What are the Different Types of Mechanical Engineering Technology?

Mechanical engineering technology is used to design, test, and operate the mechanical processes that make both machines and products. Mechanical engineers manipulate objects by using the natural forces that operate predictably according to physical laws. They deal with all kinds of movement. The types of mechanical engineering technology used depend on what kind of natural forces are being manipulated.

What Is a Mechanical Floor?

A mechanical floor is a floor in a high rise building that provides space for building systems. An extremely tall building may have multiple mechanical floors to accommodate all of its needs. These floors are usually not accessible via regular elevators and stairwells, because they contain sensitive systems. It may be necessary to use service elevators or stairs, or a special key in a standard building elevator, to get to the mechanical floor. This limits access to authorized personnel.

What Is a Mechanical Computer?

A mechanical computer is a computer that, instead of running on electricity and electrical parts, uses mechanical parts. Unlike electronic computers, which are able to run themselves because of electricity, a mechanical computer receives power from an outside source: the user. To use this computer, the operator has to continuously pump a crank, perhaps thousands of times, to perform a calculation. This computer is often regarded as the first stage of the modern computer, and it was primarily used until the late 1940s, though there have been some uses since then. While this computer had many varied uses, it commonly was used for calculations, navigation and with missiles and torpedoes during wars.

What Skills Are Needed for Mechanical Engineer Employment?

Mechanical engineers research, design, and build machines and equipment of all types. They can specialize in designing engines, automobiles, consumer products, electronics, or heavy machinery, among other areas. There are several important technical and personal skills that an individual looking for employment in this field should possess. A successful engineer is creative, efficient, detail-oriented, and mechanically inclined. He or she must be a master of computer design and have specialized knowledge of physics and electricity in order to produce efficient, reliable machines.

Many different personal traits and skills are necessary to secure mechanical engineer employment. Professionals need to have strong problem-solving skills in order to invent and test new designs. Creativity and perseverance are essential in trial-and-error experiments with prototypes. Most engineers need strong communication skills as well, as they are frequently required to work in teams with other engineers and correspond with management and patent office workers. They also need strong educational backgrounds in math and physics to help them calculate statistics and determine the most efficient ways of putting machines together.