Machine Elements Introduction

Question 1

Product:

Answer 1

Something produced by industrial and mechanical processes (e.g., a car, toaster,
elevator).

Question 2

Component:

Answer 2

A single piece of a larger assembly (e.g. a shaft).

Question 3

Part:

Answer 3

Not well defined. A constituent part of a product. It can also be a product in its own right (e.g. a gearbox).

Question 4

Machine:

Answer 4

An assembly of linked parts or components with a drive system intended to undertake a
specific application.

Question 5

Machine Element:

Answer 5

A basic mechanical part or component. Machine elements form the building
blocks of machines. Although they may be unique to an application, they are typically standardised to common sizes.

Question 6

Bearings:

Answer 6

Bearings facilitate the transmission of loads,
whilst allowing relative motion.

Question 7

Shafts:

Answer 7

A (usually) rotating component for the transmission of power.

Typically, of circular cross section, though there are obvious common exceptions.

Question 8

Seals:

Answer 8

The purpose of a seal is to prevent or limit the flow of fluids (or passage of particles) in between two components.

Seals are of two general categories:

• Static Seals
• Dynamic Seals

Question 9

Gears:

Answer 9

Transmit power between shafts.

Many types, depending on relationship between axes.

Question 10

Fasteners:

Answer 10

Fasteners join two or more components

• Bolts
• Nuts
• Screws
• Rivets
• Snap fasteners
• Circlips
• Adhesives
• Welding