Production 3D CAD

✅ Why this step locks in geometry for real-world production

This isn’t sketch CAD. It’s not just for review. This is the geometry manufacturers will build from.

Production 3D CAD is the definitive, fully detailed, and verified model set used to generate tooling, NC paths, simulations, and quality documentation. It reflects every draft angle, wall thickness, radius, and feature needed for real-world manufacturing. It must be clean, correct, and version-controlled.

📘 What you’ll deliver

  • 100% complete 3D models for all components and assemblies
  • Geometry matched to manufacturing processes (e.g. injection moulding, CNC, die casting)
  • Features suitable for tooling, mould release, or cutting operations
  • Files prepared for export to CAM, simulation, or supplier workflows

🛠️ Tools and methods

  • Manufacturing Feature Validation

    Ensure draft, fillets, ribs, holes, and bosses meet supplier/process standards.

  • Process-Specific Optimisation

    Adjust for shrinkage, cooling, tool path constraints, or bending rules.

  • Clear Part Naming and Revision Control

    Use structured file systems and versioning (e.g. P01_v3_FINAL).

  • File Export for Tooling (STEP, IGES, Native Formats)

    Provide clean files for CAM or DfM feedback from tooling teams.

  • Locked Geometry Review

    All features signed off—no more changes unless re-versioned.

⚠️ Production pitfalls to avoid

  • “Nearly done” files. Only send production CAD when it’s 100% final and reviewed.
  • Unclear feature logic. Suppliers can’t guess what you intended—label and document unusual details.
  • Poor tree hygiene. Broken constraints, unreferenced features, or history bloat slow down production reviews.
  • No audit trail. Always keep a frozen reference copy of approved models.

💡 From production teams

“The 3D file had no draft on 6 surfaces—and we didn’t spot it until tooling. A 5-minute check in CAD would’ve saved 3 weeks.”

– Tooling Partner, Plastics Manufacturer

💡 Add visual tags like colour-coding or section overlays to highlight final geometry intent before sign-off.

🔗 Helpful links & resources

✍️ Quick self-check

  • Is every feature, draft, and detail correct for the target process?
  • Are files clean, exportable, and named to your CAD versioning system?
  • Have they been reviewed and approved by relevant engineering leads?
  • Can you trace this CAD to drawings, DfM notes, and supplier correspondence?

🎨 Visual concept (optional)

Illustration: A final CAD model with annotations: “1° Draft OK”, “No undercut”, “Wall = 2mm consistent”. A STEP file is exporting from the screen while a checklist reads: “V3.1 Locked – Sent to Tooling”. A team member signs off a printed drawing.

Visual shows how production CAD turns final design into precise, manufacturable geometry—with confidence and clarity.
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