Hi.  I am new to cad but I think I may get the gist of it for the most part, at least I hope enough to make the simple designs I want, as I have some experience in circuit board design programs and a have a knowledge of computers since 1995.  From what I understand you use a CAD program to make a 3d graphic of what you want with dimensions and things needed to send to a production factory/company to be made right?  Well what I need is, one to find a company that can make my part and two make the cad design of course.  Currently I have a audio plug that has screw threads, I want to make an aluminum housing that screws onto the plug.  Is this something that can be done, or similar things made here in the forum I can research?

Several CAD and MCAD programs can create a 3D model of the audio plug and the screw-on aluminum housing.  A few examples would be plain AutoCAD and Inventor both by AutoDesk, Solidworks by Dassault Systemes, and Microstation by Bentley.  AutoDesk also has something called Fusion 360 but I am not all that familiar with the program or its features.  I think it is free.Most of the programs mentioned have the ability to derive standard 2D views (top, front, side and isometric) from 3D models.Another option would be to 3D print the object.

Thanks for the reply!  3d printing it won't work because I need it to be aluminum or metal and as thin as possible.  In the pictures at the link below the larger plug and metal housing is what I am using now and the smaller one is the one I am trying to create with the plug pictured in the first post.  The seller wants $4 each for that small jack so trying to make my own for cheaper, the jack is only 20 cents each plus the housing I want to make should make it under a dollar.  I hope it is possible to finish this project!So after making the cad file are there companies I can send it to and have small metal parts like that made?https://www.dropbox.com/sc/pdut0veted2f4h6/AABMvCzxaDqsg2Wp30Biy1eTa
silviasol2016-01-20 15:28:22

Yes, there are companies one can find online that will machine or even 3D print your model in metal for a price.Direct metal laser sintering....https://www.stratasysdirect.com/promos/direct-metal-laser-sintering-dmls.html?gclid=CMai9dXOuMoCFVKQHwodjO0BSQMetal 3D printing...https://www.xometry.com/metal-3d-printing/?gclid=CJPHv4bPuMoCFZIWHwodVPMPqQDesign to manufacturing services...http://www.quickparts.3dsystems.com/solutions/?gclid=CLjFrqPPuMoCFdEXHwodhHAKrw




John Connor2016-01-20 15:43:16

How much does that cost usually?  I am looking for a large quantity order of 2000 or more of them, would it be viable to use them or is 3d printed metal parts more expensive?

I have no idea what it would cost.  Obviously as quantities go up the price per item should drop.
John Connor2016-01-21 11:48:01