Chad Manning

Chad Manning is Nel Pretech’s 3D digital design ace. With several years of CAD design experience under his belt, you can rest easy knowing that Chad has the skills and the talent to consistently deliver high quality 3D CAD models on time and under budget. Chad was originally brought on to the Nel Pretech team in 2004 to perform metrology support, and FAI inspection services. However, Chad didn’t stop there! Eventually learning 3D digital scanning, and CAD modeling, Chad went on become a unique, and valuable asset to Nel Pretech Corporation. Chad specializes in blue light scanning, CAD modeling, and reverse engineering services. When you think of CAD, think: Chad!

Chad graduated from the American Academy of Art in Chicago, Illinois with an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in art and design. After college, Chad embarked on a career in the telecommunications industry as an installer of voice and data networks. This work was performed in existing buildings as well as new construction sites throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Chad spent 5 years in the industry, installing communications networks in many of Chicago’s most well-known landmarks including Guaranteed Rate field, the famous Marshall Field building, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. During his time as a communications network installer, Chad was an electrical union member, and received several years of technical training during his time with the organization.

Sensing a change in the telecommunications industry, Chad began to look for another career that would satisfy his technical curiosity as well as his creative sensibilities. Already a skilled blueprint interpreter, Chad signed on to Nel Pretech as a full-time employee. In the beginning, responsibilities included CMM operations, and video system measurement. Naturally, this led to CMM programming and providing first article inspection services to Nel Pretech’s diverse clientele. Eventually 3D scanning was added to Chad’s skillset. This, as well as the changing of the industry over to digital datasets was a signal to Chad that CAD modeling was the next logical step. As customer requests for reverse engineering began to pick up steam, Chad started to explore specialized reverse engineering software such as Geomagic Design X (featured on Jay Leno’s Garage) eventually mastering it. Several years later, Chad still has a passion for digital modeling and reverse engineering. Chad’s diverse body of CAD design work contains just about everything from complex ergonomic shapes to high accuracy right angled mold core designs.

Chad lives in the south suburbs of Chicago and enjoys spending time with his son – who shares an interest in computers, chess, and collecting fossils. Outside of work, Chad also enjoys 3D printing, old video games, and hunting for retro/vintage treasures from the mid-century modern era. Chad also has an interest in the tropical fish hobby and maintains a large aquarium full of new world cichlids.

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