Design companies usually specialize in creating metal components and/or the manufacturing systems and processes used to create them. There are also mechanical engineering services providers that advise the construction designs for various buildings and the design and installation of mechanical systems in structures ranging from small commercial establishments to large factories. The government typically regulates this industry to ensure safety and protect the general public’s well-being. Other companies that offer repair services usually send somebody to the client’s location to minimize expenses and the amount of time that the client’s facility is non-operational.
The 3 Types of Machine Design
As manufacturing technology advances, we can create more complex and creative machine designs. There are plenty of machine elements around today that was once considered impossible to achieve. These technologically advanced elements are now regularly used in manufacturing. It is essential to be innovative and constantly strive to be at the cutting edge of new technology. Still, we can also use existing technology to help move us forward. This is the point where the basics of machine design come in and can be classified into three categories: Developmental Design, Adaptive Design, and New Design.
Developmental Design
Developmental Design is a process where new machine elements and components are created by adding or combining existing concepts and technology. This is different from Adaptive Design, which refers to the process of using existing technology to create something new. An excellent example of Developmental Design is the motorcycle, which combines a bicycle with a combustion engine. The motorcycle was a cutting-edge development in manufacturing technology and machine design, but it was built using existing mechanical components.
Adaptive Design
Adaptive design is a type of machine design that’s based on existing components and designs. The idea is to use what already exists instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. This approach can save time and money while creating a machine that meets your needs. Engineers can save time and businesses money by modifying existing technology rather than trying to design a part from scratch. Proven technology is often more effective than starting from scratch, making it a wise choice for businesses and engineers alike.
New Design
Most machine designs will fall into either of the two categories mentioned previously, but new parts and technology are still being created constantly. These unique innovations would be considered ‘New Design’, where engineers and designers create something entirely original. Even though it’s not as common, sometimes, coming up with an entirely new design is the best route to take. It might require more time and money spent on research, but it can pay off in a big way if done correctly. With the right idea and experienced team, coming up with a new design can bring many benefits and opportunities to the manufacturing industry.
Mechanical Design in a Nutshell
Engineers must understand mechanical design basics, whether starting from scratch or modifying an existing technology. All aspects of form and function must be considered when designing and producing a part so that it not only meets the expectations in terms of operation but can also be manufactured.
The Impact of Stress (Force)
In what kind of environment will your product be used? Will it be placed under routine stress? There are many performance factors to consider when designing a product (temperature, moisture, dust/debris, impact, range of motion, etc.) An engineer needs to do much research when it comes to mechanical design because different machine elements work better in other conditions. For example, a machine element that works excellently in the snow could fail in the desert. The engineer needs to consider these varying conditions when designing the machine.
Get to Know Your Materials
With a thorough understanding of the stresses present in a particular environment, the next step in the machine design process is to choose the best material to manufacture a part. Some metals are more resistant to corrosion and warping, while different plastics can better withstand heat and friction. If weight is a factor regarding the materials, there are lots of high-strength, lightweight materials to choose from. However, these materials come at a cost, and it is crucial to keep all these factors in mind throughout the mechanical design process.
Understanding The Technology Behind the Mechanical Design Process
Before finalizing a product design, it is crucial to assess the feasibility of manufacturing the design with the technologies available. This way, you can be confident that the product can be produced effectively and affordably. Mechanical engineers often need to consult with machine shops about their design elements to ensure that everything is feasible and to see if there’s anything that could be improved. The most impressive design in a CAD model won’t do anyone any good if it can’t actually be put into production. That’s why engineers need to work closely with machine shops from the beginning to identify any potential problems and develop solutions.
