From concept to finished product, there are several ways to approach a design project. Depending on the job, these are:

1.       Figure out what the project is.
A)      An entire machine  
1)      A dedicated machine for one part or a group of similar parts
A) Automatic or manual
B) Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Electrical, Coolant system, Chip removal
c) Tooling, guarding
2)      A new machine to do a multiple of machining operation (automation)
A) Automatic or manual
B) Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Electrical, Coolant system, Chip removal
C)  Tooling, guarding
B)      A fixture to fit on a machine
1)      A dedicated fixture for one part or a  group of similar parts
A) Automatic or manual
B) Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Electrical, Coolant system, Chip removal
2)      A new fixture to do a multiple of machining operation (automation)  
A) Automatic or manual
 B) Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Electrical, Coolant system, Chip removal
C)  A single part
1)  A machined component
2)  A large fabricated structure (welded)
3)  Sheet metal
4)  A new tool
2.   The concept or proposal drawing  
A)  Build a rough model showing the operation
1)  Usually a three dimensional model showing space requirements
2)  A 2d drawing for concepts not to complicated
B)  Estimate cost
1)  Customers preferred vendors for purchased component
2)  Suggest purchased components
3)  Machined components, Sheet metal components, Welded components
C)  Estimate time for delivery
1)  Purchased component delivery
2)  Machining time, welding time
3)  Assembly time
D)  Determine if customer has build and machining capacity
1)  Customer to build
2)  Quote outsource build
E)  Installation, shipping, maintenance
1)  Customer responsibility
2)  Warranties on purchased components
3.  The Mechanical Layout/Design
A)  Parametric Solid…

This is the most complex type of solid model and most versatile. Great for a family of parts because all or most of the dimensional can be controlled from a spreadsheet. Example, A square has four lines two sets of parallel line, and the corners are at 90 degrees. These constraints are maintained regardless of the length of the line. The part is then extruded to a certain height, and by setting the length of the extrusion equal to the side of the square a cube will be generated having properties like mass, volume, center of gravity……. Or the length of the extrusion could be maintained at 2 times the side and a model to generate a block that would be basically two equal cube stacked. The two dimensions (length of lines) can then be put into a spreadsheet and when a new part is needed the spreadsheet can add another part of a different length and a new detail drawing can be generated without really drawing the part again. The actual drawing showing the dimensional data for machine is generated.

B)  Boolean solid…..

This is the least complex type of solid model. Great for conceptual work because the time to constrain and tie to a spreadsheet is all but eliminated. Still yields mechanical properties of mass, volume, center of gravity…. Example… draw a square, extrude to height required or extrude along a path. This would result in multiple parameters in a parametric model.

C)      Flat two dimensional mechanical layout

This is best used for simple piece part drawing. The results of a parametric or Boolean solid model will yield two dimensional drawings also but are automatically updated when the solid is changed and can generate isometric views.

4. Detailing
A) Provide dimensional data for machinist or fabricator to build parts with.
B) What standards for drawing do customers require, ANSI, Din, ….
C) Customer Title and numbering sequence to fit their system
5. Checking
A) Analyze details to assure parts can be built within cost estimate
B) Assure dimensional data is correct
6. Documentation
A) Hardcopy prints
B) Finished work on CD

For More Information

James Momaly