Mechanical Engineering Dictionary

Mechanical Components

This mechanical engineering dictionary and components explains the many varied mechanical devices that comprise mechanical systems.

These system mechanical systems may be used for building heating, ventilating and air conditioning and/or may be used for various industrial process systems.

Categories of mechanical components:

Bearings and Bushings

These components are used to reduce friction and carry linear or rotary motion and include ball and roller bearings, plain bearings sleeve bushings and others.

Belts and Pulleys

This equipment is power transmission devices used to transmit rotary motion and/or change the input to output speed ratios.

Brakes and Clutches

These are driveline components which are used to transmit and control power and motion between two rotating shafts.

Chains and Sprockets

This component allows for power transmission using toothed sockets and link chain matched in size and pitch.

Couplings Collars and Universal Joints

These are mechanical shaft mounting equipment which transmit motion between two shafts, locking or locating components, or as mechanical stops.

Enclosures

These devices are used for enclosing or containing electrical, electronic or mechanical components. They provide protection for operating personnel.

Fans and Electronic Cooling

This is equipment which is used to control temperature by removing heat from electrical and electronic equipment.

Shop Tools

Any device used for work to be done on mechanical systems.

Gears and Gearing

This equipment includes all power transmission gear types, reducers and materials.

Heaters and Heating Elements

These include electrical resistance heaters or their internal elements designed to provide an integrated thermal source for products or systems.

Mechanical Engineering Dictionary

Mechanical Fasteners

This equipment is used to fasten or secure one part to another such as screw, rivets, bolts, nuts and clips.

Power Transmission

This equipment includes belts and pulleys, sprockets and chains, gears and other drive components used to transmit power.

Seals

These are mechanical devices used in static or dynamic applications to separate two liquids or gases. They are also used to prevent the inflow of contaminants to the system.

Shock and Vibration Equipment

These are products used to isolate or control the shock or vibration exerted on a component or assembly.

Control Equipment

Solenoids

These components convert electric energy into linear or rotary mechanical force using a plunger with an axial stroke with either a push or pull action.

Springs

This device is mechanical elements that extend or retract and return to a starting position. These may include extension, compression, torsion or air and gas springs.

Switches

These devices are used to send signals by allowing or preventing the signal flow when in a closed or open position.