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Our Mechanical Engineering Experts
We are specialists at finding reliable solutions to even the most challenging structures, mechanisms, materials and environments of use. Our talented designers, electronics and engineering team combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving to deliver products that perform predictably with precision, meet regulatory requirements and manufacturing tolerances – making the impossible possible.
Video: Meet our mechanical design team (1:30min)
Deep Mechanical Know-How is at the Center of Physical Product Design
Our mechanical engineers work closely alongside industrial design, electronics, and software teams to solve technical challenges, speed up development, and keep budgets on track.
Image: Design 1st mechanical team with Waterotor prototype
Our creative mechanical design team solves your complex technical challenges
Our integrated team finds good solutions that avoid costly delays and manufacturing issues:
- 3D modeling and FEA/CFD simulations predict performance before prototyping
- We do custom robotic mechanisms, confined spaces, demanding environments
- Materials selection for manufacturing process, durability, weight, performance…
- Sensor design-integration, even in harsh environments requiring IP67+ protection
- Testing to protocols for drop, shock, thermal, transport, ingress protection..
Mechanical Design Services and Specializations
Delivering precision mechanical design expertise to solve your most challenging technical requirements.
Advanced Simulation and Analysis
Validating designs through virtual testing before physical prototyping:
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural integrity
- Optimize fluid flow –air/water… using CFD tool
- Multi-body dynamics simulation
- Virtual drop and impact testing
- Thermal imaging analysis
- Digital twin simulation
- Pressure vessel and hydraulic system simulation
- Vibration analysis and modal frequency testing
Robotics and Automation Systems
Engineering precise mechanical systems for controlled movement:
- Collaborative robot (cobot) design
- Custom gantry systems with multi-axis control
- Articulated arm mechanisms
- End-effector and tooling design
- Actuator selection and integration
- Sealed rotary joint systems
- Industrial automation systems
- Rugged mobile platforms
Mechanism Design and Complex Systems
Solving precise motion challenges with innovative mechanical solutions:
- Custom gearbox and power transmission design
- Miniaturized mechanisms when space-constrained
- Ruggedized enclosures with IP-rated protection
- Kinematic linkage systems
- Custom latching and quick-release mechanisms
- Hermetically sealed systems
- Spring and elastomer design
- Energy-efficient mechanical systems
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
Optimizing designs for efficient production and assembly:
- Material selection for best fit situation requirements
- Injection molding optimization
- Sheet metal design
- CNC machining specifications
- Manufacturing feasibility assessments
- GD&T implementation
- Design for assembly (DFA)
- Tooling and fixture design
End-to-End Mechanical Design Expertise to Power Your Product Innovation
Our mechanical engineering team tackles the most challenging technical problems—from concept to manufacturing—ensuring your product is robust, manufacturable, and market-ready. By addressing design challenges early and applying specialized expertise, we eliminate the technical roadblocks that typically delay product launches by months.
Ruggedized Engineering for Extreme Environments
Designing for harsh environments requires balancing material science, mechanical protection, and durability testing. Whether it’s underground mining equipment, exposed outdoor installations, or industrial automation, our designs withstand extreme conditions.
We identify environmental stressors early—temperature ranges, moisture ingress, impact scenarios—and select appropriate materials and sealing techniques. This systematic approach prevents field failures while maintaining reasonable manufacturing costs and timelines.
Video: Swabbot Collborative Robot Case study
Robotics and Automation System Design
Developing successful robotics requires expertise in motion control, mechanical kinematics, and system integration. Our team specializes in custom robotic solutions that solve complex industrial challenges.
We design collaborative robots, multi-axis positioning systems, and precision end effectors that deliver consistent results. From tank cleaning cobots to automated test equipment, we build mechanical systems that extend human capabilities while meeting strict performance requirements.
Strategic Learning
Competitive products research and reverse engineering accelerates development by building upon existing mechanical solutions, reducing both cost and risk. Our process combines detailed physical examination, advanced scanning techniques, and systematic analysis to understand how successful products work.
We identify critical dimensions, material properties, and mechanical interactions to create enhanced designs with improved performance. This approach is particularly valuable for complex mechanisms, legacy part replacements, and competitive product analysis—delivering faster time-to-market while ensuring compatibility with existing systems.
Video: VP Electronics Explains Designing Electronics for Manufacturing
Design for Manufacturing and Production Optimization
Manufacturing constraints directly impact product cost, quality, and production timelines. We identify optimal manufacturing processes early—injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal forming—and design specifically for those methods.
Our mechanical engineers implement proper draft angles, wall thicknesses, and tolerance specifications from the concept phase. This systematic DFM approach prevents costly redesigns and tooling modifications, ensuring your product transitions smoothly from prototype to volume production with predictable costs and quality.
Fully Certified and Award-Winning
Our company and staff are professional engineers with multiple industry certifications.
Need help tackling tough technical challenges in your product development?
Design 1st integrates our knowledge and expertise with yours to bring your product idea to life.
Related Technology Expertise
Audio Design
From award-winning HiFi equipment to alarm systems, and phones, we have the expertise to integrate audio into your next project.
Robotics and Mechanisms
Simple to robust mechanisms, and fully autonomous robotic devices, our integrated design and engineering team can meet your requirements.
Body Worn Devices
Deep wearable expertise for human-worn devices with connectivity, and comfortable ergonomic fits that the needs of your product.