🧠 1. Freelance CAD Design Work
-
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, PeoplePerHour, CAD Crowd, SolidProfessor Jobs.
-
Work Types:
-
Product design and prototyping for inventors/startups.
-
2D-to-3D model conversion.
-
Mechanical parts modeling and assemblies.
-
Technical drawings for manufacturing.
-
3D printing model preparation.
-
-
Tip: Build a portfolio showing screenshots/renders of your best designs (you can anonymize company projects).
💡 2. Offer CAD Training or Tutoring
-
Teach SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or AutoCAD online or locally.
-
Ways to do it:
-
Create online courses (Udemy, Skillshare, Teachable).
-
Offer 1-on-1 tutoring via Zoom/Skype.
-
Run weekend workshops for students or engineers.
-
-
Bonus: Record your sessions and turn them into passive-income video courses.
🧱 3. Sell 3D Models and CAD Templates
-
Platforms: TurboSquid, CGTrader, GrabCAD, Cults3D, Thingiverse, Shapeways, Gumroad.
-
Sell:
-
Reusable design templates (e.g., jigs, fixtures, enclosures).
-
3D printable tools and parts.
-
Rendering-ready models for animations and games.
-
Engineering parts or assemblies for training/education.
-
🏗️ 4. Consulting / Design Support
-
Offer CAD design consulting for small manufacturers or startups.
-
Design reviews, DFM feedback, tolerance analysis, prototype improvements.
-
-
You can charge hourly or per-project, working remotely.
-
Create a simple website or LinkedIn page advertising your design expertise.
⚙️ 5. Develop and Sell Your Own Products
You already design durable, reliable machines — use that!
-
Pick one product (e.g., folding trailer, trolley, or tool fixture) and develop a prototype.
-
Sell via:
-
Etsy, eBay, or your own Shopify store.
-
Partner with local workshops for small-scale production.
-
-
Option: License your design to a manufacturer for royalties.
📚 6. Technical Writing or CAD Content Creation
-
Write tutorials, blogs, or eBooks about CAD design, tooling, or fixture design.
-
Monetize via:
-
Medium, Substack, or your own blog (with ads or affiliate links).
-
Write for engineering magazines or online portals (like Engineering.com or GrabCAD blog).
-
📸 7. 3D Rendering and Visualization Services
-
Many inventors and startups need photo-realistic renders of their ideas for marketing or crowdfunding.
-
Offer visualization services using KeyShot, SolidWorks Visualize, or Blender.
🧰 8. Create CAD Macros, Scripts, or Templates
-
Automate common design tasks with SolidWorks macros or NX journal scripts.
-
Sell them or offer them as part of a consulting service to improve design efficiency.
💬 9. Mentoring and Career Coaching
-
With your experience, you can guide junior CAD designers or students.
-
Offer career mentoring via LinkedIn or a personal site.
🔄 10. Affiliate or Partner Programs
-
Partner with CAD-related software or tool companies.
-
Review or demonstrate products on YouTube or LinkedIn and earn affiliate commissions.
