Product Development Services at CADEC Limited

At CADEC Limited, our Product Development Services encompass the entire journey from initial idea to fully functional, production-ready solutions. With over 25 years of industry experience, our team—led by accomplished mechanical design engineer Alex Mckillop-Burton—ensures each product meets rigorous technical, aesthetic, and cost requirements. Whether you need a full end-to-end service or expert input at a specific stage, CADEC Limited is here to bring your vision to life.

What Are Product Development Services?

Product Development Services involve transforming a concept into a tangible product ready for the marketplace. This multifaceted process includes:

  • Defining and refining product specifications
  • Conducting thorough research and market analyses
  • Creating robust designs using CAD software
  • Developing functional prototypes for testing
  • Overseeing production and ensuring quality control

By following a structured approach, we help you navigate each phase efficiently while maintaining close alignment with market demands, regulatory requirements, and production capabilities.

Why Partner with CADEC Limited?

Proven Track Record

Backed by Alex Mckillop-Burton’s extensive CV, CADEC Limited has decades of hands-on experience. Alex has worked on numerous high-profile automotive and mechanical engineering projects, including:

  • Polestar UK: Concept generation for body structures and EPS systems using Catia V5, as well as leading the design of aluminium-bonded body structures.
  • Lotus Engineering: Designing stems and drops for Team GB’s track bikes used at the Tokyo Olympics.
  • London Taxis: Developing an aluminium-bonded body structure for next-generation vehicles.
  • Corum Technology: Redesigning an existing body structure to accommodate new suspension systems and managing outsourced FEA partners.

Our breadth of expertise spans diverse sectors—from automotive and motorsport to consumer products and medical devices—demonstrating our capacity to tackle complex engineering challenges.

Comprehensive Capabilities

We excel at every phase of the Product Development Services process. Our core capabilities include:

  • CAD Proficiency: Over 25 years using SolidWorks, Catia V5, and various PLM/PDM systems (TeamCentre, Enovia, Upchain).
  • Materials Expertise: Sheet metal, pressings, extrusions, machining, castings, and injection moulding.
  • Project Management: Balancing multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholder demands while meeting strict deadlines and budgets.
  • Reverse Engineering & 3D Printing: Rapid prototyping and iterative design improvements.
  • Jigs & Fixtures Design: Developing custom assembly aids and tooling for efficient production.

We combine technical finesse with creativity to deliver optimised solutions tailored to your specific goals.

Our Comprehensive Approach

Below is a breakdown of how we can structure your product’s development cycle. For additional insights on our engineering methods, please visit our Engineering Services page.

1. Defining Your Product

We begin by establishing clear product requirements. This includes:

  • Functional Specifications: Determining required performance levels and usage scenarios.
  • Market Positioning: Analysing competitors and identifying opportunities for differentiation.
  • Feasibility Studies: Reviewing any patent constraints through reputable sources like the UK Intellectual Property Office (outbound link example).

By conducting these initial steps, we ensure your product aligns with consumer demands and regulatory standards from day one.

2. Research and Planning

Next, we delve into comprehensive research to map out a plan of action:

  • Market Research: Studying emerging trends, target audience behaviours, and pricing expectations.
  • Technical Exploration: Leveraging advanced engineering knowledge to select the right materials, manufacturing methods, and design principles.
  • Budget Analysis: Estimating costs for each stage, from prototyping to final production, ensuring we meet your financial targets.

Using transition words such as “furthermore” and “in addition,” we maintain a clear and logical flow throughout these stages.

3. Design and Development

With solid groundwork laid, we move on to the design phase:

  • CAD Modelling: Creating 3D models in SolidWorks or Catia V5 to visualise form and fit.
  • Parametric Design: Building flexible models that adapt easily to evolving requirements.
  • Simulation and Analysis: Collaborating with in-house or outsourced FEA teams to verify structural integrity, load distribution, and material compatibility.

During development, we maintain close collaboration with your team, providing regular updates, concept reviews, and design refinements as needed.

4. Prototyping and Testing

Prototyping is crucial for verifying design assumptions:

  • Additive Manufacturing: Producing quick-turn prototypes via 3D printing and additive methods.
  • Traditional Methods: Machining, casting, or injection moulding prototypes for a more accurate reflection of production results.
  • Validation Tests: Conducting physical or virtual tests to assess performance under real-world conditions.

Through iterative testing, we refine products to ensure safety, reliability, and user satisfaction.

5. Production Support

Once the product design is finalised and tested, we assist in transitioning to production:

  • Manufacturing Partnerships: Recommending or liaising with trusted suppliers.
  • Production Documentation: Delivering detailed CAD models, technical drawings, and assembly instructions.
  • Quality Assurance: Ensuring each unit meets your required standards before entering the market.

This seamless handover allows you to move into volume production quickly and confidently.

Our Track Record of Success

Over the years, we’ve contributed to a wide range of successful projects:

  • EV Battery Assemblies: Designing jigs, fixtures, and prototypes at Nyobolt Limited.
  • Medical Device Development: Delivering the Mini Scanner concept for NPIC Leeds Teaching Hospital within a tight four-week window.
  • TiltBike Innovation: Leading the industrial design at Muoverti, from ideation through prototype and testing phases.
  • Advanced Turf Technology: Creating scarifier cassettes and a mini trailer for the Infinicut range, reducing both assembly times and overall production costs.

Each achievement showcases our agility, depth of knowledge, and commitment to excellence in Product Development Services.

Meet Our Lead Mechanical Design Engineer: Alex Mckillop-Burton

At the helm of CADEC Limited’s engineering division is Alex Mckillop-Burton, a highly motivated, creative, and technically proficient mechanical design engineer. His CV highlights:

  • BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering from De Montfort University
  • Expert CAD Skills: Over 25 years using Catia V5, SolidWorks, and various PLM systems.
  • Automotive Mastery: Significant contributions to Bentley, Lotus Cars, Polestar, London Taxi, and more.
  • Project Leadership: Managing cross-functional teams, liaising with global partners, and delivering on budget and schedule.
  • Versatility: Adapting quickly to multiple concurrent projects and tight deadlines.

Alex’s dedication and industry-spanning expertise form the backbone of our commitment to delivering innovative, cost-effective product designs.