Equipment makers who have a limited budget and require a continuous supply of control panels can find it difficult to afford the number of panels they need. Producing a panel involves two processes, designing the panel and manufacturing it – a double investment that can throw a kink in a small operating budget. There is, however, an alternative to paying for both the design and manufacturing of panels. Using a special software program, equipment makers can create their own panels, and submit the work order directly to the manufacturer through the program.
The Benefit of Web Based CAD Program
Computer Aided Design (CAD) software is used to create numerous products from industrial tools to toys. Unlike 2D and 3D drawings, the models it produces can be rotated, visualized in relation to larger elements, and have their data altered to produce a new design – all within a few seconds of time. Yet, for manufacturers, the greatest benefit of CAD software deals with production and not design: the models it produces can be directly manufactured from the template. When the data of a solid CAD model is transferred to Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) production equipment, the model is translated into a tangible product.
The process above is traditionally performed in house. The equipment maker uses its own CAD program for control panel design, and then sends the design data to a CNC milling machine. For small equipment makers, the cost of a CNC machine alone can make outsourcing a necessary alternative. When this is the case, the most affordable option is to outsource to a manufacturer who provides a free web-based CAD program, and then produces the panels the program is used to create.
After downloading the control panel design software from the manufacturer’s website, the customer designs the panel and places an order directly through the program. For equipment makers, this arrangement eliminates the cost of panel design. For the manufacturer, it increases business by tapping a segment of equipment makers who have limited production budgets.
How the Process Works
Designing panels with a free CAD program is a streamlined, three-step process that occurs as follows:
- Download the program from the manufacturer’s website
- Use the program to create the product
- Place the work order directly through the program
Most orders are fabricated within five days of submission, although a turnaround time of twenty-four hours is also available.
When they learn of the opportunity to create panels with a free CAD program, most equipment makers inquire about the program’s usability. Although a basic familiarity with CAD applications is helpful for navigating the program, its user-friendly interface and detailed instructions allow first-time users to create panels with confidence.
Conclusion
A manufacturer who offers free control panel design software allows equipment makers to design professional quality panels free. If your business needs panels for electrical products, boats, automobiles, or other types of equipment, choosing a manufacturer who offers a free CAD program can help you save money on the control panel design and production process.
