Firstly, one should never assume that mechanical engineering is only about structures, nor should one think that the design of structures only involves the use of software such as PROE, SolidWorks, etc.
In fact, those who work on mechanical structures have an inherent advantage, as all products are built on a structural platform, allowing the possibility of expansion in any direction. Structural engineering can lead to a more intuitive understanding of the product, making it more rigorous and practical.
On the other hand, structural engineering is a long and arduous process, but once mastered, you will not be afraid of getting older, and may even become more valued over time.
So what are the stages of progression for a mechanical engineer?
I. Beginner Level
1. Beginner Level 1
You can use AUTOCAD to create some simple 2D diagrams and based on these diagrams imagine the 3D shape of the product.
2. Beginner Level 2
Your 2D diagrams can now display information such as tolerances, materials, surface treatments and technical requirements. Furthermore, this information is marked by you and you understand what this entails.
3. Beginner Level 3
You've learned how to create 2D diagrams and the designs you draw look viable for real production, even if you sometimes make mistakes. For example, the accuracy requirements may be so high that not even the Germans could achieve them, much less Master John from your workshop. According to your leader's requirements, you can use 3D software to generate a model for display. While it may not have much practical value, it does offer a sense of accomplishment.
II. Beginner level
1. Beginner Level 1
You are now well aware of how your product is manufactured and understand the importance of each step in the process. If improvements are needed, you can usually decide where to start. You can also guess the potential impacts of the improvements.
At this point, you have realized the profound importance of 2D engineering drawings over 3D models. You start to look down on so-called mechanical engineers who can only create 3D models using software.
2. Beginner Level 2
You begin to understand the concept of business computerization. You realize that 3D design is really useful and can integrate information from your beloved process.
At this stage, you must be proficient in using 3D software to design common parts, generate sufficient 2D engineering diagrams to guide production, or machine them directly on numerical control equipment.
III. Expert level
1. Level 1 Expert
You are now able to use relevant design software to manage production, including creating designs and managing bills of materials (BOM). You have a clear understanding of the production process, can identify key technical points and focus on resolving them.
You have even started using finite element analysis for strength, fatigue, etc., and can easily write a detailed design document.
Deceiving newbies is no longer a problem. Furthermore, if you haven't become a design supervisor yet, it may be due to the need for more effort in interpersonal relationships.
2. Level 2 Specialist
You start to feel like simple, repetitive drawing is wasting your time, as these things are already second nature to you.
You would rather spend more time improving the overall competitiveness of the product, for example, how to reduce costs, how to improve process flow, and how to increase project efficiency.
You can see that your product still has deficiencies in structure, materials and function. You realize this is not something you can change alone.
You begin to use the surrounding technical resources for systematic considerations, formulate plans to increase the product's competitiveness, and list the technical knots to be overcome one by one.
3. Level 3 Expert
At this point, you have moved beyond the realm of “structural design.” You must make it very clear that there is not much potential left to explore in the structure of your product. But around the framework, you can focus on the various resource requirements of the entire machine.
In a series of fields such as EMC, heat dissipation, noise, safety regulations, environment, ergonomics, DFX (DFM manufacturability, DFI installability, DFA mountability, DFT testability), you can flexibly permeate and apply, comprehensively enhancing the core competitiveness of products.
4. Master level
Being responsible for the core competitiveness of the entire product is your fundamental task. Simultaneously, you need to understand national and international manufacturing standards and specifications.
You must be aware of the limits your product would encounter if sold in Europe or North America, what type of certifications are required, and how to improve your product to meet these requirements.
You also need to be completely familiar with competitors' products, able to clearly highlight their weaknesses and the advantages of your own product.
You understand industry trends, can predict the product development trajectory for the next 5 or even 10 years and formulate long-term development strategies, guiding your subordinates in relevant technical accumulation.
