Mechanical Technology is one of the 13 subjects that were introduced as Elective Occupational Subjects. These are subjects that prepare students for entry into a career upon completion. The following is the full list of the new subjects:
What Is Mechanical Technology?
Mechanical Technology focuses on concepts and principles in the mechanical environment (something mechanical is something operated by a machine) and on technological processes. This subject embraces practical skills and the application of scientific principles. Students take this from Grade 10 to 12.
What Does Mechanical Technology Aim To Achieve?
This subject aims to create and improve the engineering and manufacturing environment to enhance the quality of life. Gadgets and technologies borne out of Mechanical Technology can make life easier for us. The subject also aims to teach students to ensure the sustainable use of the natural environment and resources.
Mechanical Technology consists of compulsory topics for study and a specialised elective discipline from the following:
- Automotive
- Welding and Metalwork
- Fitting and Machining
Automotive
This includes petrol and diesel-driven vehicles, motorcycles, lawnmowers, generators and tractor mechanics among others. This industry covers the following:
- Design of automotives
- Development of automotives
- Manufacture of automotives
- Repair of automotives
- Marketing of automotives
- Aftermarket of automotives
Welding And Metalwork
Welding is the fabrication process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics. Modern welding techniques include the following:
- Shielded metal arc welding
- Gas metal arc welding
- Submerged arc welding
- Flux-cored arc welding
- Electroslag welding
- Laser beam welding
- Electron beam welding
- Electromagnetic pulse welding
- Friction stir welding
- Robot welding
Metalworking is the process of working with metals to create individual parts, assembling pieces or large-scale structures. The term covers a wide range of work from large ships and bridges to precise engine parts and jewellery.
Fitting and Machining
This discipline focuses on the manufacturing and machining of parts using processes such as lathe turning, milling, cutting, shaping, and fitting of keys, couplings, bushes, shafts and bearings. Turning is a machining process in which a cutting tool, known as, a non-rotary tool bit, moves more or less linearly while the workpiece rotates.
Turning can be done manually, in a traditional form of lathe, or by using an automated lathe. The most common type of automation in Fitting and Machining is Computer Numerical Control, better known as CNC. Turning can be either on the outside of the cylinder or on the inside (also known as boring) to produce tubular components of various shapes and sizes.
Is Mechanical Technology For Me?
This elective subject is for you if:
- You have an interest in any form of mechanics, for example, cars, planes, trains, welding and maintenance
- You are also studying one or more of the following subjects as they all form part of the technical studying field
What Topics Are Covered In Mechanical Technology?
Here are the main topics that are covered in Mechanical Technology:
- Safety – Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act
- Tools and equipment – You will learn more about the different tools that can be used as well as the equipment that comes with it.
- Materials – Ferrous and non-ferrous materials and alloys. Iron-carbon equilibrium diagram
- Terminology – Manufacturing processes with reference to lathes (diameter turning, taper cutting, screw cutting) and milling machines (cutting methods, dividing head, centring of cutter)
- Joining methods – Permanent (welding) and semi-permanent (bolts, nuts and rivets) joints
- Forces – Forces, moments, Young’s modulus, stress and strain
- Maintenance – This refers to the up keeping of equipment
- Mechanical – Gears, belts, pulleys, power transmission, chains, clutches, cams, levers
- Hydraulics – Pistons, valves, Pascal’s law
- Electrical wiring – Starting and charging circuits
- Electronic applications – Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), fuel injection, air bag control
- Engines – Diesel and petrol, four and two-stroke
- Pumps – Centrifugal, water
- Turbines – Super and turbochargers
How Will I Be Assessed?
There are three assessments that are done in Mechanical Technology and these are:
- School-Based Assessments (SBA) (Contributes 25% of your final mark)
- In Grades 10 and 11 all SBA is set and moderated internally
- In Grade 12 the formal assessment (25%) is internally set and marked but externally moderated
- Practical Assessment Task (PAT) (Contributes 25% of your final mark)
- Accounts for the skills the learner has mastered
- In Grades 10 – 11 the Practical Assessment Task is set and marked internally but externally moderated
- In Grade 12 the Practical Assessment Task is externally set, internally marked and externally moderated
- Final Examination – At the end of each academic year, every learner is required to write a final examination, which is compiled in such a way that it represents the entire theoretical content covered throughout the year. The final examination paper accounts for 50% of the learner’s promotion mark and is externally set, marked and moderated.
What Skills Can I Gain By Studying Mechanical Technology?
Going through the Mechanical Technology subject course which consists of projects, simulations and life applications, upon completion you should be able to do the following:
- Repairing skills
- Maintenance skills
- Manufacturing skills
- Evaluation skills
- Monitoring skills
- Analytic skills
- Designing skills
- Drawing skills
- Reporting skills
- Communication skills
What Can I Study Further With Mechanical Technology?
Yes, you can study further with Mechanical Technology. Here is what you can do:
- Apprenticeship – You can become an Artisan, for example, Motor Mechanic, Fitter and Turner, Welder, Boilermaker, Tractor Mechanic
- Study further at a TVET College – Follow the vocational pathway
- Engineering studies – For example in the fields of aviation, air-conditioning, motor cars, engines, shipbuilding, power systems, electrical power stations
Start your own business – Enter the world of work as an entrepreneur in various fields, for example, precision machining, programming of lathes and milling machines, fitments of accessories to cars and trucks, maintenance and mechanical installations
Which Career Opportunities Are In Mechanical Technology?
With Mechanical Technology, here are some of the career choices that you can consider:
- Fitter
- Machinist
- Gunsmith
- Motor Mechanic
- Diesel Mechanic
- Motorbike Mechanic
- Farm Mechanic
- Technician
- Instrument Specialist
- Vehicle Designer
- Auto Electrician
- Specialized engine tuner and diagnostic analyst
- Suspension Builder
- Blacksmith
- Jeweller
- Rigger
- Welder
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: July 11 , 2022