Understanding Types (Domains) of Mechanical Design
- Bhargava Krishna Marripati
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
Table of Contents
Introduction
Mechanical design is the process of turning ideas into real, working products. It helps engineers build everything from mobile phones and car parts to machines used in factories.
Types of Mechanical Design is usually divided into three main categories:
Product Design
Tool Design
Special Purpose Machine (SPM) Design
Let’s understand each of these in simple terms.
Types of Mechanical Design
1. Product Design
Product design is all about creating new products. It begins with an idea and ends with a real working model or sample. This is the first step in making things we use every day or in industries.
Types of Product Design
New Product Design
Creating completely new products that haven’t been made before.
Plastic Product Design
Designing parts made from plastic, such as bottles or mobile cases. Designers think about how plastic flows inside a mold and how it cools.
Sheet Metal Product Design
Making things from thin metal sheets—like car doors, cabinets, or enclosures. Designers consider how to bend, cut, and join the sheets.
Metal Casting Product Design
Designing parts that are made by pouring melted metal into a mold. Care is taken to prevent cracks or air bubbles.
Glass Product Design
Used for items like windows, glass jars, or decorative objects. It must look good and be strong and safe.
Wood Product Design
Used for things like furniture or wooden tools. Designers focus on shape, joints, and polish.
Soft Trim Product Design
Involves items made from foam, fabric, or leather—like car seats, cushions, or furniture.
2. Tool Design
Tool design is about making tools that help in the manufacturing process. These tools make it easier to produce products quickly and accurately.
Types of Tool Design
Press Tool Design
Tools used to press, cut, or shape sheet metal parts.
Plastic Mold Design
Designing molds that shape plastic parts. This includes how the plastic enters the mold and how it cools.
Welding Fixture Design
Tools that hold metal parts together in the correct position while they are being welded.
Checking Fixture Design
Tools used to check if the final part has the correct size and shape.
Jigs and Fixtures Design
Special tools that guide machines or hold parts steady during machining or assembly.
3. Special Purpose Machine (SPM) Design
SPM design is about creating machines for specific and unique industrial tasks. These machines are usually custom-built and not available off the shelf.
Types of SPM Design
Food Processing Machine Design
Machines like mixers, grinders, conveyors, and packaging machines used in food factories.
Medical Equipment Design
Designing surgical tools, diagnostic machines, and other medical devices that are safe and reliable.
Construction Equipment Design
Includes designing heavy machines like cranes, bulldozers, and excavators used at construction sites.
Agriculture Machine Design
Focused on tools and machines used in farming, such as tractors, harvesters, and seeders.
Kitchen Utensil Design
Creating home or industrial kitchen tools, like gas stoves, mixers, or cookers. Safety and ease of use are important here.
Conclusion
Mechanical design is the foundation of all physical products we see around us. Whether it’s a mobile phone cover, a car seat, or a farming machine, it all starts with good design.
By understanding the three main areas of mechanical design—Product Design, Tool Design, and SPM Design—you can find the area that suits your interest and skills.
Each domain needs a unique set of knowledge and helps create smarter, better, and more efficient products.
Comentarios