Finding the right person to handle your machinery design can be tricky
There are plenty of people who can draw something that looks good on a screen, but not everyone knows how to make it buildable in a real workshop. Good machinery design should save you time, reduce rework, and help the fabrication process go smoothly from start to finish.
Here are 5 key things to look for when choosing a designer for your next machinery project.
1. Machinery design should be based on real jobs
The best designers are the ones who’ve done work that’s actually been built, used, and tested — not just rendered models. If someone has worked closely with fabricators or in a workshop environment, they’ll understand what works and what causes problems.
2. They should use the right tools for machinery design
SolidWorks is the industry standard for machinery design because it connects directly to the machines that cut, fold and weld steel. Using the right software means your drawings are accurate, workshop-ready and easy for fabricators to follow.
This is what I use for every project.
3. Clear communication matters
If your designer can’t explain things in plain English, you’ll run into dramas later. Good machinery design isn’t about overcomplicating things — it’s about solving problems clearly, keeping things simple, and making sure everyone understands the plan.
4. Look for fabrication knowledge
Understanding how steel behaves, where welds should go, what can and can’t be bent, and how parts fit together is a huge part of mechanical and machinery design. This experience can’t be faked, and it makes a big difference to whether your project goes smoothly or turns into a rebuild.
5. Check their design-to-build process
A proper machinery design process includes communication with fabricators, practical problem-solving, and drawings that lead naturally into the build. The Australian Manufacturing Forum has great insight into how design turns into fabrication across the country — worth a read if you’re comparing designers.
Need help with machinery design for your next project?
If you’re starting a new machinery project and want straight advice from someone who’s been on both sides — design and fabrication — I’m here to help. I’ll tell you what’s worth doing, what’s not, and help you get it workshop-ready.