Our Mission
GripKey provides reliable, project-based CAD drafting and technical documentation support for complex installations, modifications, fabrication, and sustainment work.
We work alongside engineering teams and existing drafting departments, following client CAD standards and workflows to deliver accurate, build-ready drawings for defined projects and peak workloads—without requiring additional permanent headcount.
Our Services
GripKey provides project-based CAD drafting and technical documentation support for government and commercial teams. We supplement existing engineering and drafting resources for defined scopes, specialized assignments, and peak workloads—following client standards and delivering accurate 2D drawings, 3D models, production packages, and supporting documentation.
Project Based CAD Services
Service Overview:
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Produce accurate 2D CAD drawings and 3D models based on client-provided designs and specifications
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Support fabrication, installation, and production workflows
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Apply consistent drafting standards to ensure clarity and usability
Drawing Revisions & Change Management
Service Overview:
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Update existing drawings to reflect engineering changes
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Process redlines, markups, and revision packages
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Maintain drawing accuracy throughout the project lifecycle
As-Built Documentation
Service Overview:
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Develop as-built drawings reflecting field conditions and installed configurations
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Incorporate redlines, markups, and installation updates
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Support compliance, audits, sustainment, and lifecycle documentation needs
Documentation Cleanup & Standardization
Service Overview:
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Convert legacy drawings, scanned files, and mixed-format documentation into clean CAD files
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Standardize layers, symbols, and formatting
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Improve drawing clarity and consistency across project deliverables
Why Engineering Teams Choose GripKey?
Trusted by government and commercial teams for expert support.
Engineering teams often face changing priorities, evolving designs, and documentation backlogs. GripKey provides flexible project-based CAD support to help deliver accurate drawings and documentation without increasing permanent headcount.
Reduce Engineering Bottlenecks
Keep projects moving
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Offload documentation-intensive tasks
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Accelerate drawing production and revisions
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Improve overall project throughput
Complete Projects Faster
Meet deadlines with additional CAD capacity
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Complete defined CAD deliverables on schedule
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Support peak workloads and special projects
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Help keep engineering teams focused on higher-value work
Support Future Projects
Maintain Documentation Quality
Build on accurate information
Consistent, accurate deliverables
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Provide reliable records for future upgrades
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Simplify planning and design efforts
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Reduce time spent investigating existing conditions
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Follow your drafting standards
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Produce organized, production-ready documentation
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Maintain consistency across project packages
Support Existing Projects
Integrate with your workflow
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Update existing drawings and models
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Process redlines and engineering changes
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Work within your established documentation practices
Deliver Trusted Records
Documentation you can rely on
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Produce organized as-built drawing packages
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Support audits, reviews, and turnover requirements
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Deliver clear records for operations and maintenance
Prior Work
GripKey has supported complex engineering projects across entertainment, aviation, defense, nuclear energy, training, and industrial applications. These projects demonstrate our ability to interpret technical requirements, develop accurate CAD models and drawings, support design changes, and deliver reliable documentation for demanding applications.
Disney Magic Carpet
GripKey collaborated with Tait Towers & Disney to enhance the Fantasmic show by engineering a dynamic flying carpet mechanism. The carpet was designed to ascend up to 30 feet into the air, enveloped in a controlled fog environment, while characters Aladdin and Jasmine performed synchronized spins and tilts. Our team integrated advanced linear actuators beneath the carpet, meticulously controlled by precision-engineered handles, to achieve seamless tilting actions and ensure flawless performance within the high-energy production.
PC-12 Flight Simulator
GripKey spearheaded the design and construction of a sophisticated PC-12 flight simulator. This project involved acquiring a stripped-out flight cabin and custom-installing our proprietary electronic systems to create a fully functional simulation environment. The initiative provided an engaging and realistic training tool, demonstrating our capability to integrate complex electronic components with existing aviation structures to deliver high-fidelity simulation experiences.
Training Classroom Layout
GripKey undertook the design of an optimized layout for a military training classroom. The project focused on strategic placement of projectors on the front wall to enhance instructional delivery and maximize classroom efficiency. Although the classroom was not yet completed, our design provided a comprehensive blueprint that ensured optimal visibility, accessibility, and functionality of the projection systems, aligning with the stringent requirements of military training environments.
Helicoil Stress Test
GripKey executed the insertion of steel helicoils into plastic fan assemblies to establish new threading solutions following the stripping of existing fasteners. Our team conducted a rigorous theoretical analysis to predict material failure points and the requisite force for failure. To validate our models, we performed practical testing, which confirmed that the plastic components failed precisely with our theoretical predictions. The tests demonstrated that each turn incrementally increased the force applied to the helicoil, culminating in plastic failure after 28 turns, thereby substantiating the reliability and accuracy of our analytical approach.
NASA - IXO MIRROR MOUNT DESIGN
A team of mechanical engineering students from the University of Pittsburgh (including David Grippe), collaborated with NASA on the International X-ray Observatory (IXO) project by designing innovative kinematic mirror mounting systems for the telescope's Flight Mirror Assembly (FMA). Their work involved developing precise and reliable methods to mount the numerous mirror segments, ensuring optimal alignment and stability essential for high-resolution X-ray imaging.
Reactor Integrated Head Assembly Design
GripKey possesses extensive experience in designing large-scale industrial and high-capital projects, including integrated head assemblies for boiling water reactors. Our comprehensive designs encompass a variety of structures, such as missile shield platforms, ductwork and their support systems, working platforms, expansive cable trays, head stands, and other essential components.
Reverse Engineering
GripKey has successfully completed numerous reverse engineering projects aimed at producing replacement parts, creating accurate models, enabling customization, and more. Reverse engineering is essential for extending the lifespan of existing equipment, facilitating the integration of modern technologies, and ensuring compatibility with current standards. By leveraging advanced tools such as 3D scanning technology, sophisticated CAD software, and precision measurement instruments, GripKey delivers precise and efficient reverse engineering solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.
