Machines and mechanical devices are designed by mechanical designers. They use drafting skills and mechanical engineering knowledge to help product development engineers create new mechanical devices. They are typically involved in all phases of the manufacturing of a machine or mechanical implement, from the initial sketches to the final product testing. Anything with working machine parts, from a tool to an aircraft, can be considered a product.
A talent for drawing and good drafting skills are required for a career as a mechanical designer. These abilities must be combined with a knowledge of mechanical physics and machine operation. Most designers have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a vocational college degree in machine technologies. Many have also received training in computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) software. CADD specialists are often used to refer to machine designers.
A mechanical designer’s primary responsibility is to assist in the development of a company’s products. The designer is responsible for creating the blueprints for machines, mechanical products, and accessories. He might start with rough sketches of a working machine idea that was given to him, then progress to detail sketches. The designer creates a blueprint for a working device after all of the drawings have been finalized and approved.
The design process does not begin with a blueprint. The designer also consults with mechanical engineers and senior production engineers before making any changes to the blueprints that are recommended. Before actual production begins, there may be several design changes, and in some cases, a completely new design may be required.
A mechanical designer may need to make changes or adjustments to individual components of the designed project once production begins. This may necessitate changes to the original design in order to improve the performance of individual machine parts. This frequently entails the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software to identify ways to improve the product’s performance. The designer is in charge of keeping track of all changes made to the machine’s design during production.
The finished product is tested during the prototype phase of production. Mechanical designers, along with other engineers, are involved in repairing any flaws in the product’s performance. The designer has a continuing role in quality assurance efforts because the product is based on his design. His work isn’t done until the product is ready to be mass-produced and shipped, or until it can be used in the company’s own manufacturing facility.