Mechanical Parts Glossary
A
Abutment - A portion of the stationary end rail on a roller bearing assembly that abuts the rotating element.
Abstract - A summarization of a completed research project.
Accuracy - The degree to which a specified numerical value agreed with a standard value.
Actuator - A device used to control the operation of a machine. It can be electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or manual.
Adapter - A part used to connect two components of different sizes.
Adjustable Wrench - A universal wrench with an adjustable-length handle.
Alloy - A metallic material composed of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal.
Alignment - The positioning of two or more objects or elements in relation to each other.
Analyzer - An instrument used to measure properties of a material or substance.
Annunciator - A visual indicator that alerts personnel of an abnormality or state of alarm.
AODD - An acronym standing for “Airmounts Operational Double Duty”, a type of air driven valve.
Armature - The rotating element of an electric motor.
Articulated Arm - A mechanical arm that is able to move and rotate around a central point in multiple axes.
Assembly - The joining of two or more components to form a finished product.
B
Baffle Plate - A plate or partition used to separate or direct the flow of liquids or gases.
Balance - An equalization of forces acting on a device.
Ball Bearing - A form of bearing that uses rolling elements to reduce friction.
Barrel Pump - A type of pump that operates on the principle of a piston moving in a cylinder.
Bearing - A type of device used to reduce friction between moving parts.
Bearing Seals - Seals used to retain lubricants and contaminants from entering bearings.
Bellows - A device constructed from a flexible material that is used to contain a pressure differential or to deflect light or other energies.
Binder - A material used to mechanically fasten two surfaces together.
Blade - A flat, narrow piece of metal or other material used to cut or divide substances.
Blanking - The cutting or stamping of a sheet of material into a desired shape.
Block Diagram - A diagram inwhich separate parts of a system are represented in boxes and connections between them are represented by lines.
Bolster Plate - A metal plate used to support and secure other components.
Bracket - A support used to hold other components in place.
Brake - A device used to slow or stop the motion of a machine or vehicle.
Brush - A device used to clean or polish a surface by friction.
C
Cam - A part that converts rotary motion into linear motion.
Cam Follower - A roller or bearing mounted in a machine to follow a cam profile.
Camshaft - A shaft onto which cams are mounted.
Carbon Brush - A type of brush made from carbon and used in electrical motors.
Cast Iron - A type of metal composed of iron, carbon, and silicon.
Chiller - A refrigeration unit used to cool other components or systems.
Clamp - A device used to hold components together.
Clutch - A mechanical device used to connect and disconnect rotating shafts.
Coil - A winding of wire used to create a magnetic field.
Collimator - A device that focuses light or other forms of energy in a single direction.
Cone - A conical surface tapering from a circle at one end to a point at the other.
Coupler - A device used to join two or more shafts.
Coupling - A device used to join two or more components or machines.
Crank - An oscillating rod or arm used to reciprocate a driven shaft.
Criterion - A rule, standard, or measure used to guide an action or decision.
Crosshead - An element used to translate the movement of a piston or other reciprocating element into a linear or rotary motion.
D
Damper - An energy-absorbing device used to reduce the motion or vibrations of a system.
Decelerator - A device used to reduce the speed of a rotating part.
Diaphragm - A flexible membrane separating two volumes of air, gas, liquid, or other material.
Differential - A mechanism that divides drive torque between two output shafts.
Disc Brake - A type of brake where a disc is clamped between two pads when the brake is applied.
Disc Coupling - A coupling that uses flexible discs as the interface between two rotating shafts.
Disk Spring - A metal disc which is pre-stressed to achieve a spring action.
Distributor - A device used to distribute power to multiple locations or components.
Dowel Pin - A cylindrical pin used to align and join two components.
Drill - A tool designed to cut a hole in metal.
Drill Press - A machine used to rotate and advance a cutting tool into a workpiece.
Dynamic Brake - A type of brake that uses a flywheel to dissipate energy when braking.
E
Elasticity - The ability of a material or system to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed.
Electric Motor - A device which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Electrical Relay - A switch which can be activated electrically.
Electrode - An electrical conductor used to connect a device to a circuit.
Electromagnetic Coil - A coil of wire which creates a magnetic field when energized.
Electromagnetic Relay - A type of relay actuated by an electromagnet.
End Cap - A cover, usually made of metal or plastic, which seals off the end of a pipe or tube.
Expander - A device used to increase the diameter of a hole or tube.
F
Fabrication - The process of manufacturing a product or structure by cutting, shaping, and combining materials.
Fibre Optic Cable - A cable composed of strands of glass or plastic that transmits light and information.
Filter - A device used to remove contaminants from a fluid or gas.
Fixture - A device used to hold a part in a fixed position while it is being worked on.
Flanges - A device used to connect two objects by making a fluid-tight seal.
Flexible Coupling - A type of coupling which allows two shafts to be connected while allowing some relative motion between them.
Flux - A substance used to facilitate welding, soldering, or coating by transferring heat or electricity.
Force Gauge - A device used to measure forces, typically in the range of 250 to 2000 Newtons.
G
Gear - A toothed wheel which meshes with and turns another toothed wheel.
Gearbox - A device used to change the speed or direction of an input shaft.
Gearhead - A device used to increase the torque output of a motor.
Geared Motor - A motor with a gearbox attached to increase the available torque.
Governor - A device used to regulate the speed of a motor or other machine.
Grease Fitting - A threaded hole for the fitting of a grease nipple.
Grease Gun - A device used to force lubricating grease into bearings or other spaces where lubrication is required.
Guide - A structure, typically made of metal or plastic, used to guide and hold components in place.
H
Heat Exchanger - A device used to transfer heat from one medium to another, such as air to water.
Heat Sink - A device used to dissipate heat from a component or system.
Heat Tape - A self-heating adhesive used to seal electrical joints in airplanes.
Hydraulic Actuator - A device that converts hydraulic pressure into linear or rotary motion.
Hydraulic Cylinder - A device used to generate linear motion using the force of pressurized fluid.
Hydraulic Pump - A device used to generate pressure in a hydraulic system.
Hydraulic Valve - A device used to control the flow of hydraulic fluid.
I
Ignition Coil - An induction coil used to generate high voltage in an automotive ignition system.
Indicator - An instrument used to measure or indicate the condition of a machine or system.
Insulating Material - A material used to prevent the flow of electricity or heat.
Interface - The point at which two components or systems make contact.
J
Jacket - A protective cover for a machine or component.
Jack Screw - A screw and nut used to raise and lower a component.
Joint - A point where two parts are joined together.
K
Key - A wedge-shaped bar used to lock two components together.
L
Linear Actuator - A device used to convert rotary motion into linear motion.
Lubricant - A material used to reduce friction or wear between two contacting surfaces.
M
Magnet - A material used to create a magnetic field.
Magnetic Coupling - A device used to transfer energy without direct contact between two rotating elements.
Maintenance - The work performed to keep machines, equipment, or systems in serviceable condition.
Man
