Mechanical engineering technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology is the application of engineering principles and technological developments to the creation of useful machinery or products. Software tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and / or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are often used to analyze parts and assemblies. 3D models can be made to represent parts and assemblies with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. 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 U.S. including: Mechanical Engineering Technologist, Product Engineering Technologist, Mechanical Designer, Product Development Engineering Technologist and Manufacturing Engineering Technologist. Oftentimes, a MET graduate could get hired as an engineer; job titles may include Mechanical Engineer and Manufacturing Engineer. In the U.S. it is possible to get an associates or bachelor's degree. Individuals with a bachelor's degree in engineering technology may continue with further courses in engineering and go 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 application based than a mechanical engineering degree. 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 from machine and product design, production and material and manufacturing processes. Expandable specialties may include aerospace, automotive, energy, nuclear, petroleum, manufacturing, product development and design. Graduates are designed to be applied mechanical engineers with a diverse understanding of various engineering-related disciplines.
Select universities require mechanical engineering technologists to take up to differential equations and statistics in a BSci. degree. Most courses will either be taught using algebra and calculus.
Mechanical Engineering Technology coursework
Fundamental subjects of mechanical engineering technology include:
- Dynamics
- Statics
- Strength of materials
- Fluid mechanics/fluid dynamics
- Thermodynamics
- Machine design and kinematics
- Dynamics (mechanics)
- Material science
- Manufacturing process
- Teg drafting and standard familiarization classes
- Electronic circuit and electrical analysis
- HVA[disambiguation needed] 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 Technologists are recognised as Professional Engineers, with a theoretical distinction of BSc (IEng) and BEng (IEng with much easier access to gain CEng). The term Professional Engineer has a very different meaning between the UK and North America. In the UK the term Professional Engineer is not a license to practice unlike Canada or the USA; it is a loose term that encompasses engineering technicians, Incorporate Engineers and Chartered Engineers which are qualifications but not professional licenses.
See also
- Aerospace engineering
- Civil engineering
- Electrical engineering technology
- Engineering technician
- Industrial engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Nuclear engineering
- Power engineering
- Systems engineering
