Mechanical engineering
Our services cover everything from initial prototypes to 0-series and full-scale series production. We ensure that the appropriate production technology is selected to meet the specific needs of each project.
A mechanical engineer in an electronic development environment designs and integrates the physical components of electronic products. They focus on creating non-electronic parts, such as housings, enclosures, and cooling systems, ensuring they fit with electronic components and meet functional and aesthetic requirements. The engineer collaborates closely with electrical and software engineers to ensure that all components work together seamlessly, from initial concept sketches to final production, whether for prototypes or mass-produced items. Their work ensures the product's mechanical aspects support its overall functionality and user experience.
When and why does your project need a mechanical engineer
Electronic and mechanical prototyping work hand-in-hand to develop functional, reliable products. In electronic prototyping, components such as microcontrollers, sensors and circuits are tested to ensure they function correctly. Mechanical prototyping, meanwhile focuses on the physical structure, using materials like plastic, metal or composites to create enclosures, frameworks and moving parts. By combining these processes, developers can test the integration of electronic components within the physical design, validating factors like fit, durability and usability. This collaborative approach is essential for iterating designs efficiently, leading to higher-quality products that are ready for production and able to meet user needs effectively.
At VEDS Group, once the system architect, hardware engineers, and software engineers have provided their insights on the product to be developed, the mechanical engineer begins devising and designing the mechanical components. This design work encompasses both the internal structure and the external appearance of the product as requested by the customer. In our context, mechanical design refers to all non-electronic parts of a product.
The process begins with identifying the core problem: understanding how the product should function and its intended appearance. Key questions guide this phase, such as determining the product's size, the requirements it must meet, and other critical factors that will influence its functionality.
Following this initial assessment, the mechanical engineer embarks on a creative journey that ranges from rapid hand sketches to detailed designs for first 3D-printed prototypes, later replaced by for example injection-molded parts. During this process, the engineer must carefully consider various factors, including the designed hardware, the materials to be used, heat dissipation, and potential condensation within the electronic components.
Specializations
Injection Moulding: A manufacturing process where molten material is injected into a mold to create precise, high-volume plastic parts.
3D-Printed Products: Items produced layer by layer using additive manufacturing, allowing rapid prototyping for custom designs.
Sheet Material (Laser Cutting, Bending, and Squaring): Metal sheets are shaped using laser cutting for precision, then bent and squared to form structural parts.
CNC Parts (Turning and Milling): Computer-controlled machines precisely cut, shape, and finish metal or plastic parts through turning (rotational shaping) and milling (cutting).
Production and Test Tools: Custom tools and fixtures designed to streamline manufacturing and ensure product quality during production and testing.
Devising Functional Use: Creating designs that prioritize the practical, functional operation of the product according to user needs and requirements.
Defining the Look and Feel of the Product: Establishing the product’s aesthetic and tactile qualities to align with user expectations and brand identity.
Bearing in Mind the Producibility and Assembly Possibilities: Ensuring the design is feasible to manufacture and assemble efficiently, reducing production costs and complexity.
