Mechatronics: Industrial Automation - Certificate

Career Pathways Certificate of Completion | mhcc.edu/Mechatronics

mechatronics

Faculty Adviser

Todd Saunders: 503-491-7034 | AC1382 | Todd.Saunders@mhcc.edu
Bernie Grysen: 503-491-7482 | AC1381 | Bernie.Grysen@mhcc.edu

This program is designed for those working in industrial maintenance, who want to gain skills in factory automation. Students will troubleshoot and program basic PLC’s and FANUC robots. Students should also have prior knowledge of AC/DC electronics, electric motors, and sensors.

Courses must be completed with a "C" grade or better, and must be completed within 5 years in order to be awarded the certificate.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate basic knowledge in automation control systems
  • Operate and program basic industrial robots and programmable logic controllers
  • Interact with automated systems following standard safety procedures

Students may begin the courses for this certificate in the 2024-25 academic year.

MEC231Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers4
MEC232Intermediate Programmable Logic Controllers5
MEC251Robotics I3
MEC252Robotics II - Vision Systems3
Total Credits15

MEC101 Introduction to Mechatronics

Credit 1Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels, or instructor approval.

Introduction to Mechatronics introduces students to the field of Mechatronics through seminars, guest lectures, and Amatrol assignments.

Additional Course Fee: $45.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define what the field of mechatronics is
  2. Demonstrate the ability to communication professionally

MEC110 Introduction to Manual Machine Tools

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels, or instructor approval.

Introduction to Manual Machine Tools provides an overview of the operation, function, and uses on many common tools used in manufacturing. This course includes instructions on band saw, drill press, manufacturing hand tools, and manual mill.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define a manufacturing process
  2. Demonstrate basic machining operations safely
  3. Demonstrate the operation of a floor drill press, band saw, and milling machine
  4. Demonstrate the proper usage of layout work
  5. Describe the functions of five types of machine tools
  6. Describe the shape of four common metal stock shapes
  7. Explain five rules to follow to dress safely around machinery

MEC112 Measurement Tools

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels, or instructors approval.

Measurement Tools introduces basic measurement, precision measurement tools, and dimensional gauging. Learners will cover concepts such as S.I. Measurement, U.S. Customary Measurements, Tape Measure and Measurement Conversion. Applications taught include using a dial caliper, digital caliper, English micrometer, and metric micrometer.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate different dimensioning techniques and understand their meaning
  2. Demonstrate how to use a ruler, dial caliper, digital caliper, and micrometer to make accurate measurements and describe their resolution and accuracy
  3. Describe the difference between a histogram and a control chart and define the function of each
  4. Describe the five key areas of information located on a print
  5. Describe the function of a print and interpret the alphabet of lines
  6. Describe two systems of dimensional measurement: US Customary and SI Metric
  7. Explain how views are arranged in a multiview drawing

MEC113 Industrial Safety

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels, or instructor approval.

Industrial Safety covers the fundamentals of industrial safety. Workplace safety including a review of OSHA regulations, use of Personal Protective Equipment, Lockout/Tagout, and accident response will be covered as well as other safety topics.

Additional Course Fee: $45.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define Hazardous Energy and describe its associated dangers
  2. Define Personal Protective Equipment
  3. Define Workplace Safety and explain its importance
  4. Describe how to use head, eye, ear, foot and hand protection
  5. Describe Lockout/Tagout and explain its importance

MEC121 Mechanical Drives I

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: Reserved for students in the Mechatronics major.

Mechanical drives introduces mechanical systems and develops fundamental knowledge of mechanical systems and practices. Covers basic safety, installation, key fasteners, power transmission systems, v-belt drives, chain drives, spur gear drives, and multiple shaft drives. Topics covered include learning how to select, install, adjust, troubleshoot, and repair a range of mechanical systems which are commonly found in both automated and manual machines used in every industry around the world.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe five methods of Rotary Mechanical Power Transmission and give an application of each
  2. Describe six rules of safe dress for working with power transmission equipment
  3. Describe the components and function of a chain drive system
  4. Describe the components and function of a gear drive system
  5. Describe the Function of a Mechanical Power Transmission System and give an advantage
  6. Describe the function of couplings, shafts, bearings and other power transmission components
  7. Measure v-belt tension using one of three general methods

MEC122 Mechanical Drives II

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: MEC121

Mechanical Drives II covers heavy duty V-Belt drives including conventional, multiple, wedge, and variable speed V-Belt drives. This course describes V-Belt selection and maintenance by covering V-Belt size specification, component identification, and troubleshooting. Learners will develop fundamental knowledge of synchronous belt drives, lubrication concepts, precision shaft alignment, and coupling. Also covered is heavy duty chain drives which describes silent chain drives, multiple-strand systems, chain selection, chain lubrication, chain maintenance and troubleshooting.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe chain drive lubrication methods
  2. Describe how to install and align both v-belt and chain drives
  3. Describe the function and operation of multiple v-belt drives, wedge v-belt drives, and variable speed v-belt drives
  4. Describe the function and operation of timing belt drives

MEC123 Mechanical Drives III

Credits 4Spring

Registration Requirement: MEC122

Mechanical Drives III includes describing lubrication, selection, maintenance and troubleshooting of plain ball bearings. It introduces anti-friction bearings by describing two types of bearing and teaching the fundamental skills of how to identify, mechanically install, and thermally install, and troubleshooting those bearings. Also covered is gasket and seals; such as o-ring seal, lip seal and mechanical seal, advance gear drives; such as helical gear drives, right angle gear drives, and speed reducers, gear drive selection and maintenance.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe eight preventive maintenance steps for plain bearings
  2. Describe five maintenance steps for gear drives
  3. Describe how ball bearings are specified
  4. Describe the function of a gasket, o-ring, lip and mechanical seal
  5. Describe the function of helical gears, right angle gear drives and speed reducers
  6. Describe the function of three types of plain bearings and give an application
  7. Install and adjust a solid bearing using a hammer and mandrel

MEC131 AC/DC Electrical Systems

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: Reserved for students in the Mechatronics and Engineering Technologies majors.

AC/DC Electrical course teaches fundamentals of AC/DC electrical systems used for power and control in industrial, commercial, agricultural, and residential applications using Amatrols virtual training technology. Students learn industry-relevant skills included in subject areas such as Basic Electrical Circuits, Electrical Measurement, Circuit Analysis, Inductance and Capacitance, Combination Circuits, Transformers and Proximity Sensors.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define a Series-Parallel Circuit
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of Ohm's Law and Kirchoff's laws
  3. Describe the function of a transformer and give an application
  4. Describe the function of a variable resistor and give an application
  5. Use a digital multimeter to measure current, resistance and voltage
  6. Describe the function of a proximity sensor and give an application

MEC132 Electric Motors

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: MEC131

Electric Motors introduces electrical circuits and works through many industry tasks in Electrical Systems including DC Series Motors, DC Shunt and Compound Motors, Motor Speed and Torque, Motor Performance, Split-Phase AC Motors, Capacitor-Start AC Motors, Permanent-Capacitor and Two-Capacitor Motors, and Three-Phase AC Induction Motors. Additional topics include AC and DC motor failures, common methods of diagnosing these failures by using a multimeter and megger meter, and troubleshooting these failures. Specific objectives include listing common failures of a three-phase AC motors stator windings, understanding common methods used to diagnose DC motor failures, and using a megger meter to test a DC electric motor armature.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Calculate the power factor given the active power and apparent power of an AC motor
  2. Define Motor Load and explain its effect on motor operation
  3. Describe the common failures of DC motor field windings
  4. Describe the common types of AC electric motor failures
  5. Describe the Function of an electric motor
  6. List the five components of a DC motor and describe their function
  7. List the two categories of AC motors and give an advantage of each

MEC133 Motor Controls

Credits 5Fall

Registration Requirement: MEC132

Motor Controls teaches electric relay control of AC electric motors found in industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Learners gain understanding of the operation, installation, design, and troubleshooting of AC electric motor control circuits for many common applications. Learners also develop skills in interpreting schematics, system design, motor start/stop circuits, motor sequence control, reversing motor control, and motor jogging. Safety is emphasized throughout, highlighting motor safety, lockout/ tagout and safety interlocks. Topics include voltage testing equipment as well as troubleshooting of control component, motor starter, power component, and motor control circuits.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe Five Functions of Motor Control
  2. Describe Four Methods of Systems Level Troubleshooting and Give an Advantage of Each
  3. Describe How to Select a DMM to Measure Voltage for a Given Application
  4. Describe Ten Basic Rules of Electrical Safety
  5. Describe the Function of a Ladder Diagram
  6. Describe the Function of Two Types of Timer Relays
  7. Describe the Operation of Three-Phase Power
  8. List Six Elements of Control Logic
  9. State the NEMA and IEC Standard for Reversing the Rotation of a Three-Phase Motor

MEC134 Electrical Fabrication

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: MEC131

Electrical fabrication introduces electrical system wiring and develops fundamental knowledge of electrical wiring and components. Covers basic electrical system wiring, interpreting wire installation plans, handling non-metallic cable, understanding application of basic components such as switches, outlets, and lighting, and connecting electrical services. This course will cover major topics like soldering basics, soldering and desoldering techniques, and electrical panel soldering applications.

Additional Course Fee: $45.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe How to Connect Wires to a Terminal Strip
  2. Describe How to Inspect a Soldering Bond
  3. Describe Ten Basic Electrical Safety Rules
  4. Describe the Function of a Service Entrance
  5. Describe the Operations of Three Tools Used to Strip Insulation from a Wire
  6. List Six Safety Rules for Soldering

MEC141 Pneumatics I

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels, or instructor approval.

Pneumatics I prepares learners to work intelligently in industry with pneumatic applications. It introduces pneumatic power and takes learners through key topics and skills in pneumatic power & safety, pneumatic circuits, pneumatic schematics, the principles of pneumatic pressure and flow, and pneumatic speed control circuits. It covers pressure regulation, air filtration, how to connect pneumatic circuits, pneumatic cylinders, valves, and actuators, a wide array of pneumatic applications, pressure and cylinder force, pneumatic leverage, pressure and volume, and air flow resistance.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Calculate the Extension Force of a Cylinder Given Its Size and Pressure
  2. Describe the Function of a Pneumatic Cylinder and Give an Application
  3. Describe the Functions of Basic Components of a Pneumatic System
  4. Describe the Main Function of a Pneumatic Needle Valve and Give an Application
  5. Explain Six Pneumatic Safety Rules

MEC142 Pneumatics II

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: MEC141 or instructor approval.

Pneumatics II teaches intermediate pneumatic components, system applications & industry-relevant skills in operation, installation, performance analysis, maintenance & design. Topics include cam-operated valves; cylinder sequencing with cam valves; cylinder deceleration circuits; pilot operated directional control valves (DCV); shuttle valves; air logic components, design, filters, lubricators; filter selection & maintenance; water traps/removal techniques; air dryers; after-coolers; component maintenance. Additional topics include advanced pneumatic principles/components, cylinder loads/applications, quick exhaust valves, motor loads, air bearings, component sizing, air compressor types/operation, flow measurement, compressor performance.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define a vacuum and give three industrial applications
  2. Define Air Logic and give two applications
  3. Describe how to size a pneumatic cylinder
  4. Describe the function and operation of pneumatic DCV's
  5. Describe the two types of pneumatic cylinder loads
  6. Describe two methods of removing water vapor from a pneumatic system
  7. List four sources of compressed air contamination and explain their effect
  8. List two methods used to produce vacuums and give an advantage of each

MEC160 Introduction to Maintenance Welding

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Reserved for students in the Mechatronics major.

In this course students will learn basic welding techniques and industry standards for maintenance welding through lectures and labs. Welding plays a critical role throughout our economy. It is central to many industries including manufacturing, construction, and aerospace to name only a few. Welding is a blend of both art and science, joined together to create enduring bonds that allow us to create structures and machines on a scale impossible to achieve without it. This course teaches how to safely create an array of high quality weld types.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW processes and applications
  2. Define welding and explain its importance
  3. Describe eight dress rules for welding
  4. Describe four common joints used in welding
  5. Describe how to install a gas cylinder
  6. Describe how to use an angle grinder to prepare metal for welding
  7. Describe the relationship between voltage, wire feed settings, and arc gap length as it pertains to GMAW
  8. Weld two common joints in ferrous materials

MEC231 Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: MEC131 and MEC134 or consent of instructor based on industry experience.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of working with Programmable Logic Controllers. Students will develop competence in connecting to, programming, and operating microPLC's. The course will cover basic datatypes and introduce boolean, counter, timer and basic math instructions. Locating and utilizing appropriate documentation to verify and connect hardware will also be covered.

Additional Course Fee: $150.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Select, install and configure appropriate programming software for a PLC
  2. Locate, obtain and utilize appropriate manufacturer documentation for a PLC
  3. Analyze a basic machine control scenario and design an efficient programming solution to meet the functional requirements
  4. Demonstrate the proper selection and use of datatypes within program variables
  5. Utilize boolean, timer, counter and basic math instructions within simple PLC programs
  6. Create appropriate documentation to support future users of the PLC program
  7. Demonstrate the ability to configure and utilize USB communications to upload and download programs to a PLC

MEC232 Intermediate Programmable Logic Controllers

Credits 5Fall

Registration Requirement: MEC231 and MEC134; or consent of instructor based on industry experience.

This course expands on the fundamentals of working with Programmable Logic Controllers and focuses on standalone PLC’s. Students are introduced to intermediate topics such as analog I/O, ethernet communications, motion control applications and programming languages other than ladder logic. Students gain experience specifying, connecting and troubleshooting digital and analog I/O for discrete control as well as connecting with other automation components such as servo or stepper drives.

Additional Course Fee: $150.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate the proper selection of input and output devices to match PLC hardware
  2. Connect and troubleshoot digital inputs and outputs
  3. Connect analog inputs or outputs
  4. Analyze a stand alone machine control scenario and design an efficient programming solution to meet the functional requirements
  5. Describe the differences between ladder diagram, structured text and function block programming languages
  6. Utilize motion control instructions to perform basic linear motion moves
  7. Select and implement appropriate advanced math and high speed counter or pulse train output instructions to meet functional requirements
  8. Configure, utilize and troubleshoot basic ethernet communications between programming computer and PLC
  9. Describe basic fault resolution of the Micro800 series PLC's

MEC241 Introduction to Hydraulics

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Mechatronics program or instructor consent.

Introduction to Hydraulics introduces hydraulic power use and application, allowing learners to develop skills and knowledge needed to apply hydraulics in modern industry. It takes learners through key topics and skills in hydraulic power & safety, hydraulic circuits, hydraulic schematics, the principles of hydraulic pressure and flow, and hydraulic speed control circuits. It covers pumps, fluid friction, how to connect hydraulic circuits, hydraulic cylinders and valves (including needle valves), and a wide array of hydraulic applications. Additionally topics in hydraulic maintenance will be covered.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Calculate the Extension Force of a cylinder given its size and pressure
  2. Define Flow Rate and explain how it can be measured
  3. Describe the function of a hydraulic schematic
  4. Describe the function of five basic components of a hydraulic system
  5. Describe the operation of a hydraulic power unit
  6. Describe two types of resistance in a hydraulic system

MEC242 Advanced Hydraulics

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: MEC241

Advanced Hydraulics teaches hydraulic components, system applications & industry-relevant skills in operation, installation, performance analysis, and design. Topics include accumulator sizing, system design, circuit applications, component operation/installation, rapid traverse slow feed & pump unloading circuits, cylinder sequencing/types/mountings, DCV spool center types/applications, remote pressure control, heat exchangers, reservoirs, fluid conductors/conditioning, filtration, motor & pump performance, system design, maintenance, and valves: pilot-operated DCVs, 2-stage DCVs, cam-operated DCVs, pressure-compensated flow control, pilot-operated check, direct-operated relief, non-compensated flow control, p-port check.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define hydraulic pump displacement and how it is used in hydraulic calculations
  2. Describe advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic motors
  3. Describe hydraulic check valve operations
  4. Describe the function of a hydraulic filter and give its schematic symbol
  5. Describe the types of hydraulic DCV's commonly used in industry
  6. Describe types and uses of hydraulic motors
  7. List four filter placement locations and explain when each is used

MEC243 Fluid Power Controls

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: Co-requisite: MEC242

Fluid Power Controls introduces electrical control systems and discusses basic control devices, power devices, control relays, sequencing control, timer control, pressure control applications, and circuit applications. Also discussed in depth to provide further skills is automatic and electrical control concepts and devices, logic elements, hydraulic and pneumatics solenoid-operated valves, relay and motor control applications, safety circuits and modes of operation.

Additional Course Fee: $15.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define a control system and name two categories
  2. Describe ten ladder diagram drawing rules
  3. Describe the function of a Power Diagram
  4. Describe the function of Electro-Hydraulic and Electro-Pneumatic Controls and give an application
  5. Describe the function of Relay Control Logic Circuits
  6. Describe the functions of the major components of an Automatically-Controlled Non-Servo Machine

MEC250 Manufacturing Operations

Credit 1Spring

Registration Requirement: Reserved for students in the Mechatronics major.

Manufacturing Operations introduces the concepts, terms, and application of lean manufacturing principles and practices in the manufacturing process. Provides an overview of the history and evolution of lean, the benefits of lean process, and the role of management in the lean process. Reviews the 5S tool for organizing and maintaining the workplace: Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. Total Productive Maintenance concepts are also covered in this course including the importance of total productive maintenance and describing three principles of preventative maintenance, overall equipment effectiveness, implementing the elements of an autonomous maintenance program, and maintaining equipment.

Additional Course Fee: $15.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define total productive maintenance and explain its importance
  2. Describe the focus of 'lean' methodolgies
  3. Explain the definition and goals of each of the 5 S's (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain)
  4. List the seven deadly wastes

MEC251 Robotics I

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: Reserved for students in the Mechatronics major.

This course will introduce systems to the basics of industrial robot programming. Students will be introduced to coordinate systems, homing, and basic teach commands on FANUC robots.

Additional Course Fee: $85.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Complete a robot homing operation
  2. Define tool, user, and world coordinate systems
  3. Describe joint and coordinate jog processes and explain the differences
  4. Describe process of re-initializing a robot
  5. Describe the basic components of an industrial robot
  6. Utilize robot teach commands to create basic programs

MEC252 Robotics II - Vision Systems

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: Corequisite: MEC251

This course will continue from Robotics I to include vision systems on robots. Students will be trained to setup, calibrate and program a robot using an industrial vision system.

Additional Course Fee: $85.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Calibrate industrial camera system on a robot
  2. Describe components of a machine vision system
  3. Describe the effects of lighting conditions on industrial optics
  4. Setup industrial camera on robot system
  5. Utilize robots vision system in a robot's program

MEC270 Process Control

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: Reserved for students in the Mechatronics major.

Process Control teaches two of the most common types of process control systems, flow and liquid level. This course covers process control safety, instrument tags, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and level measurement, then moves into system control functions such as liquid level control, automatic control methods, basic flow measurement and control, and control loop performance.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define Process Control
  2. Define the difference between an Open Loop and Closed Loop Process Control System
  3. Define the six types of information described by an instrument tag
  4. Describe how to use an instrument tag to identify a Measured or Initiated Variable
  5. Describe the function of a Piping and Instrument Diagram
  6. Describe two categories of Loop Controllers and give an application of each

MEC290 Mechatronics Capstone I

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: MEC123, MEC133, MEC243, MEC232, MEC270.

In this course, students will complete a team or individual project that demonstrates their mastery of Mechatronics concepts. Teams will utilize skills learned from the Mechatronics program to organize, assemble and program an automated system. Teamwork, project planning and scheduling will be covered.

Additional Course Fee: $105.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Create a project schedule with team member roles and responsibilities
  2. Demonstrate analytical approach to troubleshooting and problem solving of equipment
  3. Demonstrate proper layout of proposed project
  4. Fabricate and assemble project components
  5. Identify safety hazards when working on equipment and use risk mitigation strategies
  6. Work effectively in a team with appropriate workplace communication skills

MEC291 Mechatronics Capstone II

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: Co-requisite: MEC290

In second part of the Mechatronics Capstone, students will focus on project documentation and career readiness. Students will work on project communication, project risk mitigation, and supporting technical schematics and documentation. Students will also practice skills used for networking and job interviews.

Additional Course Fee: $105.00

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Create and present to the class a resume and portfolio
  2. Demonstrate effective networking strategies for career advancement
  3. Maintain project schedule and employ use of project risk mitigation strategies
  4. Practice interview skills by participating in mock interviews with industry professionals
  5. Prepare technical schematics and documentation of the completed capstone project
  6. Work effectively in a team with appropriate workplace communication skills