1. Form, fit, and function drive every design decision.
2. Product safety is a requirement, not an afterthought.
3. Manufacturability should be considered from the outset.
4. Product cost is critical to profitability.

Who we work with.

We work with a diverse range of clients and help them all solve the fundamental challenges outlined above. The list below is not exhaustive, but it shows the breadth of clients that have used our expertise:

• Medical Devices (Orthopaedics)
  • Implants
  • Instruments
  • X-Ray Templates
  • Renders & Animations
• Offshore oil & gas
• Energy
• Consumer Products
  • Personal care
  • Pet care
  • Lighting
  • Kitchenware
• Manufacturing Companies
  • Welding Jigs & Fixtures
  • Production Equipment
  • Test Rigs
  • Process Packaging
• Architects & Landscapers
  • Bespoke Pergola
  • Bespoke Planters
  • Drainage Systems
• Scientific Equipment
  • Electronics Enclosures
  • Test Equipment
• Packaging Suppliers
• Marine Navigation
• Sports Equipment
• Classic Vehicle Restoration

With over 20 years of hands-on manufacturing experience, we understand how to design and specify parts that can be manufactured cost-effectively, regardless of the process you are considering to make your part. From Manual and CNC machined parts to injection moulded, laser cut or forged, our experience means your products are designed for manufacture from the start.

How we help our clients

Our core expertise is creating 3D models, assemblies and 2D engineering drawings using SolidWorks, but we also provide 2D drafting services using AutoCAD. Both SolidWorks and AutoCAD have been used by industry for more than 25 years, and our Managing Director, Tim has been using both since the late 1990s.

The other services we offer complement the design CAD services perfectly:

• Photo Realistic renders and animations for your documentation and website
• Finite Element analysis for your peace of mind
• 3D Scanning for all your reverse engineering requirements
• 3D Printing for all your prototyping requirements
• Large format plotting, so you can see the bigger picture
• Troubleshooting and Problem Solving, for when products don’t work as intended
• Manufacturing guidance to give you some options if you need them

CAD model of a Printed Circuit Board

Phi Gauge - Open Box - Render

Mechanical Design & Contract CAD

Marine Navigation Enclosure

Testing 3D print strength

Reverse Engineered Generator

3D Design & Render

The post Fundamentals appeared first on White Horse CAD Limited.

This is an excellent example of how White Horse CAD can help our clients solve problems and improve their workflow. We used the part model to design a simple 3D-printed fixture that matches and effectively supports the part’s geometry. This frees an operator’s hand to fit the retention pins easily and precisely without risking damage to the part or, more importantly, the operator.

Whilst 3D printing is not an ideal solution to all design problems, in this case, it is the most efficient and cost-effective way to create a simple fixture that aids assembly, keeps the operator safe and reduces the risk of damage to the products being assembled. This is a relatively low-cost solution to a problem that will improve product quality, reduce operator frustration and increase productivity.

If you would like more information on how 3D Printed Process Tooling can help solve your assembly nightmares, please contact us
or Find us on LinkedIn

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We are creating a series of practice files alongside our DFM handbook, which is intended to teach good modelling practice and the fundamental principles for manufacturing parts. The first of these lessons is a relatively simple folded plate. Whilst this looks simple, there are at least five design rules to consider. Four are mentioned in the practice document, but one is not mentioned. But if you read the sheet metal section of the DFM book, you will know what rule is missing.

When designing sheet metal products with folds, the most important thing to remember is that flat patterns are to be considered reference data unless the model uses validated manufacturing data from the company making the parts. There are other rules about hole size and the distance of features from edges and folds. All of these need to be considered when designing sheet metal products,

Sheet metal design is primarily defined by the process limitations and the tooling used by the manufacturing company. The type of tooling they use to fold parts will define the bend allowance you require, the cutting process they use may influence the shape of the part. Laser cutting will give you a lot more design freedom, but sheared or punched parts may have a more uniform finish.

Bend tooling will dictate things such as bend radius, minimum leg length and the minimum distance between bends. This is why it is critical to design sheet metal products with the guidance of the company making the parts.

If you would like more information, please contact us
or Find us on LinkedIn

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Well-designed products are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also manufacturable within reasonable constraints. Understanding manufacturing processes is essential when designing products because it directly impacts feasibility, cost, quality, and efficiency.

Understanding manufacturing methods helps designers select the right materials and production methods. Different manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, CNC machining, and casting, have distinct advantages and limitations. For example, injection molding is ideal for making high-volume plastic components. Whilst CNC machining offers much higher precision and repeatability for metal and plastic parts. Designers who consider manufacturing early in the process can create well-designed products and cost-effective design solutions that balance quality and affordability.

Understanding manufacturing processes and their limitations can significantly impact part cost. Engineers who understand a wide selection of manufacturing techniques can optimise designs for strength, reliability, and ease of assembly, which will all reduce the overall cost of the part. Sometimes, the best thing a design engineer can do is take the time to talk to a manufacturer about the problems they are trying to solve. It is better to get the manufacturers on your side and create a design solution that works for everyone than to design a product that will be difficult or impossible for them to make 

In conclusion, knowledge of manufacturing processes is critical for designers to create cost-effective, high-quality products. Designers who integrate manufacturing principles into their design process create well-designed products that are cost-effective to manufacture. This, in turn, reduces production challenges, enhances product performance, and maintains a competitive edge.

If you’re hungry for more information, please contact us
or Find us on LinkedIn

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Teaching young design engineers to construct robust 3D CAD models should be the foundation of any engineering design course. Students need practice files that aid them in learning the essential elements of creating CAD models that illustrate real-world engineering solutions. The design engineers of the future deserve high-quality training materials.

Practice files should teach students the fundamentals of creating CAD models and provide them with at least a basic understanding of Design For Manufacture (DFM) principles. Instructing design students with CAD with files that promote poor design habits is detrimental to the industry. It creates unrealistic expectations of a well-defined CAD model and conveys the idea that any feature added to a CAD model can be manufactured.

Incorporating a mandatory manufacturing component into every design course would significantly enhance the knowledge of young design engineers. However, not every college and university is lucky enough to have manufacturing facilities on site. We must also remember that not all design engineers attend colleges or universities. Some take online courses, and some learn independently using whatever information they find online. So, whilst the gold standard in educating design engineers should be mandatory manufacturing experience, we also need to ensure that students who learn remotely have access to high-quality training data.

Generally, the training materials students use to learn how to use CAD do not reflect real-world manufacturing practices, and even worse, they teach students bad modelling habits. We must not set the next generation of design engineers up to fail. Instead, we should provide top-quality training data that teaches students how to use CAD effectively and gives them insights into manufacturing best practices from day one.

There is no substitute for time spent in an engineering workshop to help students understand the limitations of manufacturing processes. However, giving students well-structured practice files could go a long way towards teaching basic manufacturing principles. If engineering design courses cannot offer workshop experience, they should invest in creating high-quality practice files that help close the gap in every student’s manufacturing knowledge.

The post CAD Users of the future appeared first on White Horse CAD Limited.

The long-awaited White Horse CAD DFM handbook has finally been launched. If you are designing products, you need a copy of this book. It covers content such as:

• Good modelling practice
• Turned parts
• Milled parts
• Sheet metal
• Process information
• Design intent
• Much much more

The post Free DFM Guide for All appeared first on White Horse CAD Limited.

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.

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

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.

The post WHC News -March 2024 appeared first on White Horse CAD Limited.

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.

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

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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