MECHATRONICS ACADEMY

Program Description

Mechatronics Academy 1

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Mechatronics is a term that describes the integration of mechanical, electrical, and computer technologies into the design of complex products. It integrates the classical fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, and information technology. Although industrialized machines have long included all three components, traditional methods viewed each separately. Today these multiple disciplines are combined into a systems approach for troubleshooting and resolving problems in an automated manufacturing plant.

The Mechatronics Academy is an 18-week, full time, competency-based training program designed to assure graduating students have demonstrated knowledge and skills essential to perform troubleshooting, service, and repair on mechatronics systems in an industrial setting. This Academy will prepare trainees for jobs which require electrical, mechanical, computer, robotics and automation skills sets. The electromechanical and robotics training provided in the Mechatronics Academy will prepare graduates to enter the industrial sector in positions such as industrial maintenance technician, automated manufacturing technician, electrical technician, mechanical technician, and industrial maintenance and repair. The combination of skills gained through this training is highly transferable to technician jobs in many industry sectors.

MECHATRONICS ACADEMY

M-TEC at The Groves Campus7107 Elm Valley DriveKalamazoo, MI 49009Phone: 269.353.1282Fax: 269.353.1580careeracademies@kvcc.eduwww.kvcc.edu/training

Revi

sed

6/4/

12

Mechatronics Academy 2

The Mechatronics Academy will develop students’ competency in industrial safety, electrical fundamentals, fluid power (hydraulics and pneumatics), industrial electronics and instrumentation, programmable logic control (PLC), troubleshooting, welding, robotics and motor control automation. Through lab exercise, simulation and self directed projects, the students will develop an attitude of safety, critical thinking, problem- solving and teamwork skills. Students will be expected to be able to perform routine service, use condition monitoring tools, troubleshoot problems and make necessary repairs. An understanding of lean manufacturing and quality control systems will be demonstrated through the ability to use lean tools and incorporate quality work practices throughout the program.

TRAININGMECHATRONICS ACADEMY

This hands-on program provides a full range of certified safety training and an opportunity to practice on electrical, mechanical, and robotics equipment. The program combines lecture, demonstration, and laboratory exercises to facilitate learning. Students are taught on devices which simulate automated production where fluid control, robotic control, and electronic control are essential. Safe work practices are stressed and consistently practiced.

Mechatronics Academy 3

INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS

MECHATRONICS ACADEMY

Manufacturing organizations focus on continuous improvement and growing technology. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to safety, an understanding of productivity, and the need to meet quality and production standards. Employers expect strong personal ethical characteristics and behaviors and a commitment to success.

Candidates must also be willing to work a variety of hours including holidays and weekends. They must be willing to work overtime. Technicians must also be able to keep up with the physical demands such as extended time standing, bending and stooping, lifting, and exposure to noise.

Mechatronics Academy 4

The Mechatronics Academy is designed to prepare students for a number of careers that involve troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of electrical-mechanical-robotics equipment. The Mechatronics Academy accepts students into the program using a screening process which aligns with the requirements of employers.

Applicants must have demonstrated mechanical and/or electrical experience and the ability to work with mathematical concepts. The candidate selection process includes math testing, industry fit testing, and a criminal background screen.

The selection process has been designed to allow applicants to make an informed decision about mechatronics as a career choice; while the instructional team evaluates the candidate’s readiness to be successful in the training.

ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM

MECHATRONICS ACADEMY

Applicants must meet each requirement below:

• HaveahighschooldiplomaorGED.• Haveatleastoneyearofdemonstrated

mechanical and/or electrical experience.• Noviolentfelonies.Violentfelonyconvictions

severely hinder the likelihood of being hired. Criminal background checks are performed.

• Algebraskillsgenerallyacquiredinhighschool are necessary for success in the academy. Math testing is required.

• Strongpersonalethicsandprofessionalism.Aworkplace industry fit assessment is required.

Mechatronics Academy 5

ELECTRICAL FUNDAMENTALS AND ADVANCED ELECTRICAL CONCEPTS 160 Hours

This module introduces the basic electrical components in a mechatronic system. Topics covered include basic functions and properties of electrical components, digital control circuitry, industrial control strategy, and troubleshooting; with a special emphasis on machine and process control schemes, process variable analysis, robotics, and factory information processing. Technical documentation such as data sheets, schematics, equipment programming diagrams, and system specifications will be covered. Students gain experience with troubleshooting techniques and strategies to identify, localize, and correct malfunctions; including systematic preventive maintenance and electrical component safety.Handsonlaboratorylearningfocuseson analysis, characterization, and design of electrical and mechatronic systems.

PROGRAM CONTENT

MECHATRONICS ACADEMY

AUTOMATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS 220 Hours

This module provides training in the practical applications of machine sensors, machine controlconfigurations,HMI,motioncontroldrives, electrical actuators and process control systems. Students gain hands on experience in troubleshooting machine faults pertaining to controls, drives, actuators, servo and stepper motors, encoders, resolvers, PLC, I/O, SCADA, robotics, and inspection systems. Areas of study include process instrumentation, calibration, programming, and operation concepts with working demonstration of piping instrumentation diagrams, logic control loops, maintenance logs, machine drawings and electrical schematics.

HYDRAULICS 50 Hours

Students will study the physics of energy, work, power and efficiency. Individual components and the theory of their operation are fully covered by the units in this module. Students must demonstrate the ability to read engineering prints and to interpret schematic symbols. Lab activities support the theoretical learning and the trainees demonstrate mastery of the subject through lab exercises in which they are required to diagnose and correct hydraulic system faults.

Mechatronics Academy 6

PROGRAM CONTENT

MECHATRONICS ACADEMY

FASTENERS 20 Hours

Fasteners are discrete assembly items that are used to join together the various components of a part. Students gain hands on experience with fasteners used in industry for the assembly and disassembly of components. Areas of study cover basic types of threaded and non-threaded fasteners. Students learn about components and applications and the various types of tools commonly used in assembly, as well as the importance of torque and how it is derived and applied to bolted joints.

CRANE AND RIGGING 20 Hours

This module is to increase the trainee’s level of knowledge of rigging gear inspection, safe rigging procedures, and load control using vertical or horizontal rigging systems. Students gain the skill necessary to properly develop and execute a critical lift plan using load equipment.

ROTATING EQUIPMENT 55 Hours

Units of study include lubrication techniques, bearing replacement, coupler replacement, alignment techniques, vibration analysis and measurement, and thermo graphic analysis for large and small rotating equipment.

INDUSTRIAL TRADES 80 Hours

Workers in manufacturing and industrial trades make almost all of the products that we use today. This module addresses industrial concepts relating to industrial machine troubleshooting, maintenance and repair. Areas of study include oil sampling methods and filter changes, gearbox inspection, backlash measurements, metrology, and troubleshooting concepts for pneumatic and vacuum systems. StudentsalsogainexperienceinMIG,TIG,andstick welding.

BUSINESS PRINCIPLES 40 Hours

Computer skills will be incorporated throughout the program. Specific learning activities and lab assignments will require students to demonstrate mastery of basic computer skills in order to write a comprehensive maintenance report. Lean manufacturing concepts will be applied.

Trainees will also be required to create and submit a resume/cover letter and demonstrate effective interviewing skills for various employment opportunities.