Custom Machine Design,
Engineering and Fabrication
High-performance custom machines designed by U.S.-based engineers with real-world manufacturing expertise. No-nonsense, highly capable engineering for automation, testing, and production equipment.
Serrated Metal Machine designed and fabricated by Creative Engineering. Visit the case study to learn more.
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At Creative Engineering, we specialize in custom machine design, automation systems, and turnkey equipment for manufacturers across the U.S. We deliver reliable, high-precision machinery built to improve throughput, enhance quality, and withstand demanding production environments. With domestic engineering and flexible worldwide fabrication options, we provide the right balance of performance, speed, and cost for every project.
Smarter, Faster, Reliable Machine Design
Premium, No-Nonsense Machine Design
Our team brings decades of hands-on engineering and manufacturing experience. Every design decision is made with real-world constraints, operator needs, and long-term reliability in mind.
U.S.-Based Engineering
All engineering is performed in the United States for better communication, accountability, and quality control.
Flexible Fabrication Options
Choose from U.S. fabrication or overseas options depending on your cost, timeline, and production needs. We guide you toward the best value without compromising performance.
Faster Turnaround
Our lean, focused engineering approach eliminates unnecessary delays—ideal for projects with long timelines (4–15 months) requiring consistent progress, clarity, and tight management.
Experience With All Client Types
From Fortune 500 companies to defense programs to early-stage product companies, we adapt to the scale, documentation, and rigor your project requires.
What We Do
We provide full lifecycle machine development—from concept through installation—with engineering precision and production-level reliability.
Our capabilities include:
Custom machine design
Automation system design
Mechanical design
Full turnkey equipment (design → fab → assembly → install)
PLC / controls programming
Prototyping & pilot machines
Reverse engineering
Manufacturing support
On-site commissioning
Complete documentation packages
Safety system design & integration
Operator training
Our Process
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Every project begins with a structured technical discovery phase. We work directly with your engineering, operations, and production teams to capture all functional and non-functional requirements. This includes performance targets, cycle-time goals, safety considerations, throughput needs, space constraints, utilities, operator interactions, maintenance expectations, compliance requirements, and integration with upstream/downstream equipment.
We also evaluate any existing equipment, samples, fixtures, or parts to fully understand real-world constraints before design begins.
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Our team generates multiple architecture concepts to determine the most effective path forward. This phase may include mechanism studies, kinematic analysis, motion profiles, preliminary FEA, cost evaluations, and risk identification.
We present concept options with pros/cons, layout drawings, preliminary BOMs, and projected build timelines. By the end of this phase, the machine’s functionality, approach, and architecture are clearly defined and aligned with your goals.
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Once a concept is approved, we transition into full 3D mechanical design and controls development. This includes:
Complete CAD modeling of all mechanical components
Detailed mechanism design with tolerances and GD&T
Vendor component selection (actuators, sensors, drives, pneumatics, robotics, controls)
Full electrical and pneumatic schematics
Controls architecture planning (PLC, HMI, motion control, safety circuits)
Risk assessments and safety integration planning (ISO/OSHA standards aligned)
Throughout this phase, we hold regular design reviews to ensure alignment and transparency.
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We manage all procurement, fabrication, and assembly activities. Depending on your timeline and budget, fabrication can be performed in the U.S. or via vetted overseas suppliers.
This phase includes:
Production of machined, welded, and fabricated components
Procurement of off-the-shelf items
In-house or partner assembly of all mechanical frames, guarding, and subsystems
Electrical panel build and wiring
Integration of pneumatics, sensors, actuators, and motion systems
Quality checks and dimensional verification
Our team supervises assembly to ensure the build matches design intent exactly.
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After assembly, we integrate all controls, automation, and motion systems. This includes:
PLC programming
HMI interface creation
Motion control tuning
Robot programming and path development (if applicable)
Safety system validation
Communication with plant networks or MES
Sensor calibration and system logic setup
Our focus is on building reliable, intuitive, and maintainable control systems for long-term operation.
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We conduct exhaustive testing to ensure the machine performs as designed. This includes:
Dry cycling and mechanism stress testing
Functional testing with real parts or simulated loads
Cycle-time tuning and throughput optimization
Safety function testing (light curtains, interlocks, e-stops)
Process validation and performance verification
FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) with your team present, in person or remote
Issues found in this phase are resolved immediately to ensure smooth deployment.
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Once the machine passes FAT, we handle shipping, installation, and on-site commissioning. This includes:
Machine placement, leveling, and system integration
Final wiring, air/plumbing hookups, and system calibration
Start-up testing at your facility
Optimization within your production environment
Operator training, maintenance training, and handoff documentation
Support through ramp-up and initial production runs
We ensure your team is fully confident operating and maintaining the equipment.
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We remain available for future expansion, upgrades, spare parts, troubleshooting, or ongoing engineering support. From incremental improvements to major redesigns, we support your machine’s full lifecycle.