Rafael R.

Experience

• Owner coCreators - Industrial design · Self-employed Jun 2018 – Present 8 yrs 2 mos Portugal Industrial design, product development, mechanical design, and manufacturing.
  
  As a partner, industrial designer, and head of product development at an industrial design and product development studio, I have been responsible for developing products from initial concept through to manufacturing.
  
  My experience includes:
  
  Industrial and product design
  Mechanical and structural design
  SolidWorks, Rhino and Grasshopper
  Laser cutting, sheet metal and welded structures
  CNC machining, turning and continuous 5-axis machining
  Injection-molded components
  3D printing and prototyping
  Reverse engineering and 3D scanning
  Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
  Manufacturing drawings, DXF, STEP and BOMs
  Product optimization and industrialization
  Collaboration with manufacturers and suppliers
  
  For the last several years, I have also been heavily involved in the complete development of hospital equipment, including mechanical systems, structures, safety systems, components, manufacturing preparation, and compliance with international standards and requirements.
  
  In recent years, I have also collaborated with architecture and civil engineering firms, helping develop and solve complex structures and construction details involving challenging geometries and demanding site conditions.
  
  I work from concept through to production, combining aesthetics, functionality, manufacturability, and practical problem-solving.
• Partner and Chief Designer CODI, design industrial · Full-time Dec 2014 – Jan 2018 3 yrs 1 mos Portugal Partner with a primary focus on product development, additive manufacturing, reverse engineering, and 3D scanning technologies.
  
  My responsibilities included:
  
  Product development and technical consulting
  Additive manufacturing processes and applications
  Reverse engineering and 3D scanning
  3D data processing and CAD reconstruction
  Evaluation and implementation of digital manufacturing workflows
  Selection and application of 3D printing technologies
  Product prototyping and validation
  Sales and technical demonstrations of additive manufacturing and 3D scanning equipment
  Customer training and technical support
  Development of applications and workflows adapted to customer requirements
  
  I was directly involved in demonstrating the capabilities of the equipment, developing practical applications for clients, and providing training on the use of the technologies and related software.
  
  This role allowed me to combine product development, digital manufacturing, reverse engineering, technical consulting, and customer training, with a strong focus on applying emerging technologies to real-world manufacturing problems.
• Owner SculpTech, Lda · Full-time Aug 2008 – Nov 2014 6 yrs 3 mos Portugal Founded and managed a company focused on rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, and digital manufacturing, providing product development and manufacturing services from concept through physical prototype.
  
  The company worked with a wide range of technologies and processes, including:
  
  3D printing and rapid prototyping
  Reverse engineering
  3D scanning and 3D data processing
  CNC machining
  Laser cutting and engraving
  Rapid tooling and mold making
  Vacuum forming
  3D CAD modelling and manufacturing preparation
  Prototype assembly and finishing
  Material and manufacturing process selection
  
  I was responsible for the complete process, from understanding the client's requirements and reverse engineering existing products to developing concepts, preparing manufacturing files, selecting the most appropriate technology, producing prototypes, and refining the final result.
  
  This experience gave me a strong practical understanding of digital manufacturing technologies and their limitations, as well as valuable experience working directly with clients and managing projects from concept to physical product.
  
  It also established the foundation for my later work in industrial design, product development, manufacturing, reverse engineering, and the integration of new technologies into production processes.