Structural | Mechanical | Drafting | Sydney | Chatswood
Sunday, December 27, 2020
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Solidworks Designer: Solidworks Designer: Structural Drafting
Solidworks Designer: Solidworks Designer: Structural Drafting:
Hamilton By Design | SolidWorks Solidworks Designer: Structural Drafting : Steel structures are widely used in steel building designs an...
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The Aussie Dollar
It’s now almost 30 years since the float of the Australian dollar and rarely has it been stronger than in the past few years.
Only now are investors, surprised at the rapidity of the recent drop, waking up to this fact. The economy is starting to feel it too, with Ford closing down local operations, local tourism struggling as Australians head overseas and now Holden giving an ultimatum to staff: accept pay cuts or risk losing your job.
Many people explain away this strength with the phrase ‘‘commodities boom’’, but it’s more complex than that.
There are five key influences on the Australian dollar and each in its own way offers a clue as to how low the dollar might fall.
1. Interest rates
If you can borrow at 0.25 per cent in Europe, the US or Japan and can invest it in Australian bonds, assets or bank accounts paying 3-4 per cent, plus capital gains, why wouldn’t you?
National Australia Bank recently estimated that the upward pressure on the local currency as a result of the US Federal Reserve’s zero interest rate and their quantitative easing program could be worth as much as 20 cents in the Aussie.
And of course, those global investors could look at the Reserve Bank and feel pretty safe that if it were to reduce rates, it would do so cautiously and gradually.
For the last few years, Australia has been a giant post box for international hot money. Right now, that reputation is under pressure.
2. Global and Australian growth
In addition to relatively high rates, global investors flocked to Australia after 2009 due to the resilience of the Australian economy, assisted by local and Chinese stimulus.
We didn’t have a housing crash and we didn’t follow the US and UK economies into deep recession, which is why we became a safe harbour.
3. The US dollar
The US dollar is the most under-appreciated driver of the Aussie dollar.
Traders and investors talk about growth, interest rates, the mining boom, the budget position and household debt, but on the other side of the AUD/USD currency pair the same questions are asked of the US as an input into the Aussie.
The perceived value of the US dollar is an important factor in the relative price of the Aussie and, after a long period of weakness, it’s likely to grow in strength.
4. Investor sentiment
When we see a convergence of major drivers like this, investor sentiment itself becomes a fourth driver. Here, we enter the currency expectations market.
Since 2009 large speculators – hedge funds and the like – have been supporters of the Aussie dollar for all but a brief period of market instability in the middle of last year when the euro teetered.
Generally, global speculators have been supporters of the Australian dollar since the global financial crisis. That is now on the verge of a reversal.
5. Technicals
The Aussie has had strong technical chart since the GFC: every new move led to a new high and every dip was followed by a rebound. Even as volatility reached extreme levels in the past few years, the chart for the Aussie remained indomitable. Its safe-harbour status was never breached in a technical sense. That encouraged speculators and investors to buy the dips whenever global trouble loomed.
That’s how we got to where we are. To see where we might go, let’s examine these five key drivers from the other angle.
Australian interest rates are falling much further than most forecasters anticipated. The main cause is that Chinese growth is slowing faster than many expected (although not us), pushing down the key export prices that drove Australia’s commodity boom. As a result, mining projects have been cancelled en masse. Yet the boom ran long enough for mining companies to believe it would last.
Even with the cancelled projects, lots of new supply is on the way, just as China slows. This will drive commodity prices down further still.
The likelihood is that Chinese and Australian growth, and Australian interest rates, will fall further. So although the carry trade into the dollar is still positive, with declining yields and an increased risk of capital loss, it now faces more headwinds.
To make matters more difficult for the Aussie, the US housing market is recovering. Although fiscal challenges loom and monetary policy is still very loose, markets are beginning to price in stabilisation to the former and a tightening in the latter.
In the passing beauty parade of foreign exchange, the US dollar is being viewed as the least ugly. As the US dollar index rises it is hitting a variety of asset classes, including gold and the Aussie dollar.
Sentiment among hedge funds and speculative traders – see recent comments by George Soros and Stanley Druckenmiller – has turned against our currency.
As recently as April this year, the Aussie was trading above $US1.05 before the recent fall took it to around $US0.92. That’s a fall of about 12 per cent.
So, how low can it go?
NAB recently suggested the $A could fall to 87 US cents by December 2014. But let’s remember that for all the extreme recent calls about the crash in the Aussie and the impending doom facing it, the reality is that it is simply back at the bottom of what might be considered a wide 10-15 cent range it has been in since breaking up through 94 US cents in mid-2010.
This sell-off is not all that shocking and the forecasters of doom forget this.
A fall below 94 cents would signal a different and lower scenario. Our assessment is that this is likely, especially if the economy weakens due to the withdrawal of mining investment, assuming consumption doesn’t fill the gap.
Despite the recent highs, the Aussie dollar’s average remains steadfastly around 75 US cents. It may not revert to the mean but after 22 years without a recession, you wouldn’t want to bet on it.
What might happen if Australia did have a recession?
The answer was offered during the GFC low when global investors believed that was about to happen. Back then it fell to $US0.5960. There’s your answer.
To protect your portfolio against that possibility, and to hedge against falling interest rates, Intelligent Investor Share Advisor has recommended allocating a portion of your portfolio to overseas markets. Each of its model portfolios has an allocation to businesses that stand to benefit from a falling Aussie dollar.
This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 282288).
By Greg McKenna and David Llewellyn-Smith of MacroBusiness, in conjunction with Intelligent Investor Share Advisor, shares.intelligentinvestor.com.au.
Only now are investors, surprised at the rapidity of the recent drop, waking up to this fact. The economy is starting to feel it too, with Ford closing down local operations, local tourism struggling as Australians head overseas and now Holden giving an ultimatum to staff: accept pay cuts or risk losing your job.
Many people explain away this strength with the phrase ‘‘commodities boom’’, but it’s more complex than that.
There are five key influences on the Australian dollar and each in its own way offers a clue as to how low the dollar might fall.
If you can borrow at 0.25 per cent in Europe, the US or Japan and can invest it in Australian bonds, assets or bank accounts paying 3-4 per cent, plus capital gains, why wouldn’t you?
National Australia Bank recently estimated that the upward pressure on the local currency as a result of the US Federal Reserve’s zero interest rate and their quantitative easing program could be worth as much as 20 cents in the Aussie.
And of course, those global investors could look at the Reserve Bank and feel pretty safe that if it were to reduce rates, it would do so cautiously and gradually.
For the last few years, Australia has been a giant post box for international hot money. Right now, that reputation is under pressure.
2. Global and Australian growth
In addition to relatively high rates, global investors flocked to Australia after 2009 due to the resilience of the Australian economy, assisted by local and Chinese stimulus.
We didn’t have a housing crash and we didn’t follow the US and UK economies into deep recession, which is why we became a safe harbour.
3. The US dollar
The US dollar is the most under-appreciated driver of the Aussie dollar.
Traders and investors talk about growth, interest rates, the mining boom, the budget position and household debt, but on the other side of the AUD/USD currency pair the same questions are asked of the US as an input into the Aussie.
The perceived value of the US dollar is an important factor in the relative price of the Aussie and, after a long period of weakness, it’s likely to grow in strength.
4. Investor sentiment
When we see a convergence of major drivers like this, investor sentiment itself becomes a fourth driver. Here, we enter the currency expectations market.
Since 2009 large speculators – hedge funds and the like – have been supporters of the Aussie dollar for all but a brief period of market instability in the middle of last year when the euro teetered.
Generally, global speculators have been supporters of the Australian dollar since the global financial crisis. That is now on the verge of a reversal.
5. Technicals
The Aussie has had strong technical chart since the GFC: every new move led to a new high and every dip was followed by a rebound. Even as volatility reached extreme levels in the past few years, the chart for the Aussie remained indomitable. Its safe-harbour status was never breached in a technical sense. That encouraged speculators and investors to buy the dips whenever global trouble loomed.
That’s how we got to where we are. To see where we might go, let’s examine these five key drivers from the other angle.
Australian interest rates are falling much further than most forecasters anticipated. The main cause is that Chinese growth is slowing faster than many expected (although not us), pushing down the key export prices that drove Australia’s commodity boom. As a result, mining projects have been cancelled en masse. Yet the boom ran long enough for mining companies to believe it would last.
Even with the cancelled projects, lots of new supply is on the way, just as China slows. This will drive commodity prices down further still.
The likelihood is that Chinese and Australian growth, and Australian interest rates, will fall further. So although the carry trade into the dollar is still positive, with declining yields and an increased risk of capital loss, it now faces more headwinds.
To make matters more difficult for the Aussie, the US housing market is recovering. Although fiscal challenges loom and monetary policy is still very loose, markets are beginning to price in stabilisation to the former and a tightening in the latter.
In the passing beauty parade of foreign exchange, the US dollar is being viewed as the least ugly. As the US dollar index rises it is hitting a variety of asset classes, including gold and the Aussie dollar.
Sentiment among hedge funds and speculative traders – see recent comments by George Soros and Stanley Druckenmiller – has turned against our currency.
As recently as April this year, the Aussie was trading above $US1.05 before the recent fall took it to around $US0.92. That’s a fall of about 12 per cent.
So, how low can it go?
NAB recently suggested the $A could fall to 87 US cents by December 2014. But let’s remember that for all the extreme recent calls about the crash in the Aussie and the impending doom facing it, the reality is that it is simply back at the bottom of what might be considered a wide 10-15 cent range it has been in since breaking up through 94 US cents in mid-2010.
This sell-off is not all that shocking and the forecasters of doom forget this.
A fall below 94 cents would signal a different and lower scenario. Our assessment is that this is likely, especially if the economy weakens due to the withdrawal of mining investment, assuming consumption doesn’t fill the gap.
Despite the recent highs, the Aussie dollar’s average remains steadfastly around 75 US cents. It may not revert to the mean but after 22 years without a recession, you wouldn’t want to bet on it.
What might happen if Australia did have a recession?
The answer was offered during the GFC low when global investors believed that was about to happen. Back then it fell to $US0.5960. There’s your answer.
To protect your portfolio against that possibility, and to hedge against falling interest rates, Intelligent Investor Share Advisor has recommended allocating a portion of your portfolio to overseas markets. Each of its model portfolios has an allocation to businesses that stand to benefit from a falling Aussie dollar.
This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 282288).
By Greg McKenna and David Llewellyn-Smith of MacroBusiness, in conjunction with Intelligent Investor Share Advisor, shares.intelligentinvestor.com.au.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Mechanical Drafting Services
Geometry is the heart and soul of
any 3D CAD application. To create product designs that sizzle, you need
advanced 3D geometry tools that are flexible and powerful, tools that
let your imagination run wild. The fact is, not all 3D CAD geometry is
built the same. The best geometry gives you the freedom to easily test
new ideas and experiment in new directions. Only then can you break the
bounds of innovation.
The
team at Hamilton By Design offer exceptional geometry delivering
greater innovation and higher-quality, highly manufacture-able product
designs.
Our Drafting systems offer robust geometry creation capability is legendary, offering high-performance tools that make it easy to build even the most intricate product designs.
Smart
Structures and our flexible hybrid modeling tools give you the power to
quickly and effortlessly change the definition of a feature ‘on the
fly’, instantly changing the same geometry shape from surfaces to solids
to cuts. With our advanced surface modeling tools you can easily sculpt
multiple surfaces and explore a multitude of complex design variations
to find the optimal design. And with our unmatched complex geometry
capabilities you can easily create highly complex rounds, drafts, and
blends.
For More information on Mechanical Drafting Services
contact Hamilton By Design Today
Friday, November 9, 2012
Solidworks Central Coast
We use both SolidWorks and AutoCAD every day. Our entire business model
is made up of online customers with local customers making up
about 40%. Many of those customers, where we have never met face to face or
only once at an initial meeting. With each customer, We are able to
adapt and ultimately fulfill their Design / Drafting needs.
We have worked on everything from Government Military projects where we were only permitted "windowed knowledge" of what was being worked on in tandem with a design concept team, high voltage switch gear design and layout for a local biomass to electricity plant, as-built site plans for a refrigeration plant, Cafe fit outs, residential home design, injection molded plastic parts, sand and investment casted parts, patent drawings and illustrations and assistance for an exotic sports car designs.
We have worked on everything from Government Military projects where we were only permitted "windowed knowledge" of what was being worked on in tandem with a design concept team, high voltage switch gear design and layout for a local biomass to electricity plant, as-built site plans for a refrigeration plant, Cafe fit outs, residential home design, injection molded plastic parts, sand and investment casted parts, patent drawings and illustrations and assistance for an exotic sports car designs.
Service Description
Hamilton By Design Base on the Central Coast offer s Drafting & Design service which is dedicated to providing complete
service from conception to completion. Deadlines, Detail and Follow
Through are all required to meet customer expectations, time lines, and
budget. From Automotive based work to Architecture, our team has worked across a range of industries with Solidworks efficient Design and Drafting our goal.
We have worked in the following areas
-Architecture
-Steel Detailing
-Automotive
-Consumer Design
-Industrial Design
-Wiring Schematics
-P&IDs, Piping, Pressure Vessel Design and internals and Plant Layout
-Castings
-Mechanical and Machined parts
-Part Detailing including GD&T
-Electronic Equipment design and placement
-Skatepark Design
-Sheetmetal and Weldments
-Architectural Plumbing and Wiring and a little HVAC
We have worked in the following areas
-Architecture
-Steel Detailing
-Automotive
-Consumer Design
-Industrial Design
-Wiring Schematics
-P&IDs, Piping, Pressure Vessel Design and internals and Plant Layout
-Castings
-Mechanical and Machined parts
-Part Detailing including GD&T
-Electronic Equipment design and placement
-Skatepark Design
-Sheetmetal and Weldments
-Architectural Plumbing and Wiring and a little HVAC
-Pick and Place Machinery
-Conveying and conveyors systems
For more information about a fabulous team of SolidWorks Deign on the Central Coast contact
Saturday, September 22, 2012
SolidWorks Designer
SolidWorks Designer required for busy design office servicing clients on the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Illawarra and Sydney
Fixed Term Contract Position $55-$70/hour
Must have:
• 4+ Years SolidWorks Experience with mechanical and or structural design.
• An ability to work within a team environment.
• An ability to create manufacture-able designs from an engineer’s design scope.
• Associate Diploma at a minimum.
• An ability to perform in a team environment.
• Experience detailing shop drawing both structural and mechanical.
Experience with the following will be highly regarded
• A trade background in Fitting and Machining or Boilermaker Fabricator.
• Certified SolidWorks Qualifications.
• An ability to resolve design issues.
• Experience in managing projects and or small teams.
• Materials handling experience
Fixed Term Contract Position $55-$70/hour
Must have:
• 4+ Years SolidWorks Experience with mechanical and or structural design.
• An ability to work within a team environment.
• An ability to create manufacture-able designs from an engineer’s design scope.
• Associate Diploma at a minimum.
• An ability to perform in a team environment.
• Experience detailing shop drawing both structural and mechanical.
Experience with the following will be highly regarded
• A trade background in Fitting and Machining or Boilermaker Fabricator.
• Certified SolidWorks Qualifications.
• An ability to resolve design issues.
• Experience in managing projects and or small teams.
• Materials handling experience
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Development of Equipment
Drafting Contractors – Hamilton By Design
Hamilton By Design have been involved in the development of equipment we have have the opportunity to learn and integrate the following processes and associated equipment into the machinery we design and build:
- Milling, drilling and tapping equipment
- Explosive filling systems
- Dispensing and mixing equipment for epoxies and related materials
- Vacuum pumps and systems for product integrity testing and control
- Fluxing and soldering equipment
- Routing machinery
- Automatic Screw Conveyors
- Specialized Belt Conveyor Systems
- Cyclone Seperating Systems
- Wide variety of component feeding and orienting systems for automatic assembly equipment
- Automatic gauging and inspection equipment
- PLC controlled pnumatic systems
- Servo and stepper driven positioning controls and software
- Mixing, combining matierals
Thursday, August 2, 2012
1st Class Drafting Service
At Hamilton BY Design we offer a full range of Computer Aided Drafting services with a personal touch. Customer service is given a high priority.
Drafting Services
- General CAD Drafting including Architectural, Mechanical Engineering and Building services.
- All drawing work undertaken to clients own specifications, using bespoke dwg frames, styles and symbols if required or to Australia Standards.
- General editing and updating of dwgs for 'as installed' etc. from clients CAD files
- Paper to CAD conversion via scanning and onscreen digitizing or of existing drawings into Autocad or DXF format.
- Auto-conversion of scanned dwgs for a fast low cost/quality solution to transferring paper dwgs into CAD.
- 3D drawings for customer visualization or presentation work.
For a 1st class Drafting Service contact www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au
today
DWG | DXF | AutoCAD | SolidWorks | Inventor
Monday, July 23, 2012
SolidWorks Designer
SolidWorks Designer required for busy design office servicing clients on the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Illawarra and Sydney
Permanent position $70-75K
Must have:
• 4+ Years SolidWorks Experience with mechanical and or structural design.
• An ability to create manufacture-able designs from an engineer’s design scope.
• Associate Diploma at a minimum.
• An ability to perform in a team environment.
• Experience detailing shop drawing both structural and mechanical.
Permanent position $70-75K
Must have:
• 4+ Years SolidWorks Experience with mechanical and or structural design.
• An ability to create manufacture-able designs from an engineer’s design scope.
• Associate Diploma at a minimum.
• An ability to perform in a team environment.
• Experience detailing shop drawing both structural and mechanical.
Experience with the following will be highly regarded
• A trade background in Fitting and Machining or Boilermaker Fabricator.
• Certified SolidWorks Qualifications.
• An ability to resolve design issues.
• Experience in managing projects and or small teams.
• Materials handling experience
About the companywww.hamiltonbydesign.com.au
Please forward CV info@hamiltonbydesign.com.au
• A trade background in Fitting and Machining or Boilermaker Fabricator.
• Certified SolidWorks Qualifications.
• An ability to resolve design issues.
• Experience in managing projects and or small teams.
• Materials handling experience
About the companywww.hamiltonbydesign.com.au
Please forward CV info@hamiltonbydesign.com.au
Solidworks Design | Mechanical Design | Structural Design
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Structural Steel Detailing
Structural Steel Detailing
Hamilton By Design | SolidWorks
Why Australian Engineers & SolidWorks Capability Are in Demand Globally
Structural steel detailing has always been a critical component of engineering projects. It sits at the point where design becomes reality, translating structural intent into fabrication-ready information.
While this is true worldwide, there is a growing trend across the Middle East and other international markets:
👉 A strong preference for Australian engineers, draftspersons, and fabricators
This is not accidental. It reflects a combination of engineering culture, standards, and capability—particularly when combined with modern tools like SolidWorks.
What Sets Australia Apart in Structural Steel Detailing
Australia has developed a reputation for delivering practical, buildable, and reliable engineering outcomes.
This is driven by several key factors.
1. Strong Engineering Standards & Compliance Culture
Australian engineering operates under well-established standards such as:
- AS 4100 (Steel Structures)
- AS 1554 (Welding)
- AS 1657 (Access and safety)
These standards are:
- Conservative where required
- Safety-focused
- Widely respected internationally
Australian engineers are trained to:
- Understand load paths
- Design for real-world conditions
- Prioritise safety and durability
This results in detailing that is robust and dependable, not just technically correct.
2. Practical, Field-Based Engineering Experience
Unlike purely office-based design environments, Australian engineers often have:
- Site experience
- Shutdown exposure
- Hands-on involvement in construction and maintenance
This creates a different mindset:
👉 Design for buildability—not just theory
Detailing produced in Australia typically considers:
- Installation constraints
- Lifting requirements
- Access for welding and maintenance
This is highly valued in regions where projects are large, complex, and time-critical.
3. Strong Mining & Industrial Background
Australia’s economy is heavily influenced by:
- Mining
- Bulk handling
- Heavy industry
As a result, engineers and draftspersons are experienced in:
- Conveyors and transfer systems
- Structural steel for plant environments
- High-load, high-wear applications
This experience translates well into Middle Eastern projects, particularly in:
- Oil & gas
- Ports and logistics
- Industrial processing facilities
4. Clear Communication & Documentation
One of the less obvious—but critical—advantages is communication.
Australian engineering deliverables are typically:
- Clearly documented
- Well structured
- Easy to interpret
Drawings and models are developed with the understanding that they will be used by:
- Fabricators
- Site teams
- Project managers
This reduces ambiguity and improves outcomes.
Why the Middle East Looks to Australia
Projects across the Middle East—particularly in countries such as United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—are known for:
- Scale
- Complexity
- Speed of delivery
These projects often involve:
- Large structural steel packages
- Tight deadlines
- Multiple international contractors
In this environment, reliability becomes critical.
1. Reduced Risk
Clients and contractors look for engineering partners who can:
- Deliver accurate detailing
- Minimise rework
- Reduce site issues
Australian teams are seen as:
👉 Low-risk, high-reliability providers
2. Alignment with International Standards
Australian standards and practices are broadly aligned with:
- British Standards
- International engineering frameworks
This makes Australian deliverables easier to integrate into global projects.
3. Proven Performance in Harsh Environments
Australia’s experience with:
- Remote sites
- Extreme temperatures
- Heavy industrial conditions
mirrors many Middle Eastern environments.
This gives Australian engineers a practical advantage when designing for:
- Durability
- Maintenance
- Long-term performance
4. Independent, Solution-Focused Approach
Australian engineering culture tends to favour:
- Problem-solving
- Practical solutions
- Clear decision-making
This is highly valued in fast-paced project environments where delays are costly.
The Role of SolidWorks in Global Projects
While engineering capability is essential, the tools used to deliver that capability also matter.
This is where SolidWorks plays a key role.
1. A Global Engineering Language
SolidWorks is widely used across:
- Engineering consultancies
- Fabrication workshops
- Manufacturing companies
This makes it a common platform for international collaboration.
2. Parametric, Assembly-Based Design
SolidWorks allows engineers to:
- Build fully defined assemblies
- Maintain design intent
- Update models efficiently
This is critical in projects where:
- Changes are frequent
- Coordination is complex
3. Integration with Fabrication
SolidWorks supports:
- Shop drawing generation
- DXF profile extraction
- Bill of materials
This allows seamless transition from:
👉 Design → Fabrication → Installation
4. Better Visualisation & Communication
3D models provide:
- Clear understanding of structures
- Improved coordination between teams
- Reduced reliance on interpretation
For international projects, this is essential.
Why Being Australian + SolidWorks Sets You Apart
Individually, both factors are valuable.
Combined, they create a strong competitive advantage.
✔ Engineering Quality + Modern Tools
Australian engineers bring:
- Practical experience
- Strong standards
SolidWorks provides:
- Advanced modelling capability
- Efficient workflows
Together, they deliver high-quality, buildable outcomes.
✔ Reduced Project Risk
Clients see:
- Reliable engineering
- Accurate models
- Clear documentation
This reduces uncertainty and improves project confidence.
✔ Faster Delivery
SolidWorks enables:
- Rapid modelling
- Efficient revisions
- Streamlined detailing
Combined with Australian work practices, this supports tight project timelines.
✔ Global Compatibility
Australian teams using SolidWorks can integrate easily into:
- International project teams
- Multi-vendor environments
- Cross-border workflows
What Clients and Fabricators Are Ultimately Looking For
Across both Australia and the Middle East, expectations are aligned.
They are looking for:
- Accurate, fabrication-ready detailing
- Clear, usable CAD data
- Reliable engineering input
- Efficient delivery
They are not looking for:
❌ Basic drafting
❌ Incomplete models
❌ Ambiguous drawings
The Future of Structural Steel Detailing
The industry is moving toward:
- Fully digital workflows
- Integrated 3D modelling
- Cloud-based collaboration
- Engineering-led detailing
Australian engineers and draftspersons are well positioned for this shift due to:
- Their practical experience
- Their adaptability
- Their adoption of modern tools
Conclusion
Structural steel detailing is no longer just about producing drawings.
It is about delivering:
- Buildable solutions
- Accurate models
- Reliable engineering outcomes
Australia stands out because of its:
- Strong engineering culture
- Practical, site-driven experience
- Clear communication and documentation
When combined with platforms like SolidWorks, this creates a powerful offering.
👉 Engineering that works in the real world
👉 Models that translate directly to fabrication
👉 Confidence for clients and contractors
This is why Australian engineers, draftspersons, and fabricators continue to be in demand—not just locally, but globally.
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