A Look Inside how we do it: Design + Build Custom Manufacturing Machinery

December 30, 2024

“You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to start.”

By: Erik Hall

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing world, building custom machinery isn’t just about making a machine — it’s about solving real problems, meeting distinct needs, and helping manufacturers get better production results. At Myer-Hall Machine Works, we care about delivering builds that go beyond the basics, and look out for our clients by designing, building and supporting customer machinery in ways that clients might not even be aware of at first. We view every project as a partnership. Our goal is to create machines that integrate seamlessly into the client’s operations, driving efficiency and innovation.

Here is how we do it:

Designing Manufacturing Machinery Starts with a Structured Process.

Custom machinery projects are complex. Without a structured approach, critical details can be overlooked. To avoid any mishaps, our process is designed to ensure that every element, from concept to completion, is meticulously executed. This way, we:

  1. Avoid Costly Oversights by uncovering potential issues early, minimizing delays and expensive fixes later.
  2. Tailor Design with consideration not only towards the manufacturing needs, but also resource, environment and adaptability needs.
  3. Ensure Client Confidence with an approach that sees through from the initiation of the concept, all the way through post-installation assurances.

The Discovery Phase: Understanding What the Client Needs the Manufacturing Machinery To Do, Where It Fits In And Performance Expectations

Each project starts by gaining a thorough understanding of the challenges and goals of our client. This phase includes:

  1. Process Analysis: We study how clients presently operate, and day-to-day pain points they are encountering. We can quickly uncover areas of improvement in this step, that can be balanced against the set budgets later in the building process.
  2. Vision Alignment: We get to know their vision of how they expect their equipment to behave and what enhanced upgrades they think they need to improve their operations.
  3. Resource Audit: We review the available floor space, power, air requirements and other process parameters to help us ensure the projected equipment will be able to operate as it should. Sometimes the machinery a client wants to build won’t fit into their current available space, and so we provide another compromise plan that will deliver on the client’s needs within their resourcing limits.
  4. Candid Advice: Sometimes what the client wants and needs is already available on the market. If that is the case, we direct them to the product, which is often cheaper than a custom piece of manufacturing machinery because the cost of design and R&D is spread across a large number of identical units, reducing per-unit expenses

For example: A client once wanted a bagging machine. We could have built one, but we told them to get a ready-made solution since it would be more advanced and save them time and money.

  1. Industry-Specific Considerations: Regulatory compliance is a critical aspect of custom machinery design. From OSHA and FDA regulations to industry-specific standards, we ensure every machine meets or exceeds requirements.
      • Food Production: Stainless steel components for hygienic processes.
      • Hazardous Environments: Explosion-proof wiring and equipment for combustible materials.
      • Compliance-Driven Design: Adhering to NEC, NFPA, and insurance mandates.

We like to say: “True customization means making it feel like something the client built in-house—familiar, functional, and tailored.”

Ideation: We Take the Manufacturing Machinery From Concept To Blueprint

Once we understand the client’s needs, we take the next steps in our design process, which is broken into three stages:

  1. Initial Schematic or Model: We present a high-level visualization, showing dimensions and workflow of the machine. Using SolidWorks for 3D modeling helps to assure that accuracy and clarity will prevail throughout the design process, giving visual to how things would run. This further allows us to spot any potential design flaws ahead of the building stage.
  2. Client Feedback: We take further client feedback on the schematic, and provide options if there is a more efficient or cost-effective way of doing something within the build without sacrificing results.
  3. Detailed Planning: Once our building blueprints have been approved, we spec out the costs and lead times with our suppliers and identify any potential supply chain issues, and more onto the engineering stage of the building process. Typically, the lead times are fairly predictable, unless there are global events that massively disrupt supply chains such as the ones we saw in 2020-2022. In these cases, we try to find alternatives where we can.

 Building the Custom Manufacturing Machinery

The building phase is where ideas come to life. Here is how we go about it:

  • Sourcing Materials: We honor client preferences for specific brands and components, balancing quality and lead times, but remain flexible and transparent when market availability fluctuates.
  • Assembly: Every part is meticulously assembled, following detailed prints and schematics. Warranties are logged in the event of future failure and to ensure our clients aren’t left scrambling on their own.
  • Electrical Integration: Electrical panels, wiring, and control systems are designed and installed for seamless operation.
  • Programming: Custom code and user-friendly interfaces (HMI) are developed to bring the machine to life before the final stages of real-world testing.

Testing, Troubleshooting, and Client Training on the Customer Manufacturing Machinery

Testing is a cornerstone of our process. We rigorously evaluate every machine before delivery to ensure it performs flawlessly.

    • Simulation and Testing: For larger machines, we use simulation software to test functionality before building.
    • Pre-Installation Run: Machines are tested with the client’s materials at our facility.
    • On-Site Training: Operators are trained to use the machine confidently and efficiently.
    • Long-Term Support and Continuous Innovation: Our commitment doesn’t end with installation. We provide ongoing support, including:
    • Warranty and Repairs: A 12-month warranty covers all systems, with additional services offered on a time-and-material basis.
    • Training Updates: As client needs evolve, we provide refresher training and technical assistance.

Ready to Start Your Project? Whether you’re looking to automate, streamline, or innovate, MHMW is here to help. Follow us for insights, updates, and success stories.