Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Mechanical Print Reading

Hello Team Members;

  One of the challenges that we face in a major Warehouse of Fulfillment Center is mechanical print reading. This one area is seldom used and often misused due to the lack of knowledge and training in the subject. We need to know how the systems has been built in order for us to make improvements, repairs or rebuilds. Mechanical Prints will tell us the dimensions of the physical part. 

  By not having the understanding of how the mechanical part was made, or the shape, we could have problems due to wrong size and shape. Some parts may not have the correct hole sizes. Two parts may even look the same, but drilled and tapped holes could be different by one being SAE and the other Metric. 

  Let us start with the basics. Understanding how to read blueprints in construction is like a carpenter knowing how to use a hammer, drill, or tape measure. It should be a basic knowledge requirement for any person in the industrial environment. Drawings (building documents, prints, and blueprints) provide the Amazon, RME Techs, 3P Contractors, Sub-contractors, and Suppliers the information needed to understand the mechanical equipment in the fulfillment center. 

  I have found some information that will help expand your knowledge in mechanical print reading. The information is a start in developing an understanding of the art of reading! 

  Here are some of the basic lines and symbols that you will encounter with print reading…



  The second picture is one of the best examples that I have found. I do have a number of sites to share with you that you can download the PDF’s, PPT’s or scroll through their web site. I have found another navel PDF that is 80 pages long and is a great addition to your library. Blueprint Reading and Sketching is packed with good information with key learning objectives…

When you have completed this chapter, you will be able to do the following:
1.  Identify a blueprint.
2.  Determine how blueprints are produced.
3.  Identify the information contained in blueprints.
4.  Explain the proper filing of blueprints.

  Another PDF that I found touches on the basics of print reading. Blueprint Reading is a quick 21-page file that is great to review before going into a test. Blueprint Reading Fundamentals is another 19-page file that is great for reviewing prior taking tests. Remember, trying to retain too much information could cause a mental block! 

  One of the keys here is to know what the designer was trying to convey when they drawn out the prints. Understanding the parts and how they all connect and operate can take time. With this knowledge, you can make process improvements on the equipment, i.e., making parts sturdier, longer or shorter, types of materials that would work better than others would. 

  One of the things about mechanical prints that I enjoy is how easy it is to read! In the photo that I showed you, there is only 12 lines that really makes up the drawing. Other than that, there is some math involved, but we can venture into that later.

  As you read this week’s blog, you now have a better understanding of “Mechanical Print Reading”. I hope that you look at the Navel PDF’s and get them down loaded for your use! With this knowledge, you can now have a better understanding of how the systems comes together. Very much Lego’s, all of the pieces has to fit properly in order to the system to function as intended.

 In Conclusion my friends; what are some of the topics that we talked about here supported your needs? What are some of the challenges in mechanical print reading do you support on? This is the last of the print reading section and we will move onto Power Transmissions. Here is a list of topics that we will cover, and not in any particular order…

Power Transmission & Preventive Maintenance:
1. Conveyors 

2. Drives & Belts 

3. Alignment 

4. Bearings 

5. Gears 

6. Shafts & Couplings 

7. Speed Reducers 

8. Troubleshooting 

9. Brakes & Clutches 

10. Timing Components 

11. Chains 

12. Lubrication

  I hope that this blog supports your needs and delivered good content for you! Please feel free to leave a comment and follow along with the journey!

Best Regards. Joe DeLoach

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