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Mechatronics–Level 1

Entry Level Assessment Blueprint

Specific Competencies and Skills Tested in this Assessment:

 

Introducton to Mechatronics:  Safety

  • Follow workplace electrical safety guidelines (NEC) (lock-out/tag-out)
  • Identify safety components of workplace (e.g., fire protection, emergency exit plans, emergency routes, and confined spaces)
  • Wear appropriate personal protective (PPE) safety equipment (NFPA 70-E)
  • Interpret major parts of MSDS sheets
  • Perform machine guarding procedures
  • Administer first aid
  • Properly use hand and power tools
  • Perform proper HazCom operations (perform proper hazardous waste disposal)
  • Follow workplace mechanical safety guidelines (e.g., energy isolation, potential energy)
  • Use proper techniques to navigate work-place (walking and working surfaces)

 

Introduction to Mechatronics:  Communication

  • Use operating documents and work instructions
  • Interpret equipment test, operating, and failure logs
  • Verbalize instructions and communicate problems

 

Instrumentation and Measurement

  • Properly use a voltmeter, multimeter, and ammeter
  • Properly use a torque wrench
  • Read various gauges
  • Describe and identify sensors of various functions (e.g., pressure, flow)
  • Describe and identify transducers (thermocouples, photoelectric cell)
  • Read and convert a standard and metric ruler
  • Measure input and output impedance
  • Calibrate electrical equipment
  • Identify reed sensors
  • Diagnose electrical equipment
  • Measure angles, square, level, and plumb
  • Determine appropriate measurement tool
  • Demonstrate proper care and handling of measurement instruments

Electrical

  • Apply circuit terminology
  • Describe relationships between circuit components
  • Describe types of switches (e.g., limit, potentiometer)
  • Read resistor color bands
  • Use Ohm’s and Kirchoff’s Laws for voltage and current (AC and DC)
  • Understand role of magnetism and electromagnetism
  • Describe series and parallel circuits
  • Interpret wiring, schematics, and ladder diagrams
  • Analyze and troubleshoot circuits
  • Describe microprocessors
  • Select proper wire size for circuit’s (NEC) load
  • Describe power supply (transformers, inverters, and generators – 24 volts)

 

Mechanical

  • Differentiate between different types of materials  and their properties (plastic, stainless)
  • Understand vibration and noise control (ergonomics)
  • Understand mechanical valve operation (shut-off)
  • Understand bearing properties and uses
  • Perform shaft alignment, gear reduction
  • Perform speed calculations on gears, sprockets, and pulleys
  • Apply gear ratios and direction
  • Select type of lubrication
  • Read and interpret drawings of mechanical parts (sectional and scale views)
  • Describe drive systems (chains and belts; conveyor system)
  • Describe proper mounting of components (using proper fasteners)

 

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems

  • Differentiate between hydraulic and pneumatic system components
  • Identify types of valves  (pressure, flow, directions)
  • Apply working knowledge of types of cylinders
  • Read schematics relating to system components
  • Apply Pascal’s Law
  • Describe hydraulic fluid characteristics
  • Identify different hydraulic and pneumatic conductors
  • Understand essentials of system filtration

Computer and Control Systems

  • Identify components of a computer network
  • Describe basic functions of PLCs in a system
  • Understand truth tables and logic
  • Apply basics of CAD
  • Understand basics of computer programming
  • Download a program to input information into a computer system
  • Describe system control and monitoring interfaces
  • Identify different types of communication cabling
  • Describe wireless versus hardwired systems

Written Assessment:

Administration Time: 3 hours
Number of Questions: 183

Areas Covered: 

Introduction to Mechatronics Safety: 15%

Introduction to Mechatronics Communication: 5%

Instrumentation and Measurement: 21%

Electrical: 18%

Mechanical: 16%

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems: 12%

Computer and Control Systems: 13%

 

Sample Questions:

What should be used to feed material into a machine?  

  1. joy stick
  2. push stick
  3. your feet
  4. your hands

 

All hazardous waste containers must be  

  1. made of clear materials
  2. plastic
  3. labeled
  4. fire proof

 

A multimeter meter measures

  1. hertz
  2. impedance and resistance
  3. ohms, amps, and volts
  4. watts

 

The basic unit of electrical charge is the

  1. coulomb
  2. joule
  3. volt
  4. watt

 

The most important part of bearing maintenance is

  1. good seals
  2. proper lubrication
  3. even loads
  4. periodic cleaning