Industrial Design – Mobile, Modular Enclosure for Automated Metalworking Fluid System (Mixer Base + MWF Measuring Dock) - Better design as from our competitors
Project Overview
We are looking for an experienced industrial designer (freelancer or studio) to develop a mobile, modular enclosure design for an automated metalworking fluid (MWF) management system. The system combines two functional units into a premium, modern industrial product:
Base Unit (always included): an electronic metalworking fluid mixing unit (IoT mixer)
Dock Module (optional): an MWF measuring unit (metalworking fluid measurement device)
The resulting product must be mobile on casters, plug-and-play, and manufacturing-ready, with a modern and appealing look while remaining simple and cost-effective.
Background / Current Situation
Both functional units currently exist as wall-mount devices. The goal is to transform them into a single mobile platform with a clear modular architecture:
Base Unit (bottom, required) + Dock Module (top, optional, dockable/stackable).
Goals
Create a professional industrial device design that:
Looks modern, premium, and clearly industrial
Is simple and cost-effective to manufacture
Is service-friendly and realistic for production
Supports plug-and-play installation via industrial quick-connect interfaces
Functional & Design Requirements
1) Modularity (Two-Part System)
The Base Unit contains the electronic metalworking fluid mixing unit and must be fully functional on its own.
The Dock Module contains the MWF measuring unit and can be added on top as an optional module.
Docking must be technically plausible, e.g.:
mechanical alignment (guides/pins)
quick locking mechanism (latches / quarter-turn)
sealing interface (gasket line)
clean electrical connection concept (internal connector/backplane preferred)
2) Mobility & Ergonomics
Mobile on industrial-grade casters (including brakes).
Slim/tall silhouette for good ergonomics and a small footprint.
Easy to move through industrial environments and position near machines.
3) Connections – Plug & Play (Fluid + Electrical)
All fluid interfaces must use industrial-grade quick-connect fittings. The overall system must be plug-and-play, enabling fast installation, clean hose routing, and intuitive commissioning. Connections should be arranged in a protected connector bay (rear or side) with proper strain relief and clear labeling.
3.1 Fluid Connections – Mixer (Base Unit)
The IoT mixer requires four (4) fluid connections:
Fresh water IN
Emulsion OUT
Probing Port OUT
Concentrate IN
Returned MWF IN (recirculated metalworking fluid)
When the measuring unit is installed (Dock Module):
The mixer additionally needs a Fresh water OUT.
Flow routing in this configuration:
Emulsion OUT from the mixer must first go into the measuring unit, and only after that it is routed to the final emulsion outlet to the machines.
3.2 Electrical / Connectivity – Mixer (Base Unit)
The IoT mixer must provide the following electrical and communication interfaces:
230 VAC, 300 W
LAN (RJ45)
WAN (RJ45)
2× Wi-Fi antenna connectors
2× cellular antenna connectors
3.3 Fluid Connections – Measuring Unit (Dock Module)
The MWF measuring unit requires the following fluid lines:
Fresh water IN (supplied from the mixer’s Fresh water OUT when docked)
MWF IN (sample fluid inlet)
Emulsion IN (coming from the mixer; emulsion must be routed through the measuring unit first when installed)
24VDC Power, Ethernet is connected to the Mixer
4) Manufacturing Feasibility (Cost-Conscious)
Designs will be evaluated positively if they are simple, robust, and cost-effective.
Preferred construction approaches:
bent sheet metal (powder-coated steel) for the main enclosure
optional hairline stainless steel feature panels/inlays where it adds value
Avoid unrealistic shapes: focus on defined bends, crisp edges, clean seams, and service-friendly paneling.
The design should reflect realistic industrial fabrication (laser-cut, bent, welded/bolted assemblies).
5) Tablet Instead of Built-in Display (Optional but Preferred)
No fixed HMI screen built into the enclosure.
Integrate a rugged Samsung tablet (e.g., Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 (8")) using a professional cradle:
removable tablet (for mobile use)
charging in the cradle (pogo pins or protected connector)
anti-theft concept (lock + Kensington/tether solution)
6) Service & Safety
Clear access to service areas (maintenance without full disassembly).
Clean internal routing and protected zones for electronics vs fluids.
Splash/dust protection should be considered (target direction e.g., IP54 concept level).
Deliverables (Required Output)
Moodboard / design directions (2–3 variants) including material and color concept
3D concept renderings (at least 3 views) with realistic materials and lighting
2D orthographic views: front / side / rear / top with key dimensions
Docking & tablet cradle detail concept (sketches + functional explanation)
Short manufacturability notes (construction logic, materials, seams, access panels)
Optional: STEP/IGES or simplified envelope CAD (if offered)
Solid Works complete CAD Files
Target Dimensions (Guideline Only)
Base Unit: approx. 900–1000 mm height
Dock Module: approx. 300–450 mm height
Total: approx. 1200–1450 mm including tablet mount
Footprint: approx. 500–650 mm width, 450–600 mm depth
Evaluation Criteria
We will prioritize:
Proven experience in industrial product design (industrial equipment / enclosures)
Strong understanding of manufacturing feasibility (sheet metal / stainless steel)
Simple, cost-effective solutions with a modern, attractive look
Quality of renderings (proportions, materials, detailing)
Clear communication and ability to iterate quickly
What to Include in Your Proposal
Portfolio (industrial devices, sheet metal enclosures, mobile units, docking systems)
Your suggested workflow and milestones
Timeline and pricing (fixed price preferred)
Tools you use (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion, Rhino, Blender, KeyShot)
Confidentiality
NDA / confidentiality agreement required.
Current enclosures attached