Tag: SolidWorks design

3D CAD Modelling & Mechanical Drafting

Engineer-led digital models and drawings that go all the way to fabrication and site

At Hamilton By Design, our 3D CAD modelling and mechanical drafting services are built for real-world engineering — not just pretty pictures.

We combine site experience, SolidWorks-based modelling and practical fabrication knowledge to produce models and drawings that installers, fabricators and maintainers can actually trust. Whether you’re upgrading a brownfield plant, designing new equipment or tidying up legacy documentation, we act as your outsourced mechanical design office, providing precise, buildable digital deliverables.

What we do as your 3D CAD & drafting consultants

We don’t just “draw what you tell us”. We work as engineering consultants across the full lifecycle of a mechanical scope:

• Concept to detailed 3D models
  • Parametric 3D models of mechanical equipment, plant layouts and support structures
  • Options and “what-if” geometry to explore different design directions
  • Early checks for fit-up, access and maintenance
• Fabrication-ready mechanical drafting
  • GA drawings, detail drawings and shop drawings for steelwork, chutes, hoppers, conveyors, guards and platework
  • Clear dimensioning, weld symbols, notes and call-outs suitable for workshop use
  • DXFs / step-files for plate nesting, profiling and CNC workflows
• Brownfield & retrofit modelling
  • 3D models built around existing plant geometry (often from 3D LiDAR scans)
  • Retrofit equipment and modifications that are tailored to your real as-built conditions
  • Clash checks and construction sequencing in tight, congested plants
• BOMs and manufacturing data
  • Structured Bills of Materials aligned to your procurement and ERP processes
  • Cut lists, plate developments and standard part libraries
  • Export to neutral formats for fabricators and OEM partners
• Drawing updates & documentation clean-up
  • Redrawing old 2D sketches and mark-ups into structured 3D models + 2D drawings
  • Updating drawings to reflect plant modifications and shutdown works
  • Creating as-built drawing sets suitable for asset registers and compliance records

How our 3D CAD process supports better mechanical outcomes

Because our modelling is led by practising mechanical engineers, every step is geared toward engineering performance, safety and constructability.

1. Understand the scope and constraints
   We begin by clarifying duty, environment, design life, shutdown windows, lifting/install requirements and any relevant standards. This ensures the model reflects how the asset will actually be used, not just how it looks on screen.
2. Capture or reference the real geometry
   For brownfield work, we typically integrate our 3D LiDAR scanning into the CAD workflow, so new designs are wrapped around accurate as-built geometry. For greenfield scopes, we work from P&IDs, layout drawings and vendor data.
3. Develop parametric 3D models
   We build intelligent, parametric models in SolidWorks so changes are fast and controlled. This allows us to adjust clearances, plate thicknesses, bolt patterns and support arrangements without starting from scratch.
4. Review with your team early
   We use 3D views, marked-up PDFs and, where useful, e-drawing viewers so your operations, maintenance and safety teams can comment before drawings are frozen. That’s where you pick up the “practical” issues — access, guarding, hoses, walkways, lifting and isolation points.
5. Produce fabrication and installation drawings
   Once the 3D model is agreed, we generate structured 2D drawings with the right level of detail for workshop, site and client records. We can align drawing standards to your existing title blocks, revision systems and naming conventions.
6. Support during fabrication and construction
   We remain involved as engineering consultants — answering queries from fabricators, updating drawings for site changes and supporting any design tweaks uncovered during installation or commissioning.

Where our 3D CAD & drafting services are typically used

Hamilton By Design’s 3D modelling and drafting work is focused on heavy industry, mining and manufacturing, including:

• Coal handling and preparation plants (CHPPs)
• Hard-rock and minerals processing plants
• Conveyors, transfer stations and material handling systems
• Chutes, hoppers, bins and wear-liner layouts
• Pumping skids, pipework, manifolds and mechanical supports
• Access platforms, walkways, handrails and maintenance structures
• OEM upgrades, retrofit packages and plant debottlenecking projects

We understand the realities of shutdowns, live-plant work and remote operations. Our models and drawings are built with those constraints in mind.

Why engage Hamilton By Design as your CAD & drafting partner?

Engineer-led, not just drafting-led
All work is overseen by experienced mechanical engineers with site backgrounds, so the models and drawings naturally reflect real-world loads, clearances and maintenance needs.

Tightly integrated with 3D LiDAR scanning
For brownfield sites, we can bring in high-accuracy point clouds to minimise rework and fit-up issues. That means less cutting and welding on site, and more “first-time fit” during shutdowns.

Optimised for fabrication and installation
We think about how plates will be cut, how assemblies will be transported and lifted, and how installers will actually put things together. That mindset reduces RFIs, delays and costly rework.

Flexible engagement — from one-off drawings to full plant packages
We can help with anything from a small set of detail drawings through to complete plant layouts, equipment packages and drawing-office support across multiple projects.

Typical deliverables

When you engage Hamilton By Design for 3D CAD modelling and mechanical drafting, you can expect:

• Native SolidWorks models (and other formats on request)
• 2D fabrication and GA drawings in PDF and DWG/DXF
• Structured BOMs and part lists
• Optional point-cloud and model alignment reports (for scanned sites)
• Marked-up general arrangement views for use in risk assessments, HAZOPs and maintenance planning

Let’s talk about your next mechanical scope

Whether you need a single retrofit component, a new chute and transfer station, or a complete update of old mechanical drawings, Hamilton By Design can act as your external mechanical design office.

We’ll help you move from rough ideas, hand sketches and legacy drawings to accurate 3D models and fabrication-ready documentation — with engineering support built in.

Ready to discuss a project?
Get in touch to talk through your next mechanical scope, or connect this service with our related offerings in:

• Mechanical Design & Custom Equipment Layouts
• 3D LiDAR Scanning for As-Built & Brownfield Engineering
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) & Mechanical/Structural Assessment

We’re here to help you turn complex mechanical problems into buildable, reliable solutions.

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