Our work covers individual workstations, special-purpose machines, robotic cells and complete production systems. Whether you are automating a repetitive manual task, improving an existing process or developing a new machine for your customer, our mechanical engineering team can extend your internal design capacity and help move the project from an initial idea to a coordinated engineering package.
Engineering Built Around Your Product and Process
Off-the-shelf equipment is valuable when the process is standard. But many production problems involve unique parts, variable products, limited floor space, demanding cycle times, special handling conditions or interfaces with existing equipment. In those cases, the machine must be designed around the real application—not the other way around.
Our custom machine design approach begins with the part, process and operating environment. We consider how materials enter the machine, how they are located and controlled, what actions must be completed, how quality is checked, how products leave the station and how operators and maintenance teams will interact with the equipment.
The result is a machine concept developed to balance performance, manufacturability, safety, serviceability, project cost and future flexibility.
What Our Custom Machine Design Services Include
- Requirements review and engineering clarification
- Concept development and comparison of alternative solutions
- Machine architecture, sequence and functional layout
- 3D mechanical design of frames, mechanisms, guards and tooling
- Part handling, feeding, transfer and orientation concepts
- Pneumatic and hydraulic actuator selection and circuit support
- Motor, gearbox, bearing, linear guide and transmission selection
- Robot, conveyor, vision, sensor and end-of-arm-tooling integration layouts
- Design calculations, motion studies and finite element analysis when required
- Detailed manufacturing drawings and assembly drawings
- Bill of materials and standard component lists
- Design revisions, drawing updates and engineering support during fabrication
- As-built documentation and design optimization for future machine versions
Deliverables are tailored to the project stage. GMD Services can support a complete machine development package or a defined portion of the design, such as concept engineering, detailed CAD, mechanism development, drawing production or design improvement.
Custom Machine Design Capabilities
Our pillar service brings together six connected engineering disciplines. Each can be delivered as a stand-alone design service or combined into a larger automated system.
Packaging Machine Design Services
Packaging equipment must handle products consistently while protecting product quality, meeting the required throughput and integrating with upstream and downstream processes. We design custom packaging machines and subsystems around the product format, packaging material, loading method, sealing or closing process, inspection requirements and end-of-line workflow.
Typical applications include product infeed and orientation, pouch or carton handling, case packing, palletizing interfaces, labeling stations, wrapping systems, indexing conveyors, reject mechanisms and changeover tooling. Designs can include guides, clamps, pushers, lifts, rotary devices, servo-driven axes, pneumatic mechanisms and guarding.
Explore Packaging Machine Design Services: https://gmd.engineering/packaging-machine-design-services/
Packaging Machine Design Services
Assembly Machine Design Services
Assembly machines bring multiple parts together in a controlled sequence. The engineering challenge is not only joining components, but also feeding, orienting, locating, verifying and transferring them without damaging the product or creating unstable process variation.
We design manual-assisted, semi-automatic and fully automatic assembly equipment for pressing, inserting, fastening, welding, bonding, clipping, crimping and multi-stage component assembly. The machine concept can include nests, fixtures, feeders, indexing tables, linear transfer systems, servo presses, pneumatic tools, sensors, vision inspection and traceability interfaces.
Explore Assembly Machine Design Services: https://gmd.engineering/assembly-machine-design-services/
Assembly Machine Design Services
Automation Machine Design Services
Custom automation machine design is suitable when a repetitive, hazardous, inconsistent or labor-intensive process needs a purpose-built solution. We convert the required sequence into a mechanical architecture that coordinates motion, tooling, product flow, sensing and operator interaction.
Projects may include loading and unloading stations, inspection systems, processing machines, leak-test fixtures, transfer equipment, sorting systems, trimming units, marking stations and special-purpose production equipment. The design is developed with practical interfaces for PLC control, sensors, actuators, safety devices and factory utilities.
Automation Machine Design Services: https://gmd.engineering/automation-machine-design-services/
Automation Machine Design Services
Robotic Cell Design Services
A successful robotic cell requires more than selecting a robot. The entire work envelope, product presentation, reach, payload, cycle, end-of-arm tooling, safety concept and material flow must function as one coordinated system.
We develop robotic cell layouts for material handling, machine tending, palletizing, depalletizing, packaging, assembly and other industrial processes. Scope can include robot positioning, reach studies, EOAT concepts, fixtures, guarding, conveyors, pallet stations, access doors, maintenance clearances and interfaces with surrounding equipment. Robot simulation or motion validation can be added when the application requires it.
Explore Robotic Cell Design Services: https://gmd.engineering/robotic-cell-design-services/
Robotic Cell Design Services
Pick and Place System Design Services
Pick-and-place systems must repeatedly identify, grip, move and release products within the required cycle time. We design systems using Cartesian axes, gantries, delta robots, SCARA robots, articulated robots or dedicated mechanical transfer mechanisms, depending on the payload, speed, accuracy and working envelope. Design considerations include part presentation, gripping method, vacuum or mechanical tooling, acceleration, product stability, collision avoidance, placement accuracy, reject handling and changeover. The system can be integrated with conveyors, trays, vision cameras, indexing tables, machines or packaging equipment.
Pick and Place System Design Services: https://gmd.engineering/pick-and-place-system-design-services/
Pick and Place System Design Services
Production Line Design Services
When multiple machines and processes must work together, production line design becomes a system-level engineering task. We plan the overall product flow, station sequence, buffers, transfers, operator access, maintenance access and interfaces between equipment.
Our production line design services can cover line concepts, 2D and 3D factory layouts, conveyor routing, station integration, cycle-time balancing support, safety zoning and detailed mechanical design of custom stations. We can work with new lines or redesign existing layouts to improve capacity, ergonomics, material flow or future expandability.
Production Line Design Services
One Engineering Partner Across the Machine Lifecycle
Machine development is rarely a single drawing task. Decisions made during the concept stage affect component selection, fabrication cost, assembly time, programming complexity, safety and long-term maintenance. Our design workflow keeps those dependencies visible from the beginning.
| Project stage |
How GMD Services can support |
| Feasibility |
Review the process, identify key risks, develop preliminary layouts and compare concepts. |
| Concept design |
Define machine architecture, operating sequence, principal mechanisms, product flow and preliminary components. |
| Detailed design |
Complete 3D CAD, mechanisms, frames, tooling, guarding, purchased-component integration and interfaces. |
| Documentation |
Prepare part drawings, assembly drawings, BOMs, pneumatic information and technical documentation. |
| Build support |
Answer fabrication questions, review deviations and revise the design when field realities require changes. |
| Optimization |
Improve cycle, reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, cost or modularity for the next version. |
Our Custom Machine Design Process
A structured process reduces technical uncertainty and helps every stakeholder review the same design intent. The exact stages depend on project size, but a typical engagement follows these steps:
- Discovery and requirements definition — We review the product, process, input and output conditions, target cycle, payload, accuracy, available space, utilities, operator needs, applicable customer standards and expected deliverables.
- Concept development — We prepare the initial layout and evaluate suitable mechanisms, feeding methods, actuators, tooling and system architecture. Alternative concepts can be compared when the risk or investment justifies it.
- Design review and concept approval — Key dimensions, operating sequence, access, interfaces and assumptions are reviewed before detailed engineering begins.
- Detailed mechanical design — The approved concept is developed into a coordinated 3D assembly with frames, mechanisms, guards, tooling, drives, sensors and standard components.
- Engineering validation — Critical loads, motion, reach, clearance, deflection, collision risk and service access are checked using calculations, CAD analysis, FEA or motion simulation as appropriate.
- Manufacturing documentation — We create detailed part and assembly drawings, BOMs and supporting information for procurement, fabrication and assembly.
- Build and revision support — During manufacturing or installation, we answer technical questions and update the documentation where approved changes are required.
- Final handover — The agreed native CAD files, drawings, BOMs and project documentation are organized and delivered in the required formats.
Design Deliverables
A clear engineering package helps your fabricators, purchasing team, controls engineers and assembly technicians work from consistent information. Depending on scope, deliverables may include:
- Native Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks files
- STEP and other neutral 3D exchange formats
- General arrangement and machine layout drawings
- Detailed fabrication and machining drawings
- Assembly and subassembly drawings
- Bill of materials with specified standard components
- Pneumatic or hydraulic circuit documentation when included
- Motion studies, reach studies, engineering calculations or FEA reports when included
- PDF drawing packages and Excel BOM exports
- Revision records and final as-built updates when contracted
File formats, naming conventions, drawing templates, languages and revision procedures can be aligned with your engineering standards before the project starts.
Designed for Manufacture, Assembly and Maintenance
A machine can look complete in CAD and still be difficult to build or maintain. Our reviews consider the realities of fabrication and operation: weld access, machining setups, tolerance chains, fastener access, cable and hose routing, installation sequence, lifting points, inspection access, lubrication, wear-part replacement and changeover.
We also identify where modular construction, standardized components or adjustable tooling may reduce manufacturing effort and support multiple products. Where a client or fabricator has preferred suppliers, standards or workshop capabilities, we can design within those constraints.
Mechanical, Electrical and Controls Coordination
The mechanical design must provide clear interfaces for controls and electrical integration. We coordinate the physical locations and mechanical provisions for sensors, valves, motors, servo systems, cameras, safety devices, electrical cabinets, junction boxes and cable management.
When electrical design, PLC programming or robot programming is provided by your team or another partner, we can collaborate around the I/O concept, operating sequence, safety functions and device requirements. This helps reduce late-stage changes caused by missing mounting space, inaccessible sensors or unclear interfaces.
Safety and Risk-Aware Design
Machine safety must be addressed from the earliest concept stages and completed under the responsibility of the party placing the final machine into service. Our mechanical design can support risk-reduction measures such as fixed and movable guarding, interlocked access, safe maintenance space, load retention, mechanical stops, controlled access and separation of people from hazardous motion.
Applicable directives, regulations, customer standards and risk assessment responsibilities should be defined at project kickoff. Compliance, certification and final validation are included only when expressly stated in the agreed scope.
Software and Engineering Tools
GMD Services works with established mechanical engineering platforms to support efficient collaboration and reliable file exchange.
- Autodesk Inventor for parametric 3D machine design, assemblies, drawings and iLogic automation
- SolidWorks for mechanical design and client-compatible project delivery
- AutoCAD for 2D layouts, legacy drawings and factory planning
- Finite element analysis for selected frames, brackets and load-bearing components
- Motion simulation and interference checking for critical mechanisms and sequences
- Neutral formats such as STEP, DXF, DWG, PDF and Excel for downstream collaboration.
Applications and Industries
Custom machinery can be developed for many industrial environments. Typical applications include:
- Automotive and component manufacturing
- Electronics and electrical assembly
- Packaging and consumer products
- Food and beverage secondary packaging
- Metalworking and sheet-metal processing
- Warehouse and material-handling systems
- Plastics, rubber and molded components
- Industrial equipment and OEM machine development
- Palletizing, depalletizing and end-of-line automation
- Inspection, testing, sorting and traceability stations
Every application has different hygiene, material, precision, environmental and regulatory needs. Those requirements are confirmed before the design basis is finalized.
Why Work with GMD Services?
- Practical machine-design experience — More than a decade of mechanical engineering experience applied to real mechanisms, production constraints and industrial equipment.
- Flexible project scope — Engage us for a complete design package, an overflow engineering assignment or a defined subsystem.
- International remote collaboration — Structured reviews, clear file exchange and documented decisions support projects across time zones.
- Native CAD delivery — Receive editable source files and organized documentation according to the agreed project scope.
- Manufacturing-focused engineering — Designs consider fabrication, assembly, access, maintenance and standard component availability.
- Scalable engineering capacity — Add design resources without expanding your permanent internal team.
- Confidentiality — Project information and intellectual property are handled under agreed confidentiality and contractual terms.
Who We Work With
Our custom machine design services are suitable for:
- Manufacturers automating or improving an internal production process
- Machine builders that need additional mechanical design capacity
- System integrators developing complete automation solutions
- OEMs creating a new product platform or machine variant
- Engineering departments facing a temporary workload peak
- Fabricators that need professional 3D design, drawings and BOMs before building
- Companies converting a proven concept, prototype or legacy machine into production-ready documentation
What We Need to Start Your Project
You do not need a perfect specification to begin. A preliminary discussion can help identify missing information. When available, the following inputs improve the accuracy of the proposal and concept:
- Product 3D models, drawings, samples, photos or videos
- Required process sequence and quality checks
- Target cycle time, production rate or batch size
- Payload, forces, accuracy and repeatability requirements
- Available floor space and interfaces with existing equipment
- Preferred components, controls platform and supplier standards
- Environmental, hygiene, cleanability or material requirements
- Applicable customer standards and responsibility for compliance
- Expected CAD format, drawing standard, BOM structure and documentation language
- Target schedule and the roles of your fabricator, controls partner and commissioning team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is custom machine design?
Custom machine design is the engineering of machinery around a specific product, process, production target and operating environment. Unlike a standard machine selected from a catalog, the layout, mechanisms, tooling, controls interfaces and documentation are developed for the application.
Can you design a complete machine from an initial idea?
Yes. A project can begin with a process description, sample product, sketch, video or preliminary layout. We then clarify requirements, develop the concept and proceed through detailed design and manufacturing documentation according to the agreed scope.
Do you manufacture and build the machines?
GMD Services primarily provides engineering and machine design services. We can create the build-ready design package and coordinate with your selected fabricator, system integrator or manufacturing partner. Any fabrication, assembly, installation or commissioning responsibility must be separately defined in the project scope.
Can you improve or redesign an existing machine?
Yes. We can review an existing design, identify mechanical issues and develop modifications for capacity, reliability, safety, maintainability, changeover or manufacturing cost. Existing CAD files, drawings, photos, measurements and operating feedback are useful inputs.
Which CAD software do you use?
Our primary platform is Autodesk Inventor. We also work with SolidWorks and AutoCAD and can deliver neutral formats such as STEP, DXF, DWG and PDF. The required software version and file structure should be agreed before work begins.
Can you work with our company standards and preferred components?
Yes. We can follow supplied drawing templates, naming conventions, material standards, approved-component lists and preferred suppliers. These requirements should be provided at kickoff so they can be applied consistently.
How long does a custom machine design project take?
The schedule depends on machine complexity, the completeness of requirements, the number of review cycles and the required documentation. A concept or subsystem may take weeks, while a complex machine or production line can require several months. We provide a project-specific schedule after reviewing the scope and inputs.
Can you sign an NDA?
Yes. We can review and sign an appropriate non-disclosure agreement before receiving confidential project information.
Do you support projects outside Vietnam?
Yes. GMD Services is structured for international remote engineering collaboration. Reviews can be conducted by video meeting, and CAD files, drawings, BOMs and technical decisions can be exchanged through agreed project channels.
Can you provide only part of the design service?
Yes. Support can be limited to concept development, a mechanism or fixture, 3D CAD, detailed drawings, calculations, FEA, drawing conversion, BOM preparation or engineering revisions. The boundaries and interfaces are defined before starting.
Start Your Custom Machine Design Project
If your process cannot be solved effectively with standard equipment, a purpose-built machine may be the right next step. Share your product, process, target output, available space and current challenges with GMD Services. We will review the application, identify the key engineering questions and propose a practical scope for the next design stage.
