Understanding the Extent of Mechanical Engineering Design Services: From Concept to CNC Fabrication

The pace of industrial activity in the world today is extremely fast. What hasn’t changed is the significance of mechanical engineering design services. Mechanical design is at the foundation of product development, process improvement, cost-effective design, and a key component to innovation. But, mechanical engineering design services are not just a means of bringing a concept or idea to fruition. They provide a means of assessing the practicality of making a product, the viability of production, and the economical feasibility of the idea itself.

In this article, we will detail what the scope of mechanical engineering design services include, its important elements, and how it contributes to the how it is a successful component of manufacturing, while outlining its importance for a business’s potential to remain a competitor.

What Are Mechanical Engineering Design Services?

The definition of mechanical engineering design services includes the planning, design and development of mechanical components, assemblies and systems. Mechanical engineering design services include more than just drafting intended designs in the form of blue prints, they include the actual concept development, design for manufacturing (DfM), Computer Aided Design (CAD) modeling, and potentially, support or treatment for CNC Machining.

When product related companies engage more seasoned design teams, they leverage experienced resources with knowledge and skill that promote a successful design process, including mechanical designs that are structurally sound, functionally feasible, meets tolerances, and is ready for production.

Key Elements of Mechanical Engineering Design Services

1. Concept Development for New Products

Concept development is one of the first key components in design life cycle of developing mechanical features and assemblies, to clearly define requirements for the new product, evaluate the feasibility of actually making something, and explore design alternatives with the engineers. The concept development includes brainstorming ideas for the product, some preliminary research that might include material selection, and, ultimately, some type of initial sketches or digital models.Effective concept development influences everything else that comes after it – this is where product innovation really starts.

2. CAD modeling services

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) has become core in today’s mechanical engineering landscape. CAD modeling services are one of the key mechanisms that allows engineers to build detailed 3D models of mechanical parts and assemblies. The models help evaluate the fit, form, and functions before going through the prototyping or manufacturing steps. They create the documentation needed for production, including the dimensions, materials, tolerances, and assembly.

For example, ZetaCADD provides CAD design, engineering and other outsourcing non-manufacturing services which allow the firm to produce/provide innovative mechanical, structural, and industrial design solutions for a diverse array of projects. By contracting out the services of such a specialized technical engineer, means that their client can concentrate on their internal operating excellence without compromising on quality of design products.

3. Sheet Metal Design Experts

Sheet metal designs like enclosures, brackets and chassis are also specialized. Engineers involved with sheet metal design are required to know what properties of sheet metal are important (eg. yield strength), bending allowances, and process limitations associated with producing the parts. Using CAD tools, a sheet meta design expert can create ‘flat pattern’ files, define the bending lines and determine design information applicable to manufacturability. These details form an important aspect of the process chain to help ensure that CNC sheet metal fabrication can be carried out successfully. The costs of mistakes in finding out late in the process when it may too late to fix them include; wasting expensive materials, and delaying production timelines.

4. Design for Manufacturing (DfM)

One of the most simple aspects to mechanical design is to consider that products are able to be manufactured. Design for Manufacturing (DfM) can also encompass adjusting the design to relieve or ease fabrication processes and reduce component, minimize production costs without impacting perceived functions or quality. DfM principles must be applied throughout the design process with consideration for not only to produce a product efficiently, but for the future (eg. assemble easier, service better, scale better, etc).Incorporating CNC Machining into the Design Process

To take advantage of CNC capabilities, any design must be CNC-compatible meaning the part geometries, material choices and tolerances can all sketch appropriately with CNC capabilities.

This is when cnc programming services can assist. Cnc programming services are very capable of maximizing productivity and throughput an increase in productivity implementation is made far easier using good CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software to minimize downtime, improve operational accuracy and allow delivery of scale. Take the advantage of performance with our CAM programming services for the best operational productivity and repeatability of the overall process.

Reverse Engineering and Legacy Product Support

Not every design is an original design, many companies are required to recreate or improve for an existing part, and sometimes without access to original design or engineering files. Reverse engineering is the process of breaking down or extracting a physical object to get back to original design data.  Engineers have several tools available to them such as 3D scanning and CMM (coordinate measurement machine) used to develop highly accurate CAD models of design data on existing parts, which in turn can be modified, upgraded or manufactured to replace the original part.

Reverse Engineering works particularly well when existing legacy product have to be maintained, modified for better operation value, or updated for modern manufacturing and design practices.

Outsourcing Engineering Services

Not every organization has the capabilities to manage the whole mechanical design process internally. This is where Engineering Services Outsourcing can be critical.By working with experienced firms, firms gain access to specialized people, software tools, and the ability to run projects better and flexibly. At the same time, outsourcing will manage the cost effectively and offer speed to market.

Outsource mechanical engineering design services to ZetaCADD. Produce more efficient work, save costs, and obtain quality results. Contact us to learn how we can turn your work into dollars.

Benefits of Outsourcing to Mechanical Design

There are many benefits to outsourcing design services, particularly with respect to developing and manufacturing products.

• Access to Specialized Skills: Not all firms have sheet metal expertise and CAM programming in-house. Outsourcing allows immediate access to a pool of talent.
• Speed: Specially identified project teams can produce faster results while internal employees work on what will grow business and translate to revenue.

Supporting Manufacturing through Design

Mechanical engineering design services will support manufacturing firms obtain design success. Typically, the more clear and optimized a design will lead to smooth development and production. Engineers that understand CNC limitations, material science, and fabrication processes will close the gap between the initial idea and final result.

For example, the CNC sheet metal fabrication is fussier. There are broader constraints the design must account for like bend radii, material springback, and tool availability. If there is misalignment between the design and what can be fabricated there can ultimately be scrap or quality defects. An engineering design team that has better integration will support any design by ensuring the design engineering work can actually be made, not only correctly and consistently but also efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Mechanical engineering design services are more than just producing a technical blueprint they represent a vehicle to innovate, monitor manufacturability, and maximize business performance. Whether you are bringing a new consumer product to life, improve an industrial component, or value engineer the running of a complex manufacturing line higher quality results will only come from working with mechanical design support.

From CAD modelling, sheet metal sketch and CAD design, to cnc programming services and Engineering Services Outsourcing, while projects can have wide scope interoperability, they are usually interconnected. There is value in each element contributing to removing abstract mechanical systems brought to life on a manufacturing floor, from a digital model on a screen to an accurate metal part.

If you’re ready to go from concept to creations, do not underestimate the value of hiring experienced mechanical designers. All mechanical engineering design services have value to ensure your project runs effectively, within quality standards, and provides for long term business throughout.