Workshop Adapter Crisis

The Challenge

A packaging plant came to a halt when 36 bearing housings cracked across several conveyor systems, bringing production to a standstill.
The damage was caused by material fatigue and thin wall sections in the original cast parts — and new OEM replacements would take weeks to arrive.

The maintenance team needed stronger, longer-lasting replacements, machined to exact dimensions, and installed within 48 hours to avoid extended downtime.

Our Approach

Southside Engineering took immediate action to replicate and improve the existing design.

Our team:

• Inspected the damaged housings and recorded critical dimensions and bearing seat tolerances.
• Modelled the parts in CAD to identify weak points and increase wall thickness for greater strength.
• Machined 12 new housings from upgraded alloy steel, improving both durability and impact resistance.
• Conducted CNC milling and boring with ±0.01mm accuracy to ensure perfect bearing fit.
• Delivered and assisted with installation within 48 hours of receiving the job.

Each part was manufactured and inspected under Australian-based quality control, ensuring consistency across all housings.

The Outcome

The new housings were installed and operational within two days — eliminating the risk of future cracking and improving long-term performance.

Results:

• 36 upgraded alloy housings machined and installed within 48 hours
• Improved design with thicker wall sections for durability
• Perfect bearing alignment and fit across all conveyors
• Production fully restored, zero follow-up issues reported

Key Takeaway

Southside Engineering’s CNC machining and redesign services help manufacturers extend the life of critical components while improving reliability and uptime. By combining precision machining, material expertise, and fast delivery, we provide industrial clients with stronger, smarter solutions — not just replacements.

The Challenge

A local screen-printing company landed a large production order but realised they had no jigs or clamping fixtures ready to hold the parts for printing.
The deadline was tight — the job needed to start immediately or the company risked losing the client.

With no time to source tooling elsewhere, the owner called Southside Engineering on Friday morning looking for a complete jig solution — designed, machined, and assembled over the weekend.

Our Approach

Southside Engineering fast-tracked the project and began work the same day.

Our team:

• Designed a custom jig system based on sample components provided by the client.
• Modelled and validated the design using CAD software to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
• Machined all components from aluminium and steel stock using CNC milling and turning for precision.
• Completed assembly, testing, and finishing overnight for immediate production use.
• Delivered all four jigs to the client’s facility before Monday morning.

This project showcased the efficiency of Southside’s rapid CNC manufacturing process, combining design, machining, and assembly under one roof.

The Outcome

The client received all four jigs ahead of schedule and began production immediately.
The jigs performed flawlessly throughout the print run, allowing the business to meet its deadline and impress its new customer — resulting in a long-term contract.

Results:

• Four precision jigs designed, machined, and assembled overnight
• Seamless performance during large-scale production run
• Client met tight delivery deadline
• Long-term business secured through reliable turnaround

Key Takeaway

When speed, accuracy, and reliability matter, Southside Engineering’s CNC machining and jig manufacturing services deliver under pressure. By offering end-to-end solutions — from CAD design to assembly — all completed in-house, we help local manufacturers stay agile and competitive, even on impossible deadlines.

Quick Summary

The Challenge

An engineering firm needed a prototype bracket produced urgently for a major client presentation scheduled the next morning.
The project lead sent through a hand sketch mid-afternoon, with the part required by 9am the next day.

The prototype needed to be accurate, visually presentable, and functional, giving the firm’s client confidence in the concept and its manufacturability — all within a 24-hour turnaround.

Our Approach

Southside Engineering immediately prioritised the project and moved it into rapid prototype production.

Our team:

• Converted the hand-drawn sketch into a CAD model for accurate geometry and fit.
• Selected machined aluminium billet for lightweight strength and professional finish.
• Programmed CNC milling centres to achieve high accuracy and fine surface detail.
• Performed deburring and finishing to ensure the prototype looked presentation-ready.
• Coordinated morning delivery direct to the client’s office ahead of the pitch.

From concept to completion, the entire process — design, machining, finishing, and delivery — was completed overnight.

The Outcome

The bracket was delivered on time and met every design requirement.Our client used the prototype in their client pitch the following morning, demonstrating the product’s precision and manufacturability — and secured the contract.

Results:

• Prototype designed, machined, and delivered in less than 24 hours
• Machined from aluminium billet with a professional finish
• Perfect fit and functionality for client presentation
• Client secured new contract using completed prototype

Key Takeaway

When speed and precision matter, Southside Engineering’s rapid CNC prototyping services turn ideas into tangible results — fast. By combining design support, CNC milling, and overnight production, we help engineering teams and manufacturers meet deadlines with confidence.

From concept sketches to functional prototypes, Southside ensures every part is accurate, on time, and presentation-ready.

Quick Summary