Mechanical engineering has a very wide concept that its disciplines cover many fields of science. Moreover, mechanical engineers are always involved in jobs that relate to the use of the principles of physics, materials analysis, design and manufacture of machines and in the maintenance of mechanical systems.
Because mechanical engineering requires an in-depth understanding of mechanical concepts and use of electricity, we now have the field that focus on this aspect and this is the electro-mechanical engineering. This sub-discipline of mechanical engineering also refers to the design, manufacture, analysis and maintenance of machines and equipment and products but with a combination on the study and use of electricity that power up the mechanical systems.
What is so interesting about electro-mechanical engineering?
Electro-mechanical engineering (EME) is actually one of the most interesting fields of engineering science. It has a very wide scope because it involves the use of electronic principles and mechanical concepts that operate machines. Because a large percentage of our industrial machines now use electricity, mechanical engineers therefore must understand how electricity activates these machines. In this regard, mechanical engineers can be able to identify the underlying problems and solutions when machines need to be fixed.
When one studies EME, he will learn the procedures in the operation, analysis, design and manufacture of mechanical and electronic equipments and machines that are all powered by electricity. And because EME is focused on the study and use of electricity for the machines, taking up electro-mechanical engineering can be very interesting.
With the discovery of electricity in the 18th century and the beginning of electrical engineering in the 19th century, these have revolutionized the introduction of modern machines that use electricity. Such examples are our home appliances, processing plant machines and industrial machines.
Today our machines have become so advanced that almost all of our production and domestic machines run on electricity. So it is obvious that when the knowledge in the use of electricity plus the learning of principles of mechanical engineering is combined, what you get is electro-mechanical engineering.
Who do Electro-Mechanical Engineers Do?
The electro-mechanical engineers are the ones who are very capable of manufacturing and operating automated machines. They have the greatest knowledge and skills on how machines work including electronic equipments. They learned from school and thru experience the principles and theories of mechanical and electrical concepts and they conduct studies to produce useful results about electronics and mechanics.
Furthermore, because they are also mechanical engineers, they are also expert in solving problems and doing in-depth analysis so they are very good in Math and Science and also in Physics. This is necessary because the concept of electronics is mostly based in Physics.
Majority of large production and manufacturing businesses today need electro-mechanical engineers mainly because they use machines with electric motors in their production operations. So instead of hiring mechanical engineers and electrical engineers, they sometimes choose graduates of electro-mechanical engineering for their services and maintenance.
Main Duties of Electro-Mechanical Engineers
- They work with other engineers in implementing electro-mechanical designs used in industrial settings.
- They provide advice to machinists and technicians to make sure the electronics and machines will always meet design specifications.
- They analyze engineering designs of digital circuitries, instrumentation, motor controls and in the acquisition of data to have smooth implementation during automation of electromechanical systems.
- They install programs or software and also hardware to computers that are used in instrumentations.
- They do the maintenance, modification and repairs of all electrical, electronic or mechanical components and also on equipment or systems for continuous operation.
- They can fabricate, or reconstruct electrical, mechanical or electronic components or assemblies when necessary.
- They are the ones who choose electro mechanical equipments as well as for the components, materials or parts needed for the equipment and they are also experts in checking parts specifications.
- They can draw electrical, mechanical or electronic systems using Computer-Aided design (CAD) program.
- They can relate to electro mechanical drawings and produce design specifications from it with the application of engineering principles such as fluid sciences, thermal heat and can compute accurate results using calculus, statistics and mathematics.
- They do diagnostic techniques in testing equipment and assessing electromagnetic circuitries including its processes, systems and subsystems.
Now that you have an idea on what the electro-mechanical engineer does, probably you may now know if you would want to become one in the future. Think about it, with this profession, you already have two expertise and that is being a mechanical engineer and an electrical engineer at the same time. You can become very in-demand in many types of industries even on global level.
You can also expect to have an above the average wage and can have many benefits if you will be employed by some of the largest multinational companies that are in the manufacturing and production business. And if you have already a mechanical engineering degree, you can also specialize in electrical engineering or apply for an internship and work along with electro-mechanical engineers.
