Mechanical designers create designs for machines and mechanical devices, combining design skills with mechanical engineering knowledge. They assist in all phases of manufacturing and often use computer-aided drafting software. They work closely with mechanical engineers and are responsible for quality assurance efforts.
Mechanical designers create designs for machines and mechanical devices. They combine design skills with mechanical engineering knowledge to assist product development engineers in manufacturing new mechanical devices. They are usually involved in all phases of manufacturing a machine or mechanical implement, from initial machine sketches to testing the finished product. Products can include anything with working machine parts, from a tool to an aircraft.
A career as a mechanical designer requires an aptitude for drawing and good drafting skills. These skills must be combined with an understanding of mechanical physics and how machines work. Most designers have degrees in mechanical engineering or machine technologies from a professional college. Many also have training in the use of computer-aided drafting and drafting (CADD) software. Machine designers are often referred to as CADD experts.
A mechanical designer’s primary role is to help realize a company’s product development needs. The designer essentially creates the blueprints for machines and mechanical products or accessories. He may start with rough sketches of an idea given to him for a working machine, and then move on to detailed sketches. After all drawings are finalized and approved, the designer comes up with a blueprint for a working device.
A blueprint is just the beginning of the design process. The designer also consults with mechanical engineers and senior production engineers, making recommended changes to designs. There may be successive changes to the design before actual production begins, and in some cases a completely new design may be required.
After actual production begins, a mechanical designer may need to make changes or adjustments to individual components of the designed design. This may require changes to the original design to improve the performance of individual parts within the machine. This usually involves using CADD software to find ways to improve product performance. The designer is responsible for documenting all changes made to the machine design during production.
The prototype phase of production involves testing the finished product. Mechanical designers are involved, along with other engineers, in correcting any defects in product performance. As the product is based on its design, the designer has an ongoing role in quality assurance efforts. Your job isn’t done until the product is ready to be mass-produced and shipped or used in your company’s own manufacturing facilities.
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