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What Is Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering?

Larry Ray Palmer
Larry Ray Palmer

Mechanical manufacturing engineering is a form of product design. When products are engineered for mechanical manufacturing, they are designed to be assembled from several component parts. Individuals who create these designs are called manufacturing engineers.

The process of mechanical manufacturing engineering requires the design team to carefully consider how a product will be assembled. During the design phase, the product prototype is created and disassembled into component parts. These parts are then reassembled in a predetermined plan to create a finished product. By design, a mechanically manufactured part can be repaired or upgraded through disassembly and the addition of replacement parts.

Manufacturers seek products that require little assembly time to increase profit margins.
Manufacturers seek products that require little assembly time to increase profit margins.

Using this design process, manufacturers can design products which require less assembly time, thus increasing the profit margin. Using assembly line production in conjunction with the mechanical manufacturing engineering process, products can be assembled at manufacturing facilities around the globe with the same specifications as those produced in the original factory. These products and their components can often be assembled in remote locations, where workers can offer the service at a much lower cost to the manufacturer.

Mechanical manufacturing engineers use statistical processes to ensure that personnel and equipment are used efficiently.
Mechanical manufacturing engineers use statistical processes to ensure that personnel and equipment are used efficiently.

When companies employ mechanical manufacturing engineering, they usually see a significant increase in productivity and cost-effectiveness. Parts designed for the mechanical manufacturing process can be created off site to specifications by a low bidder. This frees up resources within the manufacturer's own plant for building the assembled products or designing new products.

Mechanical manufacturing engineering is used in many production processes. One common example of this type of engineering is the automobile. Automobile manufacturers create parts which can be used to build or repair cars and trucks. Aftermarket parts are sometimes built which improve performance or change the aesthetic look of the automobile.

By incorporating mechanical manufacturing engineering in the design phase, manufacturers create an additional market for replacement or upgrade parts. This helps to supplement the market for the sale of a complete product. By offering spare parts, manufacturers can add value to their products because consumers can extend the life of their purchases.

Another advantage to mechanical manufacturing engineering is the ability to upgrade products. Aftermarket parts offer the consumer the ability to add functionality to their purchases. Manufactures of products such as computers or automobiles often use the ability to upgrade parts as a selling point. Once a product is assembled, aftermarket parts created using the mechanical manufacturing engineering process can be retro-fitted to improve the function of an existing product.

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    • Manufacturers seek products that require little assembly time to increase profit margins.
      By: gmg9130
      Manufacturers seek products that require little assembly time to increase profit margins.
    • Mechanical manufacturing engineers use statistical processes to ensure that personnel and equipment are used efficiently.
      By: maxhalanski
      Mechanical manufacturing engineers use statistical processes to ensure that personnel and equipment are used efficiently.