Mechanical Drives

This class covers the fundamentals of mechanical transmission systems used in industrial, agricultural, and mobile applications. Students will learn industry-relevant skills including how to operate, install, analyze performance, and design basic mechanical transmission systems using chains, v-belts, spur gears, bearings, and couplings. The training equipment features the unique ability to measure the performance of each mechanical transmission setup, showing students the effects of proper alignment and how to obtain best efficiency. The system includes a prony brake that places a variable load on each setup and instrumentation that measures speed, torque, and current. The class meets for a total of 28 hours of training and is a prerequisite for our Mechanical Drives II, III and IV classes.

Students will practice industry-relevant mechanical drives skills involving heavy-duty mechanical transmission systems operation, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting chain, V-belt, and synchronous belt components. Participants will learn how these items are utilized within industrial components like fans, motors, and conveyors. The training equipment provides heavy-duty mechanical transmission components that are used in industrial applications. Some of these components include multiple belt and chain drives, sheaves and sprockets with bushings, gear and grid couplings, and silent chain drives. As an example, students will use these components to study alignment methods such as the reverse indicator, which enables them to align equipment to the precise tolerances needed for efficient operation. Other hands-on skills are kiss v-belt idler installation and adjustment synchronous belt drive troubleshooting, and chain drive lubrication using the manual lubrication method. The class meets for a total of 28 hours of training and is a prerequisite for our Mechanical Drives III and IV classes.

This class teaches bearings and right angle gears used in heavy-duty mechanical transmission systems. Students will learn industry-relevant skills like bearing operate, bearing installation, right angle gear maintenance, and right angle gear troubleshooting. The training equipment system includes plain bearings, tapered roller bearings, ball bearings, spindle drive shafts, bearing removal tools, bearing heater system, miter gears, helical gears, several type of bearing locknuts, safety wire, bearing lubrication systems, angular contact bearings, multiple types of bearing seals, bearing and seal housings, bearing identification package, gearbox, and gaskets, as well as mechanical drives curriculum. This system uses industrial-quality components to provide hands-on mechanical drives training so that students are better prepared for what they will encounter on the job and to withstand frequent student use. The class meets for a total of 28 hours of training and is a prerequisite for our Mechanical Drives IV class.

This class teaches linear axis drives, clutches, and brakes. Participants will study industry-relevant skills related to these new topics including operation, installation, performance analysis, troubleshooting, and design. The training equipment system includes components for assembling a precision axis drive system with angular contact bearings, precision ball screw, linear bearings and structure. The system also includes cam clutch, friction clutch, flywheel, electric brake, and electrical control unit for assembly of brake and clutch applications. Mechanical drives training curriculum for both theory and lab support these components. The system uses industrial quality components for durability and to provide students with hands-on precision axis drive, transmission braking, and friction clutch skill-building to become better prepared for what they will encounter on the job. The class meets for a total of 20 hours of training.