Reverse Engineering: Meet Our 3D Digital CAD Designer

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An Interview with Nel Pretech's 3D Design Expert, Chad Manning

Today we are joined by Chad Manning, Nel Pretech's 3D digital design expert. Chad has been with the company since 2004 and has a wealth of experience in CAD design, metrology support, FAI inspection services, 3D digital scanning, and reverse engineering services. Chad is here to tell us more about his background, his work at Nel Pretech, and his interests outside of work.

Q: Can you tell us about your background and how you got started in the telecom industry?

Chad: Sure! After graduating from the American Academy of Art in Chicago with an Associate's Degree of Applied Science in art and design, I started my career in the telecommunications industry as an installer of voice and data networks. I worked in existing buildings, as well as new construction sites throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. During my time in the industry, I had the opportunity to work on some well-known landmarks, such as Guaranteed Rate field, the Marshall Field building, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Being an electrical union member during my time as a communications network installer allowed me to receive several years of technical training that proved invaluable later in my career.

Q: What led you to join Nel Pretech, and what were your initial responsibilities when you started?

Chad: I started at Nel Pretech in 2004 in a metrology support and FAI inspection services role. In the beginning, my responsibilities included CMM operations and video system measurement. As my skillset grew, I eventually moved on to CMM programming and providing first article inspection services to Nel Pretech's diverse clientele. I found my passion for 3D scanning and when the industry started to digitally evolve, I realized that CAD modeling was the next logical step. I then started to explore reverse engineering software such as Geomagic Design X and eventually became a master of it.

Q: Can you tell us about your experience with blue light scanning and reverse engineering services?

Chad: I specialize in blue light scanning and reverse engineering services. My diverse body of CAD design work contains just about everything from complex ergonomic shapes to high accuracy right angled mold core designs. I've worked on everything from small product designs to large equipment. Geomagic Design X is one of my favorite software tools that I enjoy using as it provides a reliable method for reverse engineering even the most complex geometries.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work when you're not designing in 3D?

Chad: I enjoy spending time with my son - who shares my interest in computers, chess, and collecting fossils. I also like 3D printing, playing old video games, and collecting mid-century modern era treasures. My tropical fish hobby is another interest I have outside of work. I have a large aquarium full of new world cichlids that I love to care for.

We hope you enjoyed this interview with Chad Manning and gained a great understanding of his role at Nel Pretech as well as his passions outside of work. If you'd like to learn more about Nel Pretech's 3D digital CAD designs or reverse engineering services, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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