defined curves, or exact angles. Although, the data output can be a helpful tool to help guide the reverse engineering of complex geometries.

Original 3D Print

Looking closely at the Red Benchy, the corners on the ledges and door frame are crisper and sharper compared to the Green Benchy. There is a loss of definition of these sharp corners, which would be even less if scanned further.

3D Print from 3D Scan

The green one has no details inside the wheelhouse because the 3D Scannercannot see inside the wheelhouse. Therefore, the software fills in the missing information to make the 3D scan watertight mesh.

Everything can be 3D Scanned = Myth

Nearly everything can be 3D scanned, but the results of some scans will depend on more than the shape. People 3D scan houses, cars, planes, tanks, or anything else! However, it gives a skewed outlook on the capability of the technology. These tell us big things are scannable, but the level of detail is low.

Anything smaller than a 30mm x 30mm x 30mm cube, is difficult to scan. It is impossible to scan small items on most medium to high-end 3D Scanners; it requires specialist technology.

Regarding colours, 3D scanners can see them all however black or reflective items are less likely to yield good scanning results. Some coatings can improve the results, but these add more cost and health and safety concerns.

3D Scanning is cheap = Myth

We very rarely must justify the costs for 3D Scanning parts. It’s not necessarily the scan itself but the equipment and time associated with the scanning process that surprises people with 3D Scanning quotes. For example, to provide this service, we

• Own a 3D Scanner (£2000+)
• Are trained in 3D Scanning
• Have a computer dedicated to 3D scanning use (£1500+)
• Have space to house and use the 3D Scanner
• Incorporate associated business costs such as wages and electricity to do 3D Scanning in our office.

The 3D Scanning process is:

• Set the equipment up.
• Calibrate the Scanner before each use.
• Scan the part.
• Clean the equipment and then store it away.
• Edit and process the Scanned data.
• Save the 3D scan in a usable format.

Although a straightforward scan can take from 10 minutes to complete, in all, the above process takes at least 30 minutes. Therefore, we quote from £40 to 3D scan the part with editing or 3D print at an additional charge. It’s fair to say, 3D Scanning is not cheap, it’s cost-effective.

To conclude, 3D Scanning is a helpful technology and an invaluable tool to help reverse engineer complex geometry. You will be hard-pushed to find a better, cost-effective solution to copy simple obsolete parts. However, as addressed, there are limitations to be aware of.

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In the fast-paced product design and engineering world, having a reliable partner can make all the difference. White Horse CAD consistently delivers top-notch design and engineering solutions to businesses across various industries. Some of our recent work includes:

• Design of large scale storage equipment
• 3D scanned parts for a consumer product
• Drawing updates to existing products to help manufacturing
• Designs for bespoke illuminated bathroom cabinets
• Design of leisure equipment

This newsletter explores what makes White Horse CAD stand out and why we should be your go-to choice for design and engineering needs. We’ll also be covering the importance of well-defined Engineering Drawings so do read on!

Why choose White Horse CAD for your design and engineering needs

Expertise:

White Horse CAD boasts a team of highly skilled professionals well-versed in the latest design and engineering technologies. We work with a wide range of industries, including automotive, medical devices, and consumer products, to name a few. This diverse experience allows us to approach each project with a fresh perspective and tailor our services to meet specific client needs.

Comprehensive Services:

We offer everything from 2D and 3D CAD design to animation, prototyping, and 3D printing. This end-to-end approach means clients can rely on us for the entire product development cycle, from concept to production. It saves time and ensures a seamless transition from design to manufacturing.

Innovation: 

White Horse CAD Limited is known for our innovative approach to design and engineering. We stay up-to-date with technological advancements and quickly incorporate them into our work. This commitment to innovation translates into more efficient processes and superior results for our clients. SolidWorks is our primary design tool. We use the latest version but can also work compatibly with older versions. 

Client-Centric Approach:

We understand that each project is unique and take the time to understand our client’s specific needs and goals. We aim to provide solutions that meet and often exceed client expectations. With clear communication and transparency throughout the project, we ensure that clients are always in the loop and can make informed decisions.

Quality Assurance:

Quality is paramount to us. We have rigorous to ensure that every design meets the highest standards. Our attention to detail and dedication to producing error-free designs and prototypes have helped us earn a reputation for excellence in the industry.

White Horse CAD is a design and engineering partner you can trust. All of the above combined makes us the standout choice for clients looking to bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re a start-up with a ground-breaking concept or an established company looking to enhance your product line, White Horse CAD Limited is the partner you need to turn your vision into reality. With us by your side, you can confidently navigate the complexities of design and engineering. To find out more, please visit our website or call the office on 01373 801 803.

The Crucial Role of Well-Defined Engineering Drawings 

At White Horse CAD, we believe precision is paramount. Every project, whether constructing a skyscraper, designing a complex machine, or developing a new technological marvel, begins with a simple yet indispensable tool: engineering drawings. These meticulously crafted documents are the blueprint for turning visionary ideas into tangible realities. This article will explore the profound significance of well-defined engineering drawings. 

Clarity and Communication:  

Engineering drawings are a universal language engineers, architects, manufacturers, and contractors use. They provide unambiguous instructions, ensuring all stakeholders understand the project’s scope, dimensions, and specifications. This clarity minimises misunderstandings, reduces errors, and enhances collaboration among team members. 

Precision and Accuracy:  

Well-defined drawings leave no room for guesswork. They specify exact measurements, tolerances, and materials, ensuring that every component fits together seamlessly. High levels of detail and accuracy are especially critical in industries where safety and reliability are paramount, such as aerospace and medical device manufacturing. 

Compliance and Regulations: 

Many industries are subject to stringent regulations and standards. Well-structured engineering drawings are essential for demonstrating compliance with these requirements. They serve as a record of adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards, protecting both the project’s integrity and the organisation’s reputation. 

Future Reference: 

Engineering drawings provide a historical record of the design and construction process. This documentation is invaluable for maintenance, repairs, and future modifications. Engineers can refer to the original drawings to identify components and troubleshoot issues, even years after a project’s completion. 

Innovation and Progress: 

Clear drawings facilitate innovation by enabling engineers to build upon existing designs. They provide a foundation for improvements and modifications, accelerating the pace of technological advancement in various fields. 

We believe the importance of well-defined engineering drawings cannot be overstated. They are the backbone of successful projects, fostering precision, collaboration, cost efficiency, compliance, and innovation. Without them, the engineering world would lack the structure and clarity needed to push the boundaries of what’s possible. So, the next time you marvel at a towering skyscraper or rely on cutting-edge technology, remember that it all began with a well-crafted set of engineering drawings. 

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So here we are in September!

It’s been a busy summer with plenty of jobs, hence rolling July and August updates into one newsletter. We continue to work with a range of clients to provide CAD expertise. It’s not an exhaustive list, but here goes – Agriculture, Automotive, Consumer Products, Construction, Electrical, Energy, IT, Medical Devices, Packaging, and Scientific.

Here’s some insight on some recent design work:

• Bespoke packaging
• Novel medical device
• Wearable consumer product
• Kitchen equipment
• Leisure equipment

White Horse CAD provides effective 2D and 3D design services for product design and development. We get projects completed, from single drawing updates to the complete design of complex components and assemblies.

Please get in touch if you’d like to find out more.

Happy Birthday!

On 15th August, White Horse CAD celebrated six years of trading.
This special date in 2017 was chosen as it also marked what would have been Tim’s mother’s 74th birthday & felt fitting for the business to be ‘born’ on the same day as her.
Thank you for your support; here’s to many more successes.

Trainee Success

Congratulations to Luke, our Trainee Engineer who’s recently completed a year at WHC.

Luke came to us having completed his Level 3 BTEC in Engineering. He’s shown great progress since joining WHC, completing many jobs and learning along the way, and is an asset to the team.

Testing the strength of 3D prints

Tesiometer to test the strength of 3D prints

People often ask us how strong our 3D prints are, and we find it difficult to give them a quantifiable answer. So, we decided to design our own tensiometer to provide an answer to their question.

We invested in a relatively low-cost force gauge, metal bars, and collars. Then, we designed our tensiometer around the parts we had bought. Compared to most tensiometers on the market, our solution is rather basic. However, we can use the recorded failure load and some simple calculations to determine the ultimate tensile strength of the 3D-printed test piece. There are, of course, many variables that go into the strength of a 3D print. Still, by adding a few test pieces to each 3D print, we are building a database of results for different materials, colours, layer heights, print orientations, extrusion temperatures, and even machine make.

With a little bit of thought, some design time, and access to our own 3D printers, we can now start to quantify the strength of our in-house 3D printers. Over time, this will allow us to increase our understanding of 3D printing and perhaps increase the quality of the parts we deliver to our customers. It also doubles as an engaging, hands-on way to introduce our trainee to materials strength and testing.

For more information on 3D Printing, please visit our website.

What can White Horse CAD do for you?

If you’re new to White Horse CAD or just in need of a reminder, here are ten things we can do for you …

Designs for new products and improving existing ones.
3D CAD model from concept sketches.
Photo-realistic renders & animations for product visualisations.
CAD assemblies to evaluate how individual components interact.
Production-ready engineering drawings for manufacturing.
Advice on manufacturing options for your product.
Design test fixtures to aid your production, verification, and validation process.
Evaluate your product by printing a 3D prototype.
Design special-purpose tooling and production equipment.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate design suitability.

To discuss your projects, call the WHC office on 01373 801 803.

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Welcome to this month’s newsletter. It’s been a busy few weeks with a steady flow of jobs. We enjoyed visiting a manufacturer on behalf of a client. Direct conversation is proving to be beneficial for all. We know exactly what is required firsthand and could answer questions there and then. We’re also looking forward to a site visit for the final installation of a project we’ve been working on next week. Other recent jobs include:

• Concept design for High-End Consumer Products
• 3D Scanning handcrafted parts to aid high-volume manufacture
• Animation that explains the use of an innovative, first-to-market device
• Industrial equipment for a local manufacturing company
• Design resources for clients in multiple, diverse industries

Happy 6th Birthday to us!

June marked our sixth year in business. Thank you to everyone who has supported White Horse CAD in reaching this milestone. How did White Horse CAD get started?

Following a successful career in hands-on engineering and senior design manufacturing, White Horse CAD founder Tim Bird decided to pursue his dream of running his own engineering company. White Horse CAD was formed in 2017 to deliver high-quality CAD and mechanical design services.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, Tim Bird says, “It’s been a significant year of growth for the business, completing a record number of jobs and successfully employing our trainee engineer Luke to help with the workload. The projects continue to vary, from bespoke architectural water features to first-to-market scientific eyewear to concept designs for a Higher Education Research Department. To ensure our designs are of the best quality, we’ve also invested in the latest software (SolidWorks) and 3D printing equipment. 

Our recent move into the Phipps office gives us more much-needed space, and we’re delighted to stay at Heywood House. Another highlight was supporting the Westbury Soapbox Derby again to promote STEM at an enjoyable local event. Thank you to all our clients for making us their first design choice.”

Enter our birthday competition for a chance to win tickets to STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway.
Closing date midday on 14th July 2023.

Myth Buster – 3D Scanning

Let us begin with 3D Scanning is a fantastic technology. It aids Reverse Engineering of complex or obsolete parts, plus it’s relatively quick and cost-effective. Yet, it’s our most misunderstood service as it doesn’t do what people think it does.

So what is 3D Scanning?

It’s a process that involves capturing the shape and appearance of objects and converting them into digital models. The 3D Scanning process typically has three main steps. To understand the process, it’s important to note we do have 3D CAD data even after completing all three stages. Read on to find out why and what the output will be…

Data Acquisition
Using a 3D scanner, we capture the geometry and texture of an object. Each object likely being scanned will require multiple data sets to allow us to create a 3D image of the part.

Data Processing
The data acquired by multiple 3D scans will be orientated, aligned and trimmed to give the best possible approximation of the scanned part.

Data Output
We decide on the data type output. The options are either:

• Watertight Data
• Raw Data

Firstly, the Data Acquisition step. The thing to realise is that 3D Scanners can’t always see what we can see. They can see well-defined shapes and curved surfaces, but some limitations exist. Fortunately, we have high-quality scanners and solutions to overcome some of these:

• Predominantly flat items may be difficult to scan
  We can add marker features to the part making scanning easier
• Black or reflective surfaces will be difficult to scan
  We can apply a conformal coating, which evaporates fully over a few hours if required
• Small holes and sharp internal corners (Vee’s) are difficult to scan
• Small items (less than 30mm cubed) are difficult/impossible to scan

The data is manipulated and ready for the Data Output step during the Data Processing step. How we progress once we have processed the scan data depends on the requirement. It is important to realise that we do not have “CAD Data” at this point.

If the part has scanned well with no “holes” in the scan data, we can output a Watertight STL or OBJ file. Processing can take 10 minutes to a few hours, depending on the part’s complexity and the number of data points in the scan. This process is a requirement if the goal is to have a 3D printable part.

However, if there are holes in the 3D Scan data or the watertight data may have undesirable features where the software tries to fill the gaps in the data. This watertight model will be 3D printable and open in CAD as a 3D graphical file or a point cloud. We can open the file as a solid body if the model is not complex. The model will not be a Solid Body comprising the usual CAD features. Instead, it will be a collection of very small surfaces or facets. However, if the parts have a lot of “missing” scan data due to undesirable geometry, we can output it as Raw Data. This is effectively a point cloud containing all the 3D scanned points.

To achieve a high-definition engineering drawing from 3D Scanning, we must use the 3D scan data to create CAD geometry around the imported 3D scan data. This process can take many hours to complete but is worth it. The final CAD model is usually created using the 3D point cloud as a guide whilst taking physical measurements of features to ensure the final model is as close to the input data as possible.

Finally, 3D Scanning is a fantastic technology for use in many ways. Recent projects include motorbike indicator storks and protective electronic enclosures. Although there are limitations, 3D Scanning will produce an accurate 3D graphic (not CAD data which is a common misconception). To learn more about 3D scanning and suitability for requirements, please visit our website or call 01373 801 803.

Calling all new clients

Another benefit of being located at Heywoo

d House is the delicious homemade treats by Heywood Sweet Temptations. We will send new clients a box of brownies as a welcome, a gift not to be missed! Please see the advert for full details and get in touch to discuss your project requirements.

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Following a steady May and numerous bank holidays, June seems to fly by with new projects coming on board. 

We’re providing additional design resources for an overstretched engineering team to help make sure their deadline is met. Using us for Contract CAD makes perfect sense for them as they only pay for the time spent on work as and when required. As we work remotely, they do not need to worry about accommodating us either – another benefit of Contract CAD. We’re also helping to bring some concepts to life for other clients. Due to NDAs, we can’t reveal anything, but it’s great to be working on forward-thinking and creative projects. Here’s an insight into some current work:

• Design support for the leisure industry
• Bespoke packaging solutions
• On-site visit to reverse engineer production equipment
• Urgent 3D print of a concept for a manufacturing team
• Concept creation for a medical company

Visit our website for information on our services or call 01373 801803.

Faster 3D printing

A new piece of kit has landed in the office…the Creality K1 3D printer is ultra fast, printing the Benchy with precision in 17mins. We’ve been printing various models, including the Arduino case, to get it up and running. With the new printer, it took just 2.5 hrs – previously, it took 6hrs, a substantial time-saving and greater help for urgent requests. Parts, models, enclosures & prototypes are all options for 3D Printing. See our website for details about 3D Printing.

And we’re in!

Pictured from left to right: Liz (Marketing and Admin), Tim (Managing Director), and Luke (CAD Engineer).

At the start of June, we moved into a larger office called ‘Phipps,’ giving us more space for our growing team, client projects, and CAD equipment. Fortunately, we stay at Heywood House, providing a calm and airy working environment. The office was named after the Phipps family, local merchants who owned Heywood House from 1700 to 1789. 

We look forward to welcoming you.

Helping to inspire the future of engineering

A sunny Saturday in May saw another Soapbox Derby at the Westbury White Horse, with many inspiring entries hurtling down the steepest course in the UK. We provided the engineering drawings for the Westbury and Warminster Youth Club soapbox, so we were delighted to see their model in action. This was a great, practical opportunity for the young students to work through the design and manufacturing process and hopefully inspire them to explore a future in engineering.

Calling all new clients

Another benefit of being located at Heywood House is the delicious homemade treats by Heywood Sweet Temptations. We will send a box of brownies to welcome new clients, a gift not to be missed! Please see the advert for full details and get in touch to discuss your project requirements.

The post WHC News – June 2023 appeared first on White Horse CAD Limited.

April 2023 Stats

Here we are in May, and we hope everyone has enjoyed the recent bank holidays. We are delighted to see clients returning with new projects and have welcomed new clients for whom we provide extra design capacity during a busy period. Here’s some insight into some of our recent work:

• 3D rendered images for pharmaceutical clients to showcase their products on a new website
• Help to specify a new consumer product
• Supply of a prototype print for a local engineering company
• Provided concepts for bespoke public seating area
• Designs for bespoke medical products.

Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss any forthcoming projects.

Rules for creating CAD models

Whether you’re designing a product, a machine, or a building, the success of your project will depend mainly on the quality of your CAD models. White Horse CAD uses SolidWorks to create complex 3D models for various applications. We firmly believe there are three critical aspects to creating great CAD models: 

1. design intent

2. design intent

3. design intent

Some people say ‘New York’ is so good they named it twice. We’ve gone one better! So, what exactly is design intent, and why is it so critical to the success of your CAD models? Simply put, the design intent is a set of rules and parameters that govern the behaviour of your model. It includes dimensions, relationships, and constraints, allowing your model to behave predictably and consistently across different contexts. 

Our belief is that design intent is so important it forms the three most important rules for creating CAD models:

Accurate and precise models
By defining the design intent of your model, you can ensure that it meets the necessary specifications and requirements, including size, shape, and functionality. Design Intent is critical for ensuring that your model will perform as intended. 

Flexible and adaptable models
When you design with intent, you create a model that can be easily modified and adjusted. The relationships and constraints built into the CAD model will remain intact as the design evolves, giving you a robust CAD model that is easier to modify in response to client feedback or changes in requirements. 

Communicate your design to others
Creating a model with clear design intent makes it easier for others to understand and work with your design; this includes everyone from team members to manufacturers and suppliers. By defining your model’s key parameters and relationships, you can guarantee everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. 

White Horse CAD believes design intent is critical to creating CAD models in SolidWorks. By defining the rules and parameters that govern your model, we can ensure it’s accurate, flexible, and easy to communicate to others. So, the next time you need to create a new CAD model, remember the three most important rules: design intent, design intent, and design intent.  

Inhouse adaptions

Agreements allowing; it’s usually our work for clients that we share. However, we thought we’d share insight from a recent internal job completed by WHC’s Luke. If you’ve ever tried to measure foam, you will know it’s a headache! Accuracy is fundamental to our design work, so we must overcome this issue. Luke designed digital caliper attachments to simplify measuring foam packaging. Using the CAD, we’ve 3D printed the attachments in the office. Job done!

A simple, yet effective way of adapting established equipment to improve it for a particular purpose. Let us know if you need adaptions, and we’ll be sure to come up with the goods!

Finding out our services is now even easier with our updated homepage. Take a look…

Westbury Soapbox Derby and Engineering Fair

The countdown is on for the Soapbox Derby at the iconic Westbury White Horse. On Saturday 20th May, you can watch the teams make their bid to conquer one of the most challenging courses in the UK. There’s also an engineering fair with STEM exhibitions, food and entertainment.

For more info take a look at the Soapbox website. 

The post WHC News – May 2023 appeared first on White Horse CAD Limited.

March 2023 Stats

So it’s back to work following the Easter break, and we hope you enjoyed the long weekend. If you’ve been to our office recently, the variety of projects we’ve got on with different equipment and packaging here ready for design is evident. That said, we don’t always need the product to hand, and there have been interesting conversations about concepts and improvements to existing products. We continue to receive recommendations for our CAD services, and we thank you for putting in a good word about us! Here’s some insight into recent work that we hope is of interest:

• The concept for a bespoke architectural water feature for a large public area
• Reverse Engineering an obsolete automotive component
• Supply of a 3D printed replacement for an outdated part
• Design for bespoke orthopaedic and pharmaceutical products
• Reverse Engineering packaging concepts to allow cost-effective manufacturing

Valuing and building trusted relationships

Tim Bird, White Horse CAD founder, and MD, reflects on his engineering background and the recent introduction to a new client.

I’ve been an engineer for 37 years and was lucky enough to have worked as a sheet metal worker, welder fabricator, and tool maker before I became a design engineer. I may have a broad understanding of how things are made, but I would be foolish to say I know everything about manufacturing.

This month I have been reminded about the value of building relationships with experts in different fields. Having a list of trusted manufacturing partners and collaborators from a massive selection of industries allows White Horse CAD to push the boundaries of design to encompass the latest manufacturing technologies.

A client came to us looking for some engineering drawings for a product they will bring to market in the near future. Before they visited, they had created a design, protected their Intellectual Property, and had prototypes made and tested. They needed to turn their prototypes into a product that could be manufactured cost-effectively. To achieve this, we were required to provide a full suite of manufacturing data, from fully defined engineering drawings to 2D and 3D machine-readable data.

This brings me nicely back to the value of relationships. One of our trusted manufacturing experts introduced the client to us. We initially met the manufacturing expert through a client several years ago. Since then, we have worked together on a wide range of projects. We have been able to recommend them to our clients, and they have likewise recommended us to their clients. This one relationship has helped countless clients on both sides of the equation.

Our working relationship with the manufacturer means we know their processes and limitations. Therefore we can help our new client create meaningful manufacturing data. Still, we will also reduce the number of parts in the system, simplify manufacturing and reduce the final product cost for our client. Through this collaboration, we can reduce the part cost to the client and the design cost. Fewer, simplified parts take less time to create CAD Data for.

This is an excellent example of how building great working relationships with diverse partners benefits us and everyone else the relationship touches. White Horse CAD builds relationships with as many experts as possible to give our clients the best service.”

If you own a manufacturing company, we would like to learn about your process, your limits, and how White Horse CAD can help our clients by creating designs that suit your processes and manufacturing techniques… Please visit the White Horse CAD website to contact us.

Read how White Horse CAD’s experience and expertise provide our clients effective product designs and engineering solutions.

Westbury White Horse Soapbox Derby and Engineering Fair

Following the success of last year’s Soapbox Derby, the event returns on Saturday, 20th, May, at the iconic Westbury White Horse. As one of the most challenging courses in the UK, it looks to be another great event as teams bid to conquer the steep slope. For more info, take a look at the Soapbox website. 

The post WHC News – April 2023 appeared first on White Horse CAD Limited.