Our services
Five mechanical design services. One team. One model from design through to certification.
Element Mechanical Design delivers advanced mechanical engineering across five core disciplines. Every service connects to the ohters: CAD feeds simulation, simulation feeds certification, and every piece of documentation comes from the same geometry. Here’s what we do and why it matters.
These are our mechanical design services:
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Discrete Element Modelling (DEM)
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
- Certification
Here’s a little more information on each of our services.
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
3D modelling · Product design · Engineering drawings · DFM review
CAD is where every project starts. We build complete 3D models in SolidWorks, Inventor and Fusion 360. They’re parametric, fully constrained and designed for manufacture from the first sketch. Every project includes a DFM review against the intended manufacturing process before drawings are issued.
We work from sketches, hand drawings, physical samples and existing geometry in any neutral format. Deliverables include PDF drawings to AS 1100, DXF for CNC cutting, STEP for downstream simulation and cut lists for procurement all from the one model.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Structural FEA · Thermal analysis · Fatigue and fracture · Certification evidence
FEA calculates how a structure responds to load before it is built. We run structural, thermal and fatigue simulation on the same geometry used for fabrication. This way, the analysis reflects the actual design, not a simplified approximation of it. Problems found in the model cost a fraction of what they cost in the workshop or on site.
FEA reports are structured for use as certification evidence with WorkSafe WA and DMIRS. Where a project needs both FEA and design registration, we scope them as a single engagement so you get one model, one report, one submission.
Discrete Element Modelling (DEM)
Bulk material flow · Transfer chute design · Wear prediction · Throughput analysis
DEM models bulk materials as individual particles and simulates how they interact with each other and with equipment surfaces. It is the only method that correctly predicts blockage tendencies, particle segregation, wear distribution and throughput limits in transfer chutes, hoppers, screens and feeders (None of which hand calculations can reliably identify).
We simulate iron ore, coal, gold ore, spodumene, nickel laterite, grain, aggregate, pellets and mixed particle size distributions. Particle impact forces from DEM feed directly into FEA on the same structure, giving structural analysis with accurate load inputs rather than conservative blanket factors.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Airflow and ventilation · Thermal management · Wind load analysis · Pressure drop
CFD solves the fluid flow equations across a 3D model to predict pressure, velocity, temperature and force distributions that no hand calculation can give you. We use CFD for electronics enclosure thermal management, industrial ventilation and airflow, heat exchanger and cooling system analysis, and wind load analysis for structures in cyclonic regions where code pressure coefficients are conservative or inapplicable.
For wind loading in WA cyclonic regions, CFD replaces the generalised AS/NZS 1170.2 pressure coefficients with accurate geometry-specific pressure distributions. Often this reduces structural demand and saves material cost where the code approach was excessively conservative.
Certification
WorkSafe WA · DMIRS · Pressure vessels · Structural steel · Lifting equipment · Mining
Regulated plant and structures in Western Australia require design registration before fabrication. We produce the complete certification evidence package: engineering calculations, FEA reports, fabrication drawing package and compliance statement. And we can manage the submission to WorkSafe WA or DMIRS through to approval.
Scope covers pressure vessels, structural steel, lifting equipment, machinery and mining-specific equipment. The certification documentation comes from the same model as the design and fabrication drawings. This means there’s no separate redraw and inconsistency risk between what was analysed and what was registered.
Not sure which service you need?
Send us a brief description of your project and we will tell you which services apply and how they fit together. We respond within one business day.