Steel‑Focused CAD Modeling & Drafting

Two metal mechanical parts on top of technical blueprints and engineering drawings.

Core Services

Forge Mechanical Innovation provides fabrication‑ready documentation exclusively for steel components, welded assemblies, sheet‑metal parts, stamped components, and production‑driven manufacturing needs. All work is drafting‑focused and does not include engineering analysis, design responsibility, or PE‑stamped deliverables.

3D Modeling (Steel Only)

  • Plates, brackets, and gussets modeled to fabrication requirements

  • Welded assemblies

  • Sheet‑metal parts

  • Stamped components

  • Tube, angle, channel, and structural shapes modeled to fabrication requirements

  • Reverse‑documented models for legacy or undocumented parts

2D Fabrication Drawings (Steel Only)

  • Fully dimensioned fabrication drawings

  • Weld symbols and callouts (when requested)

  • Hole callouts and tolerances (when provided)

  • Bend notes and sheet‑metal details

  • Multi‑sheet drawing sets

  • Revision updates and legacy drawing cleanup

Drawing Packages & Shop‑Ready Deliverables

  • PDF drawing sets

  • DWG/DXF exports

  • STEP files

  • Shop‑ready drawing packages

  • Formatting aligned with client‑provided standards

Assembly Documentation

  • Assembly drawings

  • Exploded views

  • Bill of Materials (BOM)

  • Fit‑up considerations and shop‑specific requirements

R&D & New Product Development Drafting Support

Steel‑only CAD modeling, prototype documentation, and drafting updates as designs evolve. Documentation‑focused only — no engineering analysis or testing activities.

Overflow CAD Support

Steel‑only CAD modeling and documentation support during periods of high workload or staffing limitations.

Tools, Software & Capabilities

FMI uses industry‑standard CAD tools and structured documentation practices to produce clear, fabrication‑ready models and drawings. Every project is built with predictable standards, organized file structures, and production‑aligned communication.

CAD Platform

  • SolidWorks (primary platform)

  • Accurate welded assemblies

  • Steel component modeling

  • Sheet‑metal and stamped‑steel modeling

  • Assembly documentation and exploded views

  • Structured BOM creation and updates

Documentation Capabilities

  • Clean, consistent drawing standards

  • Clear dimensioning and annotation practices

  • Weld symbols and callouts

  • Hole callouts and tolerances

  • Bend notes and sheet‑metal details

  • Organized revision updates and controlled documentation

  • Legacy drawing cleanup and modernization

Reverse Documentation & Legacy Support

  • Reverse modeling of existing or undocumented components

  • Modernization of legacy drawings

  • Clarified documentation for replacement or reproduction parts

Prototype & Product Documentation

  • Documentation for prototypes and early‑stage builds

  • Clear drawings for fit‑up, fabrication, and assembly

  • Structured communication for iterative updates

Stamped Steel Component Documentation

  • 3D modeling of stamped steel parts

  • Flattened views and formed‑part documentation

  • Clear drawings for fabrication, inspection, and production

  • Documentation aligned with stamping workflows

File Preparation & Export

  • SLDPRT / SLDASM / SLDDRW

  • STEP / IGES

  • DXF (laser, plasma, waterjet)

  • PDF fabrication packages

  • Organized deliverable folders

Project Coordination

  • Predictable timelines

  • Organized deliverables

  • Clear communication throughout the project

Standards That Fabricators Trust

FMI follows the standards fabricators rely on — AISC, AWS, ASME, ANSI — plus customer‑specific drafting conventions to ensure every drawing communicates clearly on the shop floor.

What FMI Does Not Provide

To maintain proper scope and compliance:

  • No engineering stamping

  • No structural analysis

  • No physical prototypes

  • No fabrication or manufacturing services

  • No non‑steel product design

Rates, Minimums & Payment Structure

Forge Mechanical Innovation provides steel‑focused CAD modeling and drafting with clear, predictable project‑based billing built for fabrication timelines.

Minimum Engagement

$500 per project

This ensures proper project setup, organized documentation, and predictable fabrication‑aligned workflows.

Billing Structure

  • Project‑based quotes

  • Drafting/modeling time billed according to FMI’s internal rate structure

  • Revision work billed internally using the same structure

  • Additional deliverables added only with client approval

  • Work summaries provided with each invoice

Payment Terms

  • Projects under $1,000 require full payment prior to project start

  • Projects over $1,000 require a 50% deposit prior to project start

  • Remaining balance due Net 30

  • Digital invoices delivered via email

  • ACH or business check accepted

Project Start Requirements

Before work begins, clients must submit:

  • The Start a Project form

  • All available drawings, photos, measurements, or reference files

  • Any fabrication standards or shop‑specific requirements

This ensures accurate modeling, clear documentation, and predictable timelines.