Steps for Designing a Machine Member

Specifically there is no fixed machine design procedure for any new machine element of the machine to be designed as there are  a number of options that have to be considered during the design.

The designer who develops the habit of following a fixed line of steps for designing the machine or machine elements cannot come out with the best product. When the new product is to be developed the problems keep on arising at design stage, and these can be solved only by having flexible approach and considering various ways.

Important Steps for Designing a Machine

Here are some guidelines as to how the machine design engineer can proceed with the design:

1) Make the written statement

Make the written statement of what exactly is the problem for which the machine design needs to be done. 
This statement should be very clear and precise, as detailed as possible. Say if you want to develop a new product write down the details about the project so that the further criteria could be fulfilled.

2) Consider the possible mechanisms

When you design the machine consider all the possible mechanisms that could help you get the desired motion or the group of motions in your proposed machine. From the various available options the suitable best can be selected as required.

3) Transmitted forces

Machine is made up of various machine elements on which various forces are applied.
These elements become the transmitting link among the machine members. Calculate the forces acting on each of the element and the amount of energy transmitted by them.

4) Material selection

Now for manufacturing your machine components there would be wide range and variety of  materials available to choose.
Select the appropriate materials for each element of the machine so that they can sustain all the forces and at the same time they should have least possible cost.

5) Find allowable stress

All the machine elements are subjected to stress whether small or large during their operation period. 
Considering the various forces acting on the machine elements, their material and other factors that affect the strength of the machine calculate the allowable or design stress for the machine elements so that a safety limit can be assigned called as safety factor.

6) Dimensions of the machine elements

Now this step involves finding out the appropriate dimensions for the machine elements considering the forces acting on it, the material, and the allowable design stress. The size of the machine elements should be such that they should not distort or break and should have the capacity to withstand any physical defect when loads are applied.

7) Consider the past experience

This is the most important factor that plays a vital role in the design steps. If you have a past experience of designing the machine element or possess any earlier records of the company, consider them and make the necessary changes in the design as required. The designer can also consider his own personal judgment so as to facilitate the production of the machine and machine elements.

8) Make drawings

Once you complete all the above designing steps for the machine and machine elements now you need to make the assembly drawings of the whole machines and detailed drawings of all the elements of the machine. In the drawings clearly specify and mention the dimensions of the assembly and the machine elements, their total number required, the material required and method of their production. The designer should also specify the accuracy, surface finish and other related parameters for the machine elements.

Thus by following all these crucial steps of designing you can manufacture any machine member or machine element to design your machine.