CAD Engineering Income Sources

With years of CAD experience, you have valuable skills that can generate multiple income streams beyond your main job. Here are practical and high-potential ways to leverage your CAD expertise for extra income:

🧠 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).

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💡 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.

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🧱 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.

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🏗️ 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.

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⚙️ 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.

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📚 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).

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📸 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.

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🧰 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.

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💬 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.

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🔄 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.

Standard Parts and Tools

CAM-LEVER: ====================================================== RS Components Ltd: S3I Group Ltd: ================================================== L-Handle Quick Release Pin: Quick release ball lock pins have a wide range of applications in fastening, locating, and alignment. These positive locking pins will not release until the button on the handle is depressed, which then allows the balls to retract into the shank. All quick release pins are available in a variety of lengths and diameters with shanks made from 17-4 stainless steel, 300 series stainless steel, or 4130 alloy steel. Weld-in style pull pins are also offered. These pins allow a user to quickly retract and engage the plunger for locating, fastening, and quick change operations. =========================================================== Clevis: A clevis fastener is a three-piece fastener system consisting of a clevis, clevis pin, and tang. The clevis is a U-shaped piece that has holes at the end of the prongs to accept the clevis pin. The clevis pin is similar to a bolt, but is only partially threaded or un-threaded with a cross-hole for a split pin. ======================================================== Turnbuckle: ========================================================== WDS814-2086: ========================================================= Thrust Washer: ========================================================== Anchor Nuts: ======================================================== ========================================================== Circlips: ================================================= Support Jack - RRT106910 - P0251: ========================================================== D-Shackle: ======================================================== Gunnebo Master Link: ========================================================= =========================================================== Ferrule: =========================================================== Quick Action Release Thumb Nut: =========================================================== Remote Locking and Release: RINGSPANN_283-U-NL_S05M-1-0660 ============================================================ ========================================================= Clutch: ========================================================= Lifting Eye (RUD) - Rochdale Sign: ======================================================= ========================================================= ========================================================= Bearing Axial and Profile Rail: ========================================================= ========================================================= ========================================================= ========================================================= Gas Spring Slam Proof: ========================================================= =========================================================== ===================================================== Bearing Extractor - Pullers - Both Internal and External: ========================================================= 'O' Rings: 'O' Rings (Simply Bearings) Pressure Test Fixture (P01296): It is allowable to have up to 5% elongation in fact 3% is preferred on OD type installs. ========================================================= Marine Engine Piston Ring Compressor: ========================================================= =========================================================