Mechanical design is a central part of the product development process. It influences factors such as a product's lifecycle, functionality, and market suitability. Additionally, mechanical designers must understand and adhere to industry-specific standards and regulations when developing products.
Requirement specification is a crucial part of the product development process, as it guides the design and manufacturing of the product. This phase specifies what is expected from the product, including its critical technical requirements and functionalities.
The mechanical designer plays a key role in defining the product's mechanical requirements, such as dimensions, weight limits, and material requirements. Usability and manufacturability, as well as durability and environmental impacts, are important aspects considered during the requirement specification. The mechanical designer contributes significantly to all these areas.
Once requirements are defined, the product concepting begins. The goal is to develop a clear and feasible plan that meets both the technical requirements and the user needs of the product.
Concepting is the phase where ideas for the product's mechanical features are developed. Various models are considered, and different options are tested to find the best possible solution.
This phase is a sort of tug-of-war between the product's design, mechanical solutions, electronic components, and the demands and limitations these elements impose. The mechanical engineer brings technical expertise to material selection, manufacturing methods, and quality assurance.
Mechanics simulations and thermal simulations are used to study and predict the characteristics and durability of devices in different use conditions before manufacturing prototypes. This is known as simulation-assisted design and is ideally used during the concepting phase, but certainly before moving on to product design.
Simulations allow for comparisons between different scenarios, providing critical information about product behavior and identifying design flaws and stress points before starting manufacturing.
>> Blog: Mechanics simulations benefit product development
During the product design phase, all criteria set in the requirement specification are considered, and efforts are made to optimize the product's functionality, appearance, and manufacturing costs. In product design, mechanical designers are also responsible for ensuring the product's mechanical strength and durability. 3D modeling is an essential part of the work of mechanical designers.
During the prototype manufacturing and testing phase, the theoretical aspects of mechanical design are put into practice. The mechanical engineer works together with manufacturing experts to create physical prototypes that can be tested and evaluated. This phase is critical to ensuring the product's functionality, usability, safety, and manufacturability before beginning production.
In the manufacturing design phase, the focus is on how to produce the product efficiently and cost-effectively, possibly in large batches. Here, the mechanical engineer works with production engineers to ensure that the product design aligns with manufacturing processes.
Thus, mechanical design is a central part of the product development process. It enables the development of innovative, technically sensible, and economically viable products. The end result of professional design work is a product that is optimized for functionality, manufacturability, usability, appearance, and cost, creating a well-balanced overall package.
The work of mechanical designers does not necessarily end after the product launch. The product can be modified and improved based on customer feedback or changes in trends.
Designing a new version may involve enhancing performance, adding new features, or reducing production costs. New innovations, new practices, and changes in standards require products to continuously adapt. Further development ensures that the product remains competitive and meets the changing needs of customers.
Mectalent's mechanical designers have decades of work experience in various design projects across multiple industries. We have expertise in the design of consumer electronics, wearable devices, medical technology, production tools, and assembly jigs, for example.
Our mechanical designers do not work alone; they collaborate closely with other experts throughout the entire product development project. This collaboration ensures that the final product meets all user needs and is technically feasible and economically viable.
As a partner of Mectalent, in addition to mechanical design, you also receive other expert services for your product development project, such as electronic design, automation design, electrical design, and software development, all from the same place. We also handle project management for you, so you don’t need to spend time searching for various project contributors or coordinating between different companies.
If you want to discuss how we can assist with your product development needs, please contact our sales team!