Mechanical Devices and Systems

Course Description

ETM 2401 – Mechanical Devices and Systems is a three-credit Engineering Technology course classified under the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) taxonomy of Engineering Technologies > Mechanics, Fluids, Heat. The course provides students with a working knowledge of mechanical fundamentals as applied in industrial and manufacturing environments. Topics include mechanical basics, measurement devices, fluid power systems, pumps and valves, power transmission components, and lubricants. Laboratory experiences reinforce lecture concepts through hands-on application with industrial equipment.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

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

• Identify and describe the fundamental principles of mechanical systems including force, torque, work, power, and mechanical advantage.
• Select and apply appropriate measurement tools and devices used in industrial settings, including dimensional and pressure measurement instruments.
• Explain the operating principles of fluid power systems, distinguishing between hydraulic and pneumatic circuits and their components.
• Identify, select, and describe the function of pumps and valves used in industrial fluid systems.
• Describe the role of lubricants in mechanical systems and identify proper lubrication procedures for common industrial machinery.
• Interpret mechanical drawings and schematics related to mechanical devices and fluid power circuits.
• Apply safety standards and practices appropriate to mechanical and fluid power systems in industrial environments.
• Identify and explain the operation of common power transmission components such as gears, pulleys, belts, chains, and bearings.

Optional Learning Outcomes

The following outcomes may be addressed depending on institutional emphasis and available laboratory resources:

• Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in hydraulic and pneumatic systems using systematic diagnostic procedures.
• Demonstrate the use of computerized measurement and data acquisition tools for mechanical system analysis.
• Analyze basic heat transfer principles as they relate to mechanical system performance and thermal management.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance procedures on selected mechanical components and assemblies.
• Evaluate the performance characteristics of electric motors as prime movers in mechanical systems.

Major Topics

Required Topics

1. Mechanical Fundamentals – Force, torque, work, energy, power, mechanical advantage, and simple machines.
2. Measurement Devices – Dimensional measurement tools (calipers, micrometers), pressure gauges, flow meters, and temperature measurement devices.
3. Fluid Power Principles – Pascal's Law, Boyle's Law, properties of hydraulic fluid and compressed air, and fluid power system schematics.
4. Hydraulic Systems – Hydraulic circuit components including reservoirs, actuators (cylinders and motors), directional control valves, pressure control valves, and flow control valves.
5. Pneumatic Systems – Compressed air generation, air preparation (filters, regulators, lubricators), pneumatic actuators, and pneumatic control valves.
6. Pumps and Compressors – Gear pumps, vane pumps, piston pumps, centrifugal pumps, and reciprocating/rotary compressors; selection and application.
7. Valves – Types and functions of directional, pressure-relief, check, and flow-control valves in both hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
8. Power Transmission Devices – Gears and gear trains, belt and chain drives, pulleys, sprockets, couplings, clutches, and brakes.
9. Bearings and Seals – Types of bearings (ball, roller, sleeve), bearing selection, installation, and seal types and applications.
10. Lubrication Systems and Lubricants – Properties of lubricants (oils, greases), lubrication methods, maintenance intervals, and environmental considerations.
11. Safety in Mechanical and Fluid Power Systems – Hazard identification, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, pressure safety, and applicable industry codes.

Optional Topics

• Electro-hydraulic and Electro-pneumatic Systems – Integration of solenoid valves and sensors with fluid power circuits.
• Basic Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer – Conduction, convection, radiation, and heat exchangers as applied to mechanical systems.
• Electric Motors as Prime Movers – AC/DC motor types, motor selection, and interface with mechanical drive systems.
• Preventive Maintenance Procedures – Inspection, documentation, and scheduled maintenance of industrial mechanical equipment.
• Introduction to Mechatronics – Sensors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and their integration with mechanical and fluid power systems.
• CAD/Mechanical Drawing Interpretation – Reading assembly drawings, part drawings, and fluid power circuit diagrams.

Resources & Tools

• Textbooks: Typical adoptions include Fluid Power with Applications (Esposito), Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance (Mott), or publisher-supplied modular texts aligned to MSSC or NIMS standards.
• Laboratory Equipment: Industrial fluid power trainers (hydraulic and pneumatic benches), gear and drive demonstration units, measurement tool kits (calipers, micrometers, pressure gauges), and bearing/seal demonstration assemblies.
• Software & Simulation: Fluid power circuit simulation software (e.g., FluidSIM); optional use of MATLAB or similar tools for system analysis.
• Standards References: ANSI/NFPA fluid power standards, OSHA lockout/tagout (29 CFR 1910.147), and applicable sections of ASME standards.
• Online Resources: Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) library databases, National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) educational resources, and MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) study materials.

Career Pathways

Completion of ETM 2401 supports entry into or advancement within the following career areas:

• Industrial Maintenance Technician – Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical and fluid power systems in manufacturing plants.
• Fluid Power Specialist/Technician – Design, install, and service hydraulic and pneumatic systems across industries.
• Manufacturing/Production Technician – Operate and maintain mechanical equipment on the production floor.
• Mechatronics Technician – Integrate mechanical, fluid power, and electronic systems in automated manufacturing environments.
• Systems/Process Analyst – Analyze and optimize mechanical systems for efficiency and reliability.
• Technical Sales & Applications Specialist – Support customers in selecting and applying mechanical and fluid power components.

This course also supports articulation pathways within Florida's 2+2 Engineering Technology A.S. degree programs and serves as foundational preparation for industry certifications.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

• MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT): Course content aligns with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council's CPT certification, particularly the Safety and Maintenance & Troubleshooting modules.
• NIMS Mechatronics Credentials: Foundational mechanical and fluid power content supports preparation for National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Mechatronics Level 1 credentials.
• Fluid Power Society Certifications: Students completing this course and related coursework may pursue the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) Hydraulic Specialist or Pneumatic Specialist certifications.
• OSHA 10 (General Industry): Safety content within this course, including LOTO procedures and pressure system hazards, supports preparation for OSHA 10-hour General Industry certification.

Program Notes

ETM 2401 is commonly embedded within Florida College System Engineering Technology A.S. degree programs and College Credit Certificates (CCC) in areas such as Pneumatics, Hydraulics and Motors for Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing, and Mechatronics. It fulfills a core technical requirement in these programs and prepares students for more advanced coursework in industrial controls, automation, and electromechanical systems.