Product engineering · Switzerland
Product Design.
DOMTEKNIKA develops products and mechanisms for industrial companies and innovators, from the initial architecture to components prepared for industrialisation.
Discuss your requirementsTechnical insight
The detail that changes an assembly: tolerances.
Manufactured dimensions vary within the limits specified on a drawing. In an assembly, those variations combine: a guide can jam, a seal can be compressed incorrectly or alignment can drift. Design therefore needs to account for the behaviour of real parts.
| Design point | What can happen | Define on the drawing |
|---|---|---|
| Guidance and clearance | Too little clearance can stop movement; too much can introduce play. | Functional dimensions and the acceptable clearance range. |
| Assembly references | Each locating feature adds variation to the parts already assembled. | Reference surfaces and the assembly sequence. |
| Manufacturing | High precision may require more operations and inspection. | Tolerances needed for function and the intended process. |
A challenge, a real project
Velum Sky amphitheatre screen
Lowering a screen while preserving the architectural view.
At the Velum Sky amphitheatre in Geneva, the guides had to remain hidden with the screen raised. During descent, the screen is fully cantilevered. DOMTEKNIKA designed the guidance, stiffness and lifting mechanism around these constraints, integrating a precise function into its surroundings.
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When to involve us
Translate a required function into a feasible mechanical architecture.
- Design a custom part or mechanism
- Improve a product that is difficult to manufacture
- Prepare drawings for a prototype or production
Our approach
A custom mechanism, a new component or a product redesign starts with its use, loads, available space and manufacturing constraints. Material and assembly choices are considered from the outset.
Define interfaces
Identify loads, available space and interacting parts.
Develop the solution
Build the CAD design, material choices and assemblies.
Prepare validation
Define the checks and technical documentation.
What you receive
- Mechanical architecture and CAD models
- Component, interface and assembly definition
- Technical documentation appropriate to the development stage
CAD models clarify interfaces and prepare validation. Depending on the project, development continues through prototypes, calculations or refinement for production.
We agree the scope, tests and deliverables with you before work begins.
Frequently asked questions.
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Can you work on an existing design?
Yes. We use available drawings, models or prototypes to identify improvements and the interfaces that must be retained.
Does design include manufacturing?
The documentation can support prototyping or production. Manufacturing, testing and industrial support are specified within the agreed scope.
What can serve as the starting point?
Drawings, CAD models, sketches, photographs and observations from an existing component can help. We identify missing information for the requested work, particularly interfaces, loads and functional dimensions.
How do you select a component’s material?
The choice depends on function, loads, environment, weight and the manufacturing process. Assembly and cost constraints are also compared to identify a material suited to the product.
Why do tolerances matter?
They define acceptable dimensional variations in manufactured parts. In an assembly, these variations affect clearance, guidance and clamping. Tight tolerances should therefore meet a functional need.
How is a component prepared for manufacturing?
The geometry and specifications are assessed against the intended process. Access, functional surfaces, tolerances and assembly steps are reviewed to prepare documentation consistent with manufacturing and inspection.
How can maintenance and repair be considered during design?
Identify the parts that need inspection, cleaning or replacement, and the access required. Fasteners, disassembly and cable routing should account for these tasks and the operating conditions.
For our first conversation
.Which mechanism would you like to develop?
Share your drawings or CAD models and the points you want to improve. We can define the components, interfaces and manufacturing constraints to address.
Discuss your requirements