Services
Design for high and low volume manufacture
I specialise in designing scientific instruments, consumer products, and medical devices that incorporate injection mouldings, castings, sheet metal, machined, vacuum-formed, and laser-sintered components for both high and low volume manufacture
With over 25 years of experience, I offer a comprehensive range of product design and engineering services tailored to meet your unique needs. I am committed to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that optimise every aspect of product development. From the initial concept to final production, I ensure your product is designed with precision and engineered for efficient manufacturing and long-term success.
Product Design Consultancy
My extensive experience and expertise enable me to provide a unique approach to new product development. I focus on realising your goals and expectations, proving the success of these early in the process. My low overheads allow for a cost-effective product development process
Feasibility study
After our initial briefing meeting, I generate the functional specification for your product. I explore manufacturing concepts, functionality targets, environmental considerations, and cost options to align with your goals and market needs.
concept design
Using SolidWorks 3D CAD tools and 3D printing, I develop 3D CAD and physical models that demonstrate the product's functionality, style, manufacturing concepts, and overall look and feel.
detailed design
I analyse the fits between components, specify materials, and create detailed manufacturing drawings. I identify suppliers and hold meetings to optimise the design for lean manufacturing and finalise costs.
prototype and test
I produce a final prototype and refine the design if necessary. I conduct studies and tests to ensure the product meets its intended use and transportation requirements. Finally, I release the data for manufacture.
Value Engineering
My value analysis and engineering services help you improve your product’s performance while reducing costs. By re-engineering existing products and processes, I enable you to achieve greater efficiency and profitability.
Cost Optimisation
Your product’s components and manufacturing processes are analysed to identify opportunities for cost savings.
Design Improvements
I re-engineer your products to improve performance and ensure robust manufacturing and assembly.
Supplier Sourcing
I help you find suppliers who meet your production needs while optimising costs.
Mechanical Design
My contract design engineering service provides you with expert support throughout the product development process. Whether you need additional design capacity or specialised detailing expertise, I am here to help.
Mechanical Design
I design components and assemblies for reliable and efficient manufacturing, including injection mouldings, sheet metal, cast, and machined parts.
Design for Manufacture
I ensure your product is designed with manufacturability in mind, optimising the functionality-to-cost ratio and maximising efficiency.
Project Management
From concept to production, I manage your project to ensure it is delivered on time and meets the highest quality standards.
Reverse Engineering
If you need to recreate an obsolete product or produce manufacturing documentation for an existing product, I can help. I thoroughly analyse your product to understand its design and functionality, then I create detailed documentation and models for further development or production.
Detailed Analysis
I break down your product to understand its components, functionality, and methods of manufacture. I identify specific functionality and production constraints.
Re-Engineering
I develop optimised versions of your product, incorporating cost-effective manufacturing technologies and processes. I also implement any design enhancements.
Documentation
I prepare a complete manufacturing documentation pack to ensure consistency and quality during production. This includes solid models, fully toleranced part drawings, assembly drawings, tolerance analysis and bills of materials with supplier quotes as required.
Prototyping and Rapid Production
My 3D printing and prototyping services allow me to produce models and prototypes quickly for testing and evaluation. This rapid turnaround enables you to refine your designs and move efficiently from concept to production.
3D Printing
I use state-of-the-art 3D printing technology to create prototypes and proof-of-concept models.
Functional Prototypes
I create prototypes that can be tested for functionality, enabling critical design adjustments before full-scale production.
Rapid Turnaround
My in-house capabilities mean prototypes can be delivered and analysed quickly, keeping your project on schedule.
Design Engineering & SolidWorks FAQs – Devon & Cornwall
How much does a freelance SolidWorks design engineer cost in Devon and Cornwall?
The cost of a freelance SolidWorks design engineer in Devon and Cornwall typically ranges from £30 to £60 per hour, depending on the complexity of the 3D CAD design work and the level of experience and expertise of the consultant / contract design engineer. For example, a structural engineer will charge at the top end of the rate structure; A flashy design consultancy with high overheads will charge even more. Working from home I have a very low overhead and am able to charge a very competitive rate of £40.00 / hour for my services. For clearly defined projects, fixed pricing can be provided, offering a cost-effective solution for businesses looking for professional design engineering services in the South West and across the UK.
What industry experience do you have?
I began my career in design engineering in 1989, working on the mechanical design of blood processing equipment. I then gained experience across a range of sectors, including a medical devices company, a vehicle accessories firm, a design consultancy, and a consumer products manufacturer. In 2000, I established myself as an independent consultant, with University College London as my first client. Since then, I’ve worked across numerous industries, including gas and fire detection, medical infusion pumps, industrial flow meters, special purpose machinery, vehicle conversions, and healthcare products.
Throughout my career, I’ve helped many inventors turn their ideas into fully developed, working products.
What manufacturing processes do specalise in?
What types of 3D CAD design and engineering projects do you work on?
I provide a wide range of 3D CAD design and design engineering services using SolidWorks, including concept design, product development, reverse engineering, 3D modelling, prototyping, and design for manufacture. Projects range from simple component design to complete product development for clients in Devon, Cornwall, and throughout the UK.
What software do you use for 3D CAD design engineering?
I specialise in SolidWorks 3D CAD design, one of the leading platforms used in professional mechanical design engineering. I can supply 3D CAD files in a range of formats, including SolidWorks native files, STEP, IGES, and STL, ensuring compatibility with manufacturers and clients across Devon, Cornwall, and the wider UK.
Can you help reduce manufacturing costs through design engineering?
Yes — a key part of design engineering is reducing manufacturing costs. Using SolidWorks 3D CAD, I can optimise designs to reduce material usage, simplify components, and improve manufacturability for processes such as CNC machining, injection moulding, and 3D printing. This is particularly valuable for businesses in Devon and Cornwall looking to improve product efficiency and profitability.
Do you offer 3D printing and prototyping services in Devon and Cornwall?
Yes, I support 3D printing and rapid prototyping as part of the product development process. Using 3D CAD design in SolidWorks, I can prepare models for 3D printing to allow concept validation, functional testing, and design refinement before moving into production.
Still have questions regarding your 3D CAD design project?
Fast Response
From brief to prototype in as little as 24 hours.
Highly Competitive
My charges are among the most competitive.
Experience
Over 25 years of expertise in product development and design.
Innovation
My designs consistently exceed client expectations.
