Applied Manufacturing Mechanics

Course Description

ETI 2001C – Applied Manufacturing Mechanics is a 3-credit-hour laboratory course within the Engineering Technologies > Industrial Systems Technology taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course introduces students to the fundamental principles of mechanics as applied to manufacturing systems and industrial equipment. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of statics, dynamics, strength of materials, fluid power, and mechanical power transmission in real-world manufacturing environments. The "C" suffix designation indicates the course includes an integrated laboratory component in which students apply theoretical concepts through hands-on activities and problem-solving exercises.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply the principles of statics to analyze forces, moments, and equilibrium conditions in manufacturing structures and machine components.
• Apply the principles of dynamics to analyze the motion of mechanical components, including velocity, acceleration, and Newton's Laws in manufacturing contexts.
• Identify and calculate stress, strain, and deformation in mechanical members subject to axial, shear, bending, and torsional loads.
• Analyze and size basic mechanical power transmission components, including shafts, belts, chains, gears, and couplings.
• Interpret and apply engineering drawings, diagrams, and technical specifications relevant to manufacturing machinery and mechanical systems.
• Use appropriate measurement tools and instruments in a laboratory setting to collect, record, and analyze mechanical data.
• Perform calculations involving work, power, energy, and efficiency for mechanical systems used in industrial manufacturing.
• Demonstrate safe laboratory practices and follow industry safety standards when working with mechanical equipment and systems.

Optional Learning Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also be able to:

• Analyze basic fluid power systems (hydraulic and pneumatic) as applied to manufacturing machinery.
• Apply principles of vibration and noise control to rotating machinery and structural components.
• Use computer-aided tools or simulation software to model and analyze mechanical systems.
• Evaluate bearing selection and lubrication requirements for industrial rotating equipment.
• Apply preventive maintenance concepts to mechanical systems based on load and wear analysis.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Unit Systems and Technical Mathematics: SI and US customary units; unit conversions; algebra and trigonometry applied to engineering problems; vectors and scalars.
• Statics – Forces and Equilibrium: Concurrent and non-concurrent force systems; free body diagrams; conditions of static equilibrium; moments and couples; support reactions.
• Statics – Structures: Analysis of trusses and frames; centroids and center of gravity; distributed loads.
• Friction: Dry (Coulomb) friction; friction in wedges, screws, belts, and brakes; coefficient of friction in manufacturing applications.
• Kinematics and Dynamics: Linear and angular motion; Newton's Laws; impulse and momentum; work-energy theorem applied to machines and mechanisms.
• Strength of Materials – Stress and Strain: Axial stress and deformation; shear stress; Hooke's Law; factor of safety; material properties and selection.
• Beams – Shear and Bending: Shear force and bending moment diagrams; flexure formula; beam deflection concepts.
• Torsion and Shafts: Torsional stress in circular shafts; power-torque-speed relationships; shaft design considerations.
• Mechanical Power Transmission Components: Spur gears and gear trains; belt and chain drives; clutches and brakes; couplings; mechanical advantage and efficiency.
• Work, Power, and Energy: Mechanical work; power calculations; efficiency of machines; simple machines in manufacturing.
• Laboratory Activities: Hands-on measurement, force analysis, beam loading, gear and belt drive experiments; data collection, graphing, and technical reporting.

Optional Topics

• Fluid Power Fundamentals: Pascal's Law; hydraulic cylinders and actuators; pneumatic circuits; pressure, flow, and power in fluid systems.
• Bearings and Lubrication: Types of bearings (ball, roller, sleeve); bearing load ratings; lubrication principles and schedules.
• Vibration Basics: Natural frequency; resonance; sources of vibration in rotating machinery; vibration monitoring as a maintenance tool.
• Computer-Aided Analysis: Introduction to spreadsheet-based calculations or simulation software for mechanical system analysis.
• Columns and Buckling: Euler's formula; slenderness ratio; critical load for columns in structural and machine applications.
• Welded and Fastened Joints: Bolt and weld stress analysis; joint efficiency; torque-tension relationships in fasteners.

Resources & Tools

• Textbook (typical): Applied Strength of Materials by Mott & Untener, or Mechanics of Materials by Hibbeler — technical college editions commonly used at Florida state colleges.
• Laboratory Equipment: Force measurement apparatus, beam deflection kits, gear and belt drive training boards, torque measurement tools, dial indicators, and calipers.
• Software: Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for engineering calculations; optionally MatLab, Autodesk or other CAD/simulation tools depending on institutional resources.
• Reference Standards: ANSI/AGMA gear standards; ASME standards for shafts and fasteners; OSHA general industry safety standards (29 CFR 1910).
• Florida DOE / SCNS: scns.fldoe.org — official course articulation and transfer information.
• MSSC CPT Study Materials: Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Certified Production Technician resources, aligned with program outcomes at Florida colleges such as South Florida State College.

Career Pathways

Successful completion of ETI 2001C supports entry into the following career areas within Florida's advanced manufacturing and industrial sectors:

• Manufacturing Technician – Set up, operate, and troubleshoot mechanical production equipment.
• Maintenance Technician / Millwright – Install, align, and maintain industrial machinery and mechanical systems.
• Industrial Systems Technician – Diagnose and repair mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic industrial systems.
• Process Technician – Monitor and optimize mechanical processes on the plant floor.
• Quality Control / Inspection Technician – Apply mechanical measurement and tolerance knowledge in production settings.
• Engineering Technology Associate – Support engineering staff in analysis, documentation, and testing of mechanical systems.

This course is typically part of an A.S. in Engineering Technology (Industrial Systems / Advanced Manufacturing) pathway, which prepares graduates for high-skill, high-wage positions in Florida's manufacturing workforce and can also serve as preparation for a 2+2 baccalaureate program in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

• MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT): Course content aligns with the Safety, Quality Practices, and Manufacturing Processes & Production modules of the MSSC CPT credential, a nationally recognized industry certification supported by Florida's Advanced Manufacturing programs.
• NIMS Machining Level I: The mechanical measurement and materials content supports preparation for select National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentialing areas.
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry: Laboratory safety and industrial hazard recognition content aligns with OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification, which many Florida colleges embed or recommend alongside this course.

Laboratory Component Note

The "C" suffix in ETI 2001C indicates a combined lecture/laboratory course. Students should expect integrated lab sessions requiring the application of theoretical mechanics principles through hands-on experiments, structured lab reports, and practical assessments. Appropriate closed-toe footwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) are typically required during laboratory meetings per Florida college safety policies.