Graphics Technology
Illustration Tools
Illustration tools have continuously changed throughout the years. The technical illustrators at ONEIL have remained current with new software packages and new versions of existing software. We keep a library of software available so that we can match our customer's preferred graphics software, or convert their graphics to a format that they have requested.
Illustration Software
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IsoDraw: A Premium Service Agreement with PTC keeps us continuously current with changes and upgrades. IsoDraw's CGM output is the industry standard because of their close relationship with CGM Open, which sets and maintains the CGM standard. IsoDraw is designed specifically for technical illustrators.
- Adobe Illustrator: Adobe Illustrator has been used by ONEIL since version 3.2. We can create a wide range of quick-action macros that streamline the technical illustration process. Illustrator has proven to be a useful tool for photo tracing, color rendering, orthographic and isometric illustrations, and recently, SVG illustrations.
- Adobe PhotoShop: ONEIL has used Adobe PhotoShop for over a decade. It has proven useful in preparing digital photographs and raster (usually meaning scanned) images for operator, repair, service, and parts manuals.
- CorelDraw: Many of our clients use CorelDraw for technical and illustrative artwork, so we provide full service support for all artwork delivered or required in CorelDraw.
- Maya and Cinema 4D: We have an expert staff to create 3D models in-house when none exist. There are many advantages of this process including reuse of data for parts explodes, animations, and renderings. PDF output in 3D also allows the customer to visualize their product in many ways.
- Legacy Art: Whether from moving from platform to platform, person to person, or just from the passing of time, legacy illustrations can sometimes become problematic. ONEIL has the tools and experience to handle almost any form of illustration file and bring them into the modern age. ONEIL can accept and produce illustrations in most industry file formats.
As new software packages become available, we are quick to examine their use and application. We constantly evaluate new software packages, both for use internally and for delivery and presentation of illustrations.
CAD Tools
Our customers use a diverse range of design systems, so our technical illustrators are accustomed to using a variety of engineering files and source materials. ONEIL handles solid models and engineering design data with the speed and accuracy that stems from broad experience. For accuracy and efficiency, we prefer creating illustrations by working first-hand with your product. Our technical illustrators can come to your site to prepare artwork, or they can use any computer-aided drawing software needed to get the job done. We work with CAD from Solidworks, Unigraphics, CATIA, Pro/ENGINEER, AutoCAD and others. Click here to read more about our engineering design and work with CAD Tools.
Graphics Databases
ONEIL has created several graphics databases for our clients. For one international lift truck manufacturer, we developed a graphics database that allows tracking to minimize redundant effort and maximize the use of illustrations on the fly, as publications are automatically translated into seven different languages.
Emerging technologies show promise in allowing a base file to automatically update extracted data used in detail illustrations. You can be sure that ONEIL will use and master the best technologies for you.