In-House Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Precision Engineering Drawings, 3D Modelling & Reverse Engineering
Precision fabrication and machining always begin with a design. Whether you require a single bespoke component, complex structural framework, or the reverse-engineering of an obsolete part, Hickman Engineering provides a comprehensive in-house CAD service. Serving the whole of the UK, our expert design team translates your requirements into highly accurate manufacturing models, reducing production errors, and guaranteeing your parts fit perfectly the first time.
What is Computer Aided Design (CAD)?
Computer Aided Design (CAD) utilises advanced software to create highly detailed, 2D technical drawings and 3D models of physical components. In industrial engineering, CAD is the bridge between a rough concept and a finished, fully functional product. It allows our engineers to digitally test fits, optimise material usage, and perfect tolerances before any metal is cut. This process speeds up quoting, streamlines fabrication, and ensures complete accuracy for critical infrastructure and machinery parts.
Reverse Engineering Obsolete Parts
When an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) declares a critical part “obsolete” or “no longer supported,” many companies assume the entire machine must be scrapped. We specialise in solving this exact problem. You do not need original drawings to work with us. Our CAD team can take your damaged, worn, or snapped component or even work from photographs, measurements, and rough sketches and reverse-engineer the original design. We then digitally reconstruct the part, ready for our workshop to manufacture an exact replacement.
Comprehensive CAD & Design Capabilities
Our design engineers work seamlessly with our workshop floor to provide a complete, end-to-end manufacturing solution:
2D Technical Drawings & 3D Modelling
We produce 2D manufacturing drawings and fully interactive 3D models tailored exactly to your project requirements, ensuring everything is correct before production begins.
Design Optimisation & Consultancy
We do not just draw parts, we improve them. We offer expert CAD design to optimise your component for performance, improve its structural durability, and manufacturability to save you money.
Seamless Integration with Manufacturing
Once a design is approved, our CAD software feeds directly into our Traditional Machining and Fabrication Services teams, ensuring a fast turnaround from a digital render to the physical product.
Sectors & Case Studies
Our CAD team supports engineering projects across a variety of industries:
We meticulously design Lloyds-compliant vessel components, such as the bespoke EPIRB pedestal bracket our team, including Max Burton and Kameron Cullen, reverse-engineered and fabricated from scratch for our Custom Fabrication project with Casper Shipping.
We utilise CAD to design structural improvements for heavy infrastructure, such as the modified hydraulic arm brackets modelled for the Thanet District Council Lock Establishment Project.
Agricultural & Heavy Plant
We reverse-engineer worn out, obsolete linkages, pins, and wheel studs for aging tractors, excavators, and combine harvesters, keeping vital machinery running when OEM parts are no longer available.
The 24/7 Flat Rate Promise
Downtime costs thousands, which is why we operate a continuous response service with a transparent pricing structure. We charge a flat rate regardless of the time or day, meaning a Tuesday afternoon costs the exact same as a Bank Holiday. If you are within 20 miles of our Immingham base, we guarantee a 90-minute response time. Contact Hickman Engineering today to discuss your design and engineering requirements.
