Industrial Maintenance Mechanics

This glossary present twenty terms used in industrial mechanics or millwright work. These terms could be useful for trainees and students to learn about mechanics and identify equipment commonly found in an industrial environment. It helps them understand what equipment they are working on or definition of terms that could be hard to interpret.

alignment: noun; Alignment is the process of adjusting machine components so that shafts and parts are straight and correctly positioned to reduce wear and vibration.; Example: Proper alignment reduces vibration and extends bearing life.; en: alignement
bearing: noun; A mechanical component that reduces friction between moving parts.; Example: The bearing allows the shaft to rotate smoothly.; en: roulement à bille
belt drive: noun; A system that uses belts and pulleys to transmit power.; Example: The belt drive transfers power from the motor to the fan.; en: transmission par courroie
chain drive: noun; A power transmission system using a chain and sprockets.; Example: The conveyor uses a chain drive to move products.; en: transmission par chaîne
conveyor: noun; A mechanical system use to moved materials or objects from one place to another.; Example: Boxes are transported on the conveyor.; en: convoyeur
coupling: noun; A device that connects two shafts to transmit motion.; Example: The coupling connects the motor to the pump.; en: accouplement
dial indicator: noun; A precision measuring tool use to check alignment and runount.; Example: A dial indicator is use during shaft alignment.; en: comparateur a cadran
fastener: noun; Hardware such as bolts, nuts, or screws used to hold parts together.; Example: Fasteners secure the guard to the machine.; en: attache / fixation
gearbox: noun; A mechanical system containing gears to change speed or torque.; Example: The gearbox reduces the motor speed.; en: boite d'engrenages / réducteur de vitesse
grease fitting (zerk): noun; A small fitting used to inject grease into bearings or joints.; Example: Grease is applied through the grease fitting.; en: embout de graissage
lubrication: noun; The application of oil or grease to reduce friction and wear.; Example: Proper lubrifiacation increases machine life.; en: lubrification
millwright: noun; A highly skilled tradesperson specializing in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial machinery and equipment.; Example: The millwright repairs the production equipment.; en: mécanicien industriel
predictive maintenance: noun; Predictive maintenance is a maintenance method that uses data, measurements, and condition monitoring from sensors, to predict when industrial equipment is likely to fail, allowing maintenance to be performed before a breakdown occurs, rather than on a fixed schedule or after failure, maximizing up time and efficiency.; Example: Vibration analysis is use in predictive maintenance to detect bearing problems early.; en: maintenance prédictive
preventive maintenance: noun; A proactive and planned strategy involving regularly scheduled inspections, and repairs to prevent equipment failure.; Example: Preventive maintenance avoids unexpected breakdowns.; en: maintenance préventive
rigging: noun; The process of lifting and moving heavy equipment safely.; Example: Rigging is required to install heavy machine.; en: levage et gréage
runout: noun; A rotating part deviate from true rotation, off-center, or not exactly round.; Example: An excessive runout can generate a lot of vibration in the machine that could affect is lifespan.; en: faux-rond
tolerance: noun; The acceptable variation in a measurement or dimension.; Example: The shaft diameter must be within tolerance.; en: tolérance
ultrasound testing: noun; Ultrasound testing is a diagnostic method that used high-frequency sound waves to detect air leaks, bearings defects, and electrical problems in industrial equipment.; Example: Ultrasound testing is used to locate compressed air leaks in the plant.; en: analyse par ultrason
vibration analysis: noun; Vibration analysis is a predictive maintenance technique that measures machine vibration to identify mechanical problems such as imbalance, misalignment, or bearing failure.; Example: Vibration analysis detected an early bearing failure in the motor.; en: analyse vibratoire
work order: noun; A work order is a document that describes maintenance or repair tasks to be completed on equipment.; Example: The millwright received a work order to repair the conveyor.; en: bon de travail