Resources

Team CAD Associates Toolbox
CAD

CobaltNiche believes in having the best tools and technology to support our team in developing class-leading designs. We have an extensive suite of high-level CAD (computer aided design) software, computer workstations and up to date maintenance programmes. Even more importantly, our professional designers have the necessary skills, training and approaches to take full advantage of these formidable tools.

Why is CAD so important?


The benefits of CobaltNiche’s CAD technology within our development process are significant; 

  • Faster time to market through design, prototyping and engineering stages
  • Ability to make rapid changes even late in the development process
  • Ability to develop highly complex forms and detailed assemblies
  • Higher accuracy and reduced risk of errors
  • Better communication of the design intent especially to non-technical stakeholders
  • Additional analysis tools not possible with simple CAD models or even physical prototypes
In-house resources


We have over 16 licences (seats) of some of the world’s leading CAD platforms including;

  • ProEngineer
  • Unigraphics NX6
  • SolidWorks
  • 3DS Max
  • CosmosWorks
  • NX6 Nastran

These CAD tools allow us to perform;

  • Surface, Solid and Parametric Modelling
  • Rendering & Animation
  • Rapid Prototyping
  • CNC Machining
  • Detailed Drafting
  • FEA Analysis
  • High-precision Tooling
Our approach


Our use of CAD is not focussed on the technology, but on the ability to produce more innovative designs, more rapidly.
Our experienced project management teams match the most appropriate software and modelling method for each particular stage of any given project.
For example:

  • Whilst other design groups may have one high-level CAD platform, we have three so that we can use the most appropriate for different projects.
     
  • To compress a project timeframe, we may develop a ‘master-model’ of the outer geometry so that multiple parts can be concurrently developed by a team of design engineers. 

CobaltNiche does not rest on its laurels when it comes to CAD. We have a professional development program where our designers and engineers receive regular training to ensure their CAD skills across multiple platforms are at their sharpest. The diversity of our work across several industry sectors ensures that our team has a broad range of CAD modelling skills.
This all translates to more efficient use of the technology for our clients to reduce both budgets, risks and lead times.

 

Studio Resources

CobaltNiche have created a working environment which is both conducive to creative expression and well organised to enable efficient operation.


Our open plan studio promotes the sharing of ideas and enables project managers and leaders to keep abreast of the day to day workings of all projects. Our meeting rooms are well resourced for large screen viewing of presentation material, project information online and teleconferencing facilities.

Our professional designers and engineers utilise high-specification computers loaded with the latest software tools. Our creative designers use digital drawing tablets which promotes bolder design expression with more iteration’s possible per working hour.

A well organised flexible workshop has become a valuable resource for assembly of prototypes, product testing and form study development during the creative process.
Technical information relating to materials and processes are indexed in our library, and we keep and maintain a substantial samples and materials library covering a wide range of manufacturing processes.



Most importantly we have created a comfortable environment for both our staff and our clients to enable collaborative problem solving and careful documentation of successful product designs.