C3D Solutions

C3D Solutions offers a unique blend of creative talent and technical know-how that leads to innovative strategies, solutions, and superior service for our clients through a collaborative contractual relationship. We assist our client's various design departments and contract agencies with onsite or offsite mechanical design services by seamlessly integrating and aligning our services with their strategic goals from the beginning to the end of the project.

Established in 2001, by Paul Elhardt, C3D Solutions provides creative solutions ranging from Class "A" Surfacing to Finite Element Analysis, and conceptual design through to value improvement studies. We are innovative, timely, and provide superior service at a reasonable rate.

From finite element analysis, including linear and nonlinear stress analysis, for both nonlinear geometric and nonlinear material properties, to kinematic and dynamic mechanism simulation using Pro/Engineer’s MDX/MDO extensions and ALGOR finite element package, C3D can provide both static and dynamic loading analysis services.
C3D utilizes Pro/Engineer's latest applications and techniques for top down design and master model management. C3D has experience in managing master models in excess of 10,000 components with hundreds of configurations. C3D has also written customized scripts that eliminate tedious tasks by automating nightly data replication, creating true concurrent design between multiple sites.

With more than 28,000 hours using Pro/Engineer, ISDX, and Pro/Surface to design zinc and aluminum diecastings, sand castings, powdered metals, plastic and aluminum extrusions, injection moldings, reaction injection moldings, gas assisted injection moldings, compression moldings, transfer moldings, rotational moldings, over moldings, film insert moldings, structural plastics, blow moldings, thermoformings, stampings, sheet metal weldments, wire forms, forgings, investment castings, and fiber glass bodies (SMC). C3D's familiarity with various manufacturing process allows us to take a holistic approach toward new product development. C3D has designed and detailed enough components requiring over 70 million dollars worth of tooling.

C3D owns and operates a 4-axis machining center that provides the advantages of machining prototypes vs. printing them. The results are the ability to use actual production materials clients can touch feel and snap together production intent materials. The machining center can also be used to cut soft foam patterns for sand castings or wax patterns for investment castings.

C3D Offers over fourteen years of industry experience with consumer products, sporting goods, medical products, Mine Resistant Ambush Protection Vehicles (MRAPs), operator stations, automotive, transit, heavy equipment, recreational and compact utility vehicles. C3D has earned twelve patents and has 10 patents pending in various industries and has receive an Innovation Award from John Deere.

Our success is directly related to our collaborative approach of assisting various design departments and contract agencies with onsite or offsite mechanical design services. Our services range from simple model creation to designing entire mechanical assemblies consisting of several thousand parts.

By providing total engineering solutions, product design and analysis, implementation, mentoring and contract management, we give our clients options and increased flexibility in meeting their project goals. This unique skill set allows us to supply support for any phase of your project, meet time sensitive deadlines, and cost savings in human resources.

On a final note, we understand and recognize the confidential and proprietary nature of all information disclosed to us during the project from beginning to end. We sign confidentiality agreements with all of our customers and cooperate fully in maintaining the confidence of such information. All information that is disclosed to C3D Solutions remains the property of our clients.

C3D Solutions' proven track record of meeting critical project milestones has allowed us to build a list of clientele whom we have created a unique customized solution for each of their projects. We have helped them bring their creative ideas from 2D sketches to functional components. For more information about how we can help you with your project and to view our portfolio, please complete the form to the right and we'll be happy to send you a portfolio package.

If you have a project that you need to run efficiently, on time, and on budget, we would like to hear from you. We have a proven track record of meeting critical project milestones which has allowed us to build a list of clientele whom we have created a unique customized solution for each of their projects. We will bring our experience and integrate seamlessly into your organization and bring your creative ideas from 2D sketches to functional components.

PATENTS / HONORS:
2010 – Bicycle shifter grip & control system patent pending for a continuously variable transmission – Fallbrook
2010 – Arterial Line Wrist Support patent pending for Formed Products
2010 – Operating Room Blood Meter patent pending for Formed Products
2010 – Ergonomic C4i Control Console patent pending for the Defense Products and Services Group
2010 – Next Generation Dog Collar and training system patent pending for TieOx
2009 – Mower Deck Lift System with Transport Lock patent awarded for John Deere zero turn mowing machines – PN US 7,614,207
2008 – Mower Deck Lift System with Transport Lock patent awarded for John Deere zero turn mowing machines – PN US 7,448,191
2008 – Tractor Cab Roof with Integrated HVAC System patent awarded for John Deere Cab Tractors – PN US 7,334,834
2007 – CVP NuVinci Drive Train was featured by Popular Science, Dec 07, “DaVinci’s New Ride” – Popular Science Innovators
2007 – CVP NuVinci Drive Train was featured by Popular Science, Dec 07, “Best of What’s New 2007 – The Infinitely Geared Bike”
2007 – Integrated Fan Shroud & Air Intake System Patent awarded for John Deere 3000/4000 Series Tractors – PN US 7,278,504
2007 – Bicycle Shifter Grip Styling & Design Patent awarded for a continuously variable transmission – PN US D548,655
2007 – Integrated Cab Interior Styling & Design Patent awarded for John Deere 3000/4000 Series Cab Tractors – PN US D546,841
2007 – Hood, Cowl, Side Panel Styling & Design Patent awarded for John Deere 3000/4000 Series Tractors – PN US D546,351
2007 – Injection molded top cover for Trane was awarded The Construction Design Award at the Plastic Parts Innovations Conf.

“Paul's in depth knowledge of die casting and injection molding processes and tooling enabled him to implement a challenging Industrial Design from concept to production in a very short time frame. The design work included FEA analysis to assure a high level of durability. The resulting product known as the Cruise Controller(tm) for the revolutionary NuVinci(r) CVP bicycle transmission received rave reviews for it's ingenuity in allowing the bicycle rider to visualize the selected ratio. The resulting design was awarded a US patent. Detailed images of this product can be viewed @ http://fallbrooktech.com/video/NuvinciCruiseInstall.mov I will not hesitate to contract Paul for additional projects as the need arises.” May 17, 2008
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative
Stephen Tsotsoros
hired Paul as a Design / Engineering in 2005, and hired Paul more than once

“Paul is the best designer and project manager that I know. Period. He adapts to new challenges with ease, and becomes an expert at the subject material in a minimal amount of time. Perhaps his most admirable trait is the fact that he can sift through the unrealistic expectations of management decree (with a smile if not a chuckle), set up a team, cut to the chase, and deliver. Time and time again. Paul is a superstar, a family man, and is absolutely trustworthy. I'd recommend him without hesitation for any design project, and look forward to working with him again soon. Good job Paul.” March 1, 2009
John Mouser, Program Manager, Delta Mold, Inc.
worked directly with Paul at John Deere Southeast Engineering Center