Milan Zdrahal

With 14+ years of hands-on experience designing machines and industrial equipment, I help manufacturers turn production needs into robust, production-ready automation. I’ve delivered projects in plants across multiple countries and continents, and throughout that time I’ve led the teams executing the work—taking full ownership from concept through commissioning and a smooth customer handover.

My projects range from semi-automated systems and compact inspection stations—leveraging modern sensors and machine vision—to fully automated, high-speed systems running demanding cycle times. I’m experienced with pneumatics and electromechanical systems and can design complex mechanisms that are built to perform reliably on the shop floor. Over the years, I’ve built a strong, trusted network of suppliers and partners that I can bring in to ensure the right expertise and fast, dependable delivery.

• Machine & Equipment Design for Manufacturing Automation — I can deliver the full machine-development lifecycle end-to-end. If preferred, certain project phases can be shifted to the customer by agreement (e.g., parts delivered directly to the site, assembly performed at the customer’s facility, etc.). I work with globally represented suppliers of mechanical components and sensors, which supports smooth transfers of machines between plants. I can also arrange sample testing for quality control (e.g., machine vision) and ensure the required product inspection level.
• Cost estimate for a new machine / modification of an existing machine + project timeline
• Selection of suitable suppliers for execution
• Machine concept development (function, layout, description of subassemblies)
• Detailed 3D design in SOLIDWORKS
• Detailed 2D manufacturing drawings + supplier communication
• Assembly documentation and work instructions (when needed)
• Bills of materials + ordering and order status tracking
• Assembly at the customer site or at a selected supplier
• Machine commissioning and testing
• CE documentation + operating instructions/manual
• Project coordination throughout the entire project
• Modifications to Existing Equipment / Retrofit Documentation
• Modifications to existing production machines and lines
• Communication with original machine/equipment suppliers
• On-site installation/assembly
• Documentation updates as part of the retrofit
• Product Design & Development
• 3D product design and mechanical component design
• Motion and strength/stress simulations
• Design optimization for manufacturability and selection of the appropriate manufacturing process
• Prototyping using conventional methods and 3D printing (with optional finishing such as painting and other post-processing)
• Engineering Support — Engineering capacity support for design teams, or support for companies without an in-house design department when additional capacity is needed.

If you’re planning a new automation project, need to upgrade an existing machine, or simply want extra engineering capacity, feel free to reach out. Share a brief description of your application (product, cycle time, footprint, and key constraints), and I’ll respond with next steps and an initial estimate.