advice for a new starter 1

[annLam]

Hello all,

I've just started out at my new job after finishing uni and would like some advice about what kind of resources are available that would help me get to grips with what's what in the mech eng world. I've been basically dumped in at the deep end and am quickly discovering what was missing in my degree.

Ann-Marie

 

[unclesyd]

There are some very essential reference books and some specific to different industries. Along with this there are certain organiztions that a membership might be a valuable asset.

Come back with the industry your are involved with and any specific areas that you will be involved with.

 

[annLam]

Thank you for replying.

I'm working in a new company that is provided equipment for laboratories - namely machines/robots that automate cell harvesting procedures. It's multi-disciplined. I have to design basic mechanical elements such as robot chassis, robot end effectors, materials selection. Collaborate with outsourced companies who fabricate what design emerges as result of the collaboration. so...

Mechanical component design
Manufacturing and assembly
Something on automation would be useful

I have my university notes but it's all theory and little practical information

 

[sreid]

One excellent website is Engineering Fundamentals

http://efunda.com/home.cfm

Join-$6/month.

 

[sreid]

Also, get a copy of the McMaster-Carr Catalog.

http://www.mcmaster.com

Not the lowest prices but quick delivery of almost any component you might want.

 

[GBor]

Before leaping out on my own, interpersonal relations, presentations, and writing ability propelled me further than technical understanding.

Garland E. Borowski, PE

 

[FredGarvin]

Sreid,

Good luck in getting a print version of the McMaster catalog. My company probably does close to a quarter mil in business with them and we can never get a print version. They give us the cold shoulder. Their web site does kick butt though.

 

[tygerdawg]

Machinery's Handbook. Stuffed with practical information about materials, shop practices, etc etc., all kinds of info "beyond theory". Spend the money & get the big print version.

For motion control topics relative to a mechanical engineer, I have used the "Smart Motion Cheat Sheet". Find it on the web in PDF format and download it. I also have used SEW Eurodrive's German "Practical Engineering" guides (can be gotten in most Euro languages if needed). Must go to the Eurodrive German electronic documentation site, dig for it, and download in PDF. Lots of practical, rigorous, motion control engineering methodology applicable to a lot of projects. A lot of the same material can be found in stepper & servo motor catalogs, ball screw catalogs, etc.

Convince your boss to spend a few hundred dollars on some inexpensive PLC equipment (automationdirect.com or similar) and just play with it: on/off actions, sensors, lights, programming, wiring & wiring components. There's nothing like creating sparks and blowing stuff up to learn about how them electrons flow through wires.

Try to get a subscription to Machine Design, Cotnrol Engineering, Design Engineering, and any of a dozen other trade rags that are out there. Sometimes they actually have some good articles.

Start showing up at your local professional society meetings and learn about "networking".

And besides the previously mentioned efunda.com, try

http://www.icrank.com

http://www.matweb.com

http://www.engineersedge.com

There is a lot of great practical engineering information and methods stashed away in vendor catalogs. All for free, usually available for download. One of my favorites is the INA Bearings catalogs.

TygerDawg

 

[haggis]

annLam,

Do lots of talking and listening to the older people on the shop floor.

Haggis