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CAD Design & Prototyping for Plastic Fabrication | Accurate, Cost-Efficient Builds
- Tom Burleigh
- Aug 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 16
Introduction
Not every project starts with perfect technical drawings. That’s why we offer in-house CAD design and prototyping services, helping our clients visualise, refine, and bring their ideas to life before fabrication begins.
Whether you come to us with a hand-drawn sketch, a working concept, or a full technical brief, our design team uses AutoCAD and Inventor software to turn it into a production-ready plan.
What is CAD Design?
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is the process of creating precise digital models of a part or product. These models allow us to:
Plan the exact dimensions, tolerances, and assembly points
Select the best materials and fabrication method
Spot potential issues early, saving time and cost later
Produce detailed drawings or 3D renders for approval
This is particularly useful for complex builds, multi-part assemblies, or clients without a design team of their own.
Why It Matters in Plastic Fabrication
CAD design isn’t just for big projects. It helps with:
Faster turnaround times by removing ambiguity
Better material use through optimised layouts
Ensuring parts fit correctly the first time
Clearer communication between the client and fabricator
Easier adjustments for future revisions or repeat runs
For one-off parts, it keeps the process smooth. For larger jobs, it’s essential.
From CAD to Prototype to Final Product
In many cases, we’ll prototype a part before full production, especially for custom plastic enclosures, guards, or parts with tight tolerances.
This prototype can be:
A cut-to-size mockup for checking fit
A 3D-rendered visual for client approval
A full material test piece to ensure strength and finish
We then use the final CAD drawing to move straight into CNC machining, thermoforming, or fabrication with zero guesswork.
Not sure how to get your next project off the ground, or need help understanding how to take your idea into production, S&D Solutions can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you design from just an idea or sketch?
Yes, we regularly help clients take early-stage concepts and turn them into usable production files.
What file types can you work with?
We use AutoCAD and Inventor, and can handle DWG, DXF, STEP and other common formats.
Is CAD included with fabrication?
For most jobs, yes, especially if we’re building from scratch. More complex design-only work may be quoted separately.
Do I own the design files?
If requested, yes, we can supply final drawings or 3D models as part of the project handoff.
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