Mechanical engineering technology

Mechanical engineering technology is the application of engineering principles and technological developments to the creation of useful machinery or products. Technologies such as Computer Aided Design (CAD) or other Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) software such as finite element analysis (FEA) and / or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are often used to design parts and assemblies. Through the application of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), the models may also be used directly by software to create "instructions" for the manufacture of objects represented by the models, through computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining or other automated processes.

Mechanical engineering technologists can have many different titles in the US including: Mechanical Engineer, Product Engineer, Mechanical Designer, Product Development Engineer and Manufacturing Engineer. In the U.S. it is possible to get an associates or bachelors degree. Individuals with a bachelors degree may continue on to complete the E.I.T. (Engineer in Training) exam to eventually become Professional Engineers if the program is A.B.E.T accredited.

Mechanical Engineering Technology coursework is less theoretical, and more "hands-on". This is evident through the additional laboratory coursework required for a degree. The ability to apply concepts from the chemical and electrical engineering fields is important. Mechanical engineering technologists are expected to apply current technologies and principals to machine and product design, production, and manufacturing processes.

Mechanical Engineering Technology coursework

Fundamental subjects of mechanical engineering technology include:

• Dynamics
• Statics
• Fluid mechanics/fluid dynamics
• Applied thermodynamics
• Machine design and kinematics
• Material science
• Manufacturing process
• Engineering drafting and standard familiarization classes
• Electronic circuit and electrical analysis
• Instrumentation and measurement
• HVAC
• Hydraulics and pneumatics
• Quality assurance
• Technical communications
• Project management/Operations management

The above subjects are usually the core subjects of MET programs/courses globally, but because of the multi-disciplinary nature of MET the most obvious and precise application of the above modules are Mechatronics Engineering or courses/programs that are at BSc level which emphasizes the application of mechanical engineering because Mechanical engineering (BEng) is usually involved with highly complex conceptual calculations, In the UK as graduates of both BSc (mechanical and similar bias) and BEng degrees are recognised as Professional Engineers, with a theoretical distinction of BSc (IEng) and BEng (IEng with much easier access to gain CEng)

See also

• Aerospace engineering
• Civil engineering
• Electrical engineering technology
• Industrial engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Nuclear engineering
• Power engineering
• Systems engineering

External links

• List of Mechanical Engineering Technology Programs