Mechanical Design Handbook
A practical route through early requirements, manufacturing process, material choice, geometry, DFM, tolerancing and final design release. Use it as a map into the deeper DIVE-LD library.
Follow a complete learning path
Use a topic hub when you want connected guides, tools and verification steps rather than a single article.
Good mechanical design is a chain of connected decisions. A tolerance makes little sense without function; geometry makes little sense without a manufacturing route; and a released drawing is only useful when it communicates the decisions that matter.
Requirements and design intent
Start by making the functional problem explicit: loads, interfaces, envelope, environment, lifetime, quantity, serviceability, regulatory constraints and what failure would mean.
Manufacturing process and material
Screen viable process families before over-optimizing CAD geometry. Then choose material candidates against mechanical, thermal, chemical, environmental and commercial requirements.
Geometry and DFM
Develop geometry with manufacturing constraints visible. Wall thickness, draft, radii, access, bends, supports and assembly features are process-dependent decisions rather than universal rules.
Dimensions, fits, tolerances and GD&T
Define what must be controlled for function and inspection. Avoid tolerancing every dimension tightly; identify the interfaces and geometric relationships that drive assembly and performance.
Verification, drawings and manufacturing handoff
Before release, verify model state, dimensions, tolerances, materials, finishes, notes, revision identity and export files. The drawing and CAD package should describe the same released design.