Engineering vocabulary: 33 mechanism and machine words in plain language
Real machines, real words.
These terms are in the manuals and the videos. When we build, we learn what they mean with our hands. That’s a much deeper understanding than we can get from definitions. Nevertheless, the definitions are useful, so here they are.
- Actuator
- Part you move by hand to work the mechanism.
- Alignment Guide
- Structure that keeps a moving part centred and level.
- Barrel
- Sleeve that holds and guides a sliding bolt.
- Bolt
- Sliding rod that locks.
- Brace
- Part that stiffens or supports a structure.
- Bracket
- Part with flanges that attaches one structure to another.
- Channel
- U-shaped part that another piece fits into.
- Chassis
- Main load-bearing frame that other parts mount on.
- Connecting Rod
- Rod linking two moving parts, pivoting at both ends.
- Cover Plate
- Plate that closes or covers an opening.
- Double Slider-Rocker
- Two slider-rocker linkages that share one slider, so one sliding part swings two rockers.
- Driver
- Part that drives another part (the follower).
- Flexure Hinge
- Hinge made by a fold: the carton board bends instead of turning on a pin.
- Follower
- Part that is driven by another part (the driver) and follows its motion.
- Fulcrum
- Pivot point a lever turns on.
- Gantry
- Beam held up by a leg at each end, spanning a space.
- Hinge
- Joint that lets a part swing about a line.
- Housing
- Enclosure that holds and protects a mechanism.
- Lamination
- Layers glued together for strength.
- Lever
- Rigid bar that turns on a fulcrum.
- Mechanical Stop
- Part that limits how far another part can move.
- Mounting Flange
- Flat rim or tab used to attach a part to a structure.
- Pivot Point
- Point that a part turns about.
- Push Rod
- Rod that transmits a push.
- Rocker
- Part that swings back and forth through a limited arc.
- Slider
- Part that moves in a straight line along a guide.
- Spacing Block
- Block that holds parts a set distance apart.
- Spiral Reinforcement
- Spiral-rolled insert that stiffens a rod.
- Standoff
- Spacer that holds a part at a set distance from another.
- Swivel Guide
- Guide that holds a part while letting it swivel.
- Transition Fit
- Snug fit: the parts go together with a gentle push and stay put.
- Viewport
- Opening you look through.
- Web
- Inner wall that runs the length of a hollow part and stiffens it.