Fundamentals of Mechanical Systems

This course delivers hands-on, realistic experience in identification, installation, and troubleshooting of common machine elements on industrial-grade equipment.  Students install and commission belt, chain, and gear drives and build and align systems. Topics covered include mechanical drives and safety procedures, familiarization with workstation hardware and controls, building simple set-ups with frequently-used components, such as pillow block bearings, shafts, and couplings, basic alignment procedures, measurement of torque and speed, and the calculation of power and efficiency. This course can be taken on its own or as part of a three-part series in Manufacturing Technology Level 1 that includes Fundamentals-Electricity and Fluid Power, Fundamentals-Mechanical Systems, and Fundamentals- Sensors, PLCs and Robotics.  These courses prepare students to be well-rounded machine operators/production technicians, with responsibility for efficient operation of equipment while ensuring that systems are running at maximum capacity.  Students sit for a nationally-recognized National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) certification in Fundamentals of Mechanical Systems.