Engineering Design Services from Concept to Manufacture
Plan D provides practical engineering design services for businesses requiring additional design capacity, specialist expertise or support solving complex engineering problems. From initial concepts and feasibility through detailed 3D CAD, engineering drawings, analysis, prototyping and manufacturing support, we can work as an extension of your engineering team or take responsibility for defined engineering design projects.
Our experience spans motorsport, automotive, aerospace, defence, renewables, industrial equipment and product development, combining decades of hands-on engineering experience with modern CAD, simulation, 3D scanning and manufacturing technologies.
Engineering Design Capabilities
Our engineering design services combine practical engineering experience with modern CAD, analysis and manufacturing technologies. We support projects ranging from individual components and design tasks through to complete product development programmes.
3D CAD Design & Detailed Engineering
Concept development, assemblies, detailed components, engineering drawings and manufacturing data.
Mechanical Design & Design for Manufacture
Mechanisms, interfaces, material selection, tolerances and manufacturing considerations developed into practical production-ready designs.
Engineering Problem Solving & Design Support
Additional engineering capacity, design improvement, component redesign and practical solutions to complex engineering challenges.
Engineering Design Experience in Practice
Our engineering experience spans motorsport, automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, product development and specialist applications. The examples below illustrate how the same fundamental engineering principles can be applied to very different design challenges.
Formula 1 Trophy Design & Manufacture
The organisers of the inaugural Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix commissioned the design and manufacture of the winners’ trophies. Inspired by the race control tower at the Bahrain International Circuit, the trophies incorporated materials associated with Formula One, including titanium and carbon fibre. Michael Schumacher 1st, Rubens Barrichello 2nd and Jenson Button 3rd.
Formula One Composite Component Development
Development of an early carbon fibre composite Formula One brake pedal, replacing a conventionally manufactured metallic component with a lightweight composite solution. The project required careful consideration of structural performance, stiffness, geometry, manufacturing method and driver loading in a safety-critical application.
To our knowledge, this represented the first use of a carbon fibre composite brake pedal in Formula One.
Large-Scale CAD Design for the Entertainment Industry
Development of large-scale character figures for amusement park machinery, using 3D CAD and digital manufacturing techniques to create complex geometry at substantial scale. The project demonstrates how the same engineering design tools and methods can be applied well beyond conventional mechanical components.
Engineering Design Support at Any Stage
Plan D can support engineering projects at any stage, from early concepts and feasibility through detailed design, drawing release, prototype development and manufacturing introduction.
We can provide additional engineering resource for a specific task, support an existing engineering team during periods of high workload, or take responsibility for a defined package of design work.
Our approach combines practical engineering judgement with CAD, analysis, prototyping and manufacturing knowledge, helping ensure designs are not only technically sound but practical to
Concept & Feasibility
Requirements definition, initial concepts, engineering assessment and comparison of potential solutions.
Prototype & Development
Prototype manufacture, 3D printing and physical evaluation to identify opportunities for improvement before production.
3D CAD Design
Component and assembly design, packaging, mechanisms, interfaces and detailed CAD development.
Testing & Design Refinement
Reviewing test results, resolving issues and refining geometry, materials or manufacturing methods as the design develops.
Engineering Analysis
Hand calculations, FEA, CFD and other appropriate analysis methods to understand performance and support design decisions.
Production & Manufacturing Support
Engineering drawings, manufacturing data, supplier liaison and technical support to help move the finished design into production.
Need Engineering Design Support?
Whether you need additional CAD design capacity, support developing a new component or system, an existing design improved or an engineering problem solved, talk to us about your requirements. We can support individual tasks or provide engineering input throughout the complete design and development process.