Articles written by Gerald Davis

Gerald Davis

Contributing Writer

Gerald Davis Design and Consulting

www.glddesigns.com

Results: 78

	Job shop estimating: Watching the clock in the fabrication sequence In this fifth installment of columnist Gerald Davis' series on job estimating, he describes the use of time standards that are based on shop experience to guide the estimator’s prediction of expenses. Publish date: April 24, 2013
	Job shop estimating: Expenses driven by events in the fabrication sequence In this fourth installment of Columnist Gerald Davis' series on job estimating, he describes the use of planning outlines—which resemble work orders—to structure the estimator’s report of production expenses. Publish date: April 19, 2013
	Job shop estimating: Compatibility issues In this third installment of Columnist Gerald Davis' series on job estimating, he describes why an estimator cares how well a project fits the capabilities of the shop. Publish date: March 7, 2013
	Job shop estimating: A historical perspective Columnist Gerald Davis continues a series of columns that address one of the most important activities related to shop profitability: job estimating. In this second installment, he describes how an estimator can use the shop’s manufacturing history to refine the predictions of future expense. Publish date: February 15, 2013
	Job shop estimating: A business process examined in 12 steps Columnist Gerald Davis begins a series of columns that address one of the most important activities related to shop profitability: job estimating. In this first installment, he describes how an estimator needs to understand what processes are needed to quote accurately, as well as to determine... Publish date: January 10, 2013
	3-D CAD: Part marking matters Columnist Gerald Davis walks a CAD operator through the steps to set up an efficient way to apply part marking to any design. Publish date: December 3, 2012
	3-D CAD: Productivity, reliability, and responsiveness Columnist Gerald Davis discusses when formality should enter a CAD operator's workflow and offers up an example of how a simple CAD task might go. Publish date: November 9, 2012
	3-D CAD: Handling imported data during sheet metal design Columnist Gerald Davis is ready to rip into the process of converting imported 3-D parts to flattened parts. Publish date: October 19, 2012
	3-D CAD: Setting up a costing tool Cost analysis within 3-D modeling software won't replace cost estimating, but it still can be a helpful tool. Publish date: September 7, 2012
	3-D CAD: Design optimization Columnist Gerald Davis begins his exploration on how cost management tools in 3-D modeling software can be used to deliver cost-efficient and functional part designs. Publish date: August 3, 2012
	3-D CAD: Modeling with product variation as the design intent Columnist Gerald Davis provides a guide to connecting dimensions and custom properties to equations, which will make part design changes much easier to deal with down the road. Publish date: June 26, 2012
	3-D CAD: Modeling with product documentation as the design intent Columnist Gerald Davis focuses on creating better illustrations and models to make life easier for parties involved in downstream operations. Publish date: June 13, 2012
	3-D CAD: Bill of materials construction in project documentation--PartII Columnist Gerald Davis has populated the bills of material with data and now focuses on the model that will accompany the BOM to the manufacturing floor. Publish date: May 3, 2012
	3-D CAD: Bill-of-materials construction inproject documentation--Part I Columnist Gerald Davis takes a look at the appropriate way to construct a bill of materials as he continues his cutting table project. Publish date: April 16, 2012
	3-D CAD: Customization in project documentation Columnist Gerald Davis reveals the most convenient way to set up a bills of material and related title blocks. Publish date: March 12, 2012
	3-D CAD: Project documentation Columnist Gerald Davis explores the world of exploded views as he prepares the 3-D model to be much more than just a graphical representation of the part to be fabricated. Publish date: February 13, 2012
	3-D CAD: Project definition Columnist Gerald Davis focuses his 3-D CAD skill on designing a welding table. He invites readers to participate in the creation of this support structure. Publish date: January 10, 2012
	3-D CAD: Library features Columnist Gerald Davis shows CAD users how to create a feature for the library so that it may be used in other models. Publish date: December 20, 2011
	3-D CAD: Document management and revision control Columnist Gerald Davis offers fabricators guidance in dealing with an engineering change order to a 3-D CAD model. Publish date: November 30, 2011
	3-D CAD: Producing a 2-D flat layout from 3-D data After demonstrating how a 3-D concept model can be turned into a production model, which is useful for as long as the project has the green light, columnist Gerald Davis takes a look at how you can take a concept model and turn it into a simple flat layout for CNC fabricating equipment. Publish date: October 20, 2011
	3-D CAD: Well-behaved bend reliefs Columnist Gerald Davis is looking to refine a 3-D model so that it is easier to laser-cut. To do so, he relies on a popular addition to his modeling software package. Publish date: September 9, 2011
	3-D CAD: The cure for the bad isometric view Columnist Gerald Davis walks the fabricator through a 3-D modeling process to learn how to work with a file that has broken elements. Publish date: August 1, 2011
	3-D CAD: Unfolding problems Columnist Gerald Davis provides some tips on getting that 2-D drawing--derived from the 3-D model--to manufacturing in the best shape possible. Publish date: July 18, 2011
	3-D CAD: Modeling with limited resources Columnist Gerald Davis reminds us that CAD modeling has its limitations and that it's still necessary to build a prototype rather than just relying on simulation. Publish date: March 14, 2011
	3-D CAD: Modeling a nest of parts Columnist Gerald Davis bypasses CAM software and uses his 3-D software to create a nest of parts. Publish date: March 10, 2011
	3-D CAD design: Modeling a shop cart Columnist Gerald Davis tackles a fabricating project that every shop takes on every so often: the shop cart. Publish date: February 1, 2011
	3-D CAD design: The next dimension of services you will offer? Columnist Gerald Davis provides readers with an idea on how transforming a 2-D sketch into a 3-D model can prove helpful in bettering a customer's original design. Publish date: January 17, 2011
	Putting 3-D CAD on the grill, Part XII Wrapping up his design work on the Shashlik Grill, columnist Gerald Davis now turns his attention to preparing final versions of project documentation. Publish date: December 16, 2010
	Putting 3-D CAD on the grill, Part XI Working on a 3-D design for the Shashlik Grill, columnist Gerald Davis has turned his attention to the sliding charcoal plan, but this particular component challenges the top-down modeling approach that has been used up until this point in the project. Publish date: November 8, 2010
	3-D CAD on the grill, Part X Working on a 3-D design for the Shashlik Grill, columnist Gerald Davis continues working on the top-level assembly. This time he's modeling two skewer supports. Publish date: October 26, 2010
	Putting 3-D CAD on the grill, Part IX Working on a 3-D design for the Shashlik Grill, columnist Gerald Davis continues working on the top-level assembly. This time he's modeling two end skirts and two side skirts. Publish date: September 16, 2010
	Putting 3-D CAD on the grill, Part VIII Working on a 3-D design for a Shashlik Grill, columnist Gerald Davis continues his work of locating features in the context of the top level assembly. Publish date: August 4, 2010
	Putting 3-D CAD on the grill, Part VII Working on a design for a Shashlik Grill, columnist Gerald Davis turns his attention to fasteners as it's time to shore up the support structure. Publish date: July 15, 2010
	3-D CAD on the grill, Part VI Working on a design for a Shashlik Grill, columnist Gerald Davis reminds CAD designers that it is a good practice to test parametric links as the design progresses. Publish date: June 8, 2010
	The impossible dream From the CAD operator's point of view, he can use several tricks for sheet metal modeling that can keep the design in the realm of can-do manufacturing—the land where the tooling and metal processing technologies are commonly available. Publish date: May 11, 2010
	Putting 3-D CAD on the grill - Part IV When it comes to providing exact details for the bill of materials for a 3-D design job, columnist Gerald Davis provides some pointers to help speed up the project. Publish date: April 1, 2010
	Putting 3-D CAD on the grill—Part III Working on a design for a Shashlik Grill,columnist Gerald Davis provides guidance so that the designer ends up with a design that allows him to explore various changes to the size of the overall product while having the component parts stretch or shrink automatically Publish date: March 1, 2010
	Putting 3-D CAD on the grill Gerald Davis begins this year with a series of product development case studies, taking an idea and creating the virtual model of it.For this first installment, Davis designs a barbecue grill. Publish date: January 15, 2010
	Flat responsibility in sheet metal modeling The most important role of a CAD operator is to verify that the design can be flattened. Columnist Gerald Davis provides some guidance on that subject. Publish date: September 23, 2009
	Top-down modeling A reader has a question about modeling an assembly comprised of three plates and tubing. Columnist Gerald Davis provides guidance. Publish date: July 1, 2009
	The most important output of 3-D CAD modeling The most important output from a CAD system is the bill of material. Columnist Gerald Davis gives us an idea of just how much detail should go into creating a BOM. Publish date: June 1, 2009
	Love of loft in 3-D CAD modeling Leaning to use the loft tool in 3-D CAD modeling takes some work, but it can come in handy in certain circumstances. Publish date: May 1, 2009
	Getting swept away in 3-D CAD modeling Like an extrude or revolve, a sweep is a tool for modeling a 3-D shape. A sweep consists of three basic elements--a profile, a path, and a set of rules for "sweeping" the profile along the path. A sweep can be a powerful tool when modeling 3-D shapes, according to columnist Gerald Davis. Publish date: April 1, 2009
	Modeling in a 3-D CAD system Among the tools in the 3-D CAD toolkit—extrudes, revolves, sweeps, and lofts—the first two can be used to create identical parts, but they don't work the same way. Depending on which process you choose, the time the computer needs to model and rebuild the part can vary substantially. Publish date: March 1, 2009
	Dimensioning in a 3-D CAD system Columnist Gerald Davis explains that preparing a 3-D CAD model without dimensions may look great, but it doesn't really do anybody any good. For example, a 3-D CAD model with dimensions helps quality control inspectors. Publish date: February 1, 2009
	Sketching in a 3-D CAD System Columnist Gerald Davis describes different approaches to sketching in a 3-D environment. Publish date: January 1, 2009
	The real world of 3-D CAD assemblies Columnist Gerald Davis describes the benefits of working with 3-D CAD assemblies. Publish date: December 1, 2008
	3-D CAD drawings in a 2-D world Columnist Gerald Davis discusses the importance of delivering a clear illustration and how it can make an impact on the final fabricated product. Publish date: November 1, 2008
	Thinking inside the box Columnist Gerald Davis delves into why top-down design might be useful when modeling a metal fabrication in 3-D CAD. Publish date: October 1, 2008
	3-D CAD strengthens customer bond Columnist Gerald Davis asks his fabricating readers if they know what it truly takes to keep up a fully functioning 3-D CAD software system. Publish date: September 1, 2008
	One easy piece to model Columnist Gerald Davis believes it's a shame when a shop doesn't use its 3-D CAD software to its fullest potential. That's why he takes the reader through a modeling tutorial. Publish date: August 1, 2008
	Getting a handle on 3-D CAD modeling Columnist Gerald Davis provides the reader with a brief overview of some of the handy 3-D CAD tools he uses when doing basic modeling techniques. Publish date: July 1, 2008
	Unfolding truth about flats Columnist Gerald Davis reveals the usefulness of unfolding parts on the computer screen. Publish date: June 1, 2008
	Machined-part modeling in 3-D CAD Columnist Gerald Davis guides the reader through the 3-D design of a coupling that needs to be machined. He starts off with a bad example of how to do it and works his way toward a much better process. Publish date: May 1, 2008
	3D CAD modeling of sheet metal parts The main variation in sheet metal modeling technique is when to let the 3D CAD system know that the part is to be treated as sheet metal. Columnist Gerald Davis walks us through three different ways to accomplish this. Publish date: April 1, 2008
	What CNC programmers wish you knew State-of-the-art CNC programming systems speed the first stage of CNC programming by allowing the programmer to import CAD models to define the geometry of the part. That's just the first part, however. To really speed up the design phase, CAD programmers should keep several tips in mind. Publish date: March 1, 2008
	Essential CAD: A starting point Before a company purchases a CAD software package, the management team should start with a list of priorities that it expects the software to address. Of course, these priorities should be tailored to the company's mission. It's also important to keep in mind some of the basics of the virtual... Publish date: January 1, 2008
	Wise words from the mountaintop—Part 12 Publish date: December 1, 2004
	Wise words from the mountaintop—Part 11 Publish date: November 1, 2004
	Wise words from the mountaintop—Part 10 Publish date: October 12, 2004
	Wise words from the mountaintop—Part 9 Publish date: September 14, 2004
	Wise words from the mountaintop—Part 8 Publish date: August 10, 2004
	Wise words from the mountaintop—Part 7 Publish date: July 13, 2004
	Wise words from the mountaintop—Part 6 Publish date: June 8, 2004
	Wise words from the mountaintop—Part 5 Publish date: May 4, 2004
	Wise words from the mountaintop—Part 4 Editor's Note: This is the fourth episode in a mountaintop dialog that Gerald has been having with a "wise business guru." They have been talking about customers and the time line of money. Publish date: April 6, 2004
	Wise words from the mountaintop—Part 3 Publish date: March 11, 2004
	Wise words from the mountaintop—Part 2 Publish date: February 26, 2004
	Wise words from the mountaintop—Part 1 Publish date: January 13, 2004
	Mixed Metals Reactions Under controlled conditions, aluminum and steel powders can be mixed to create a chemical reaction to produce heat for welding. If you mix these materials under uncontrolled conditions, you will want to call the fire department. Publish date: April 10, 2003
	Production economics Communicate your production economics in meaningful ways to your clients. Be clear about how you measure performance and regulate processes. Publish date: September 26, 2002
	Keeping peace and harmony with yourself, with your staff Balance in all aspects of a manager's life and mutual respect between bosses and employees may be key to a successful business. Obsession, intensity, burning desire, and high energy are fueled by fun, recognition, income, and the responsible exercise of authority. Publish date: August 29, 2002
	Some 'near-jig' ideas In-process sampling and between-process checks can prevent problems at the production stage. Although using an inspection jig can be costly, some testing approaches that are not as rigorous as using an inspection jig are: stacking and blocking a sheared batch in order to scan the batch for... Publish date: July 25, 2002
	Organizational planning The author discusses the importance of eliminating duplicated responsibilities, even in small job shops. The effectiveness of a company is improved when each person is responsible for specific tasks. Publish date: March 28, 2002
	Emotional thrills When you ride a roller coaster, you know that it is supposed to be fun and will last only a frew minutes. The job shop you're working in isn't supposed to be anything like a rollercoaster ride. Publish date: February 28, 2002
	An industry perspective On the positive side, job shops continue to be innovative and improve productivity; materials and software are improving; entry-level positions normally can be filled. Publish date: February 14, 2002
	Punching tips The author discusses what not to do to manage slug ejection. He mentions several tooling maintenance errors that he has made over the years, as well as what machine operators can do if they want to experience slug ejection difficulties. He concludes by stating that the easiest solution to slug... Publish date: December 13, 2001
	Design tips for sheet metal: Bend relief, small holes, hole distortion near bends, and minimum flange widths The article discusses making small holes and when to use a punch or laser cutter, inside radius measurements and how they differ depending on whether you are coining or air bending on a press brake, and adding bend relief to prevent tearing material. Publish date: October 25, 2001