Mechanical designers play a crucial role in creating and developing machinery parts, products, components, or systems. As such, they will require a range of different technical skills to be successful. Here is an overview of the essential technical skills for mechanical designers.
CAD proficiency
One of the first essential technical skills for mechanical designers is CAD proficiency. Computer-aided design (or CAD) is an essential skill that will be used frequently to transform plans and concepts into tangible designs and prototypes.
CAD proficiency can include both 2D technical drawings and 3D modelling. As such, successful mechanical designers will require advanced CAD proficiency with a range of CAD software. It’s also important to now incorporate AI and machine learning into CAD systems.
Here are some of the most popular CAD software that mechanical designers should be proficient using:
- SolidWorks – used for 3D modelling, part design, and assembly.
- AutoCAD – a standard 2D drafting and 3D modelling software.
- CATIA – commonly used in aerospace and automotive for complex surfaces.
- PTC Creo – a popular CAD software for parametric and direct modelling.
- Fashion 360 – a cloud-based software for CAD and simulations.
Other elements of CAD proficiency that can be beneficial to mechanical designers are sheet metal design and surface modelling. Sheet metal design involves designing components with sheet metal using CAD software while surface modelling involves creating curved surfaces, such as car bodies.
Computer Aided Manufacturing
Alongside CAD, mechanical designers also require computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) skills. CAM refers to the software and computer-controlled machinery that automates a manufacturing process.
As such, mechanical designers will require knowledge of how to utilise and implement CAM software to improve the efficiency of manufacturing processes. There are different CAM software you need to be familiar with, including Mastercam and Fusion 360 CAM.
You will also need an understanding of the relationship between design and manufacturing. This will include tool paths, g-code generation, and machine set-up. Successful implementation of CAM software helps ensure precision and accuracy in manufacturing processes.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Finite element analysis is another crucial aspect of a mechanical design role and is another essential technical skill. A mathematical technique, finite element analysis (FEA) predicts object behaviour under varying physical conditions to find vaults in design prototypes.
FEA uses calculations, models, and simulations within the finite element method. Using such a method provides insights into complex structures and systems, which in turn helps in making more informed design decisions.
Proficiency in using finite element analysis software reduces the number of physical prototypes and experiments. It also enables mechanical designers to better optimise components at the design stage. This enables the development of better products quicker and reduces expenses.
As such, successful mechanical designers will need a proficient understanding of FEA tools. Some of the most popular FEA tools include SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, and Abaqus. You should also be able to interpret results to help optimise designs for improved efficiency.
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance
Geometric dimensioning and tolerance (GD&T) is a symbolic language used in manufacturing. It helps optimally control and communicate manufacturing process variations that occur due to the differing sizes and dimensions of manufactured items.
The use of GD&T informs manufacturing partners and inspectors of the extent of allowable variation during product assembly. This helps to standardise how the variation is measured. This helps reduce assembly failures and rejection rates.
GD&T uses an established library of symbols to convey different design intents. Mechanical designers will require an understanding of GD&T and how to use it within drawings and designs. You will also require an understanding of the different symbols and how to apply them.
Material Science knowledge
Another technical skill for mechanical designers is material science knowledge. Material selection is a crucial part of mechanical design ensuring you select the material most appropriate for its application.
As each design project and needs will differ, some materials will work better than others. As such, mechanical designers need strong material science knowledge to be able to select the most suitable material for a given project.
An example of this would be heat transfer. Heat transfer properties can affect the material decision. A mechanical designer would need to choose an appropriate material that can either withstand high temperatures or insulate heat.
Mechanical designs will require knowledge of material properties for a range of materials, including polymers, metals, composites, and their applications. It’s also important that they understand how material selection impacts design, manufacturing, and product performance.
Industry 4.0 knowledge
Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution resulting from cyber-physical systems. The increasing rise and usage of automation and smart machines are helping to transform manufacturing.
Combined with the increasing usage of automation and smart machines, the growth of informed data is helping to improve efficiency and productivity throughout the value chain. This results in producing goods more efficiently.
Industry 4.0 has four foundational types of disruptive technologies that can be incorporated throughout the value chain:
- Advanced engineering, such as renewable energy nanoparticles, and additive manufacturing.
- Human-machine interaction, such as autonomous guided vehicles, VR, AR, robotics, and automation.
- Analytics and intelligence, such as advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
- Internet of Things, such as cloud technology, the Internet, blockchain, and sensors.
Given the rapid growth of automation and how Industry 4.0 is impacting manufacturing, mechanical designers need to have knowledge of these technologies and how to integrate them into the design process.
Successful mechanical designers will require a range of technical skills and experience to be successful. With a high shortage of available technical skills, a candidate with such expertise is highly sought after.