What is mechanical engineering?

The mechanical engineering technician (like all other engineering disciplines) works in a team and specialises in designing systems and machines for the economic use of natural resources and manpower to the benefit of mankind. The mechanical engineering team is concerned with the creation of wealth.

They achieve this through the establishment of improved and more efficient systems in the design, production and maintenance of these systems.

Owing to the scope and nature of engineering assignments, which can be on a large scale and complicated, the engineering practitioners normally work in teams to effectively and efficiently complete projects.

The mechanical engineering teams concentrate on the following branches of mechanical engineering:

• Quality: The quality of the products or services provided must exceed the expectations and needs of the consumer
• Design: Products must be designed to ensure maximum profits through its lifetime, which includes all aspects from the start of the market research phase to proper phasing out of products and manufacturing equipment.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturing processes and
  systems, production planning, factory layout, ergonomics and reduction of waste must be optimised to limit expenses to a minimum.
• Maintenance: Systems and equipment must be maintained to perform at its optimal level. Products must be developed such that it can be maintained economically through its life-time.

Mechanical engineering is a multi-disciplinary field of study that equips you with the necessary technical background, as well as the economic and people skills vital to making economically justifiable decisions in an engineering environment. Everyday mechanical engineering work involves a wide range of activities and challenges!

A good example of the involvement of mechanical engineering practitioners may be found in the design and planning of new products. The mechanical engineering team designs better products as well as facilities for manufacturing these products. These projects could include capital equipment, market research, workshops, production plants and even mining. The technician must ensure that the design elements of the projects are compatible and that the capital, plant, manpower and raw materials are optimally employed so that it results in feasible and economically viable projects.