Program Description
MECHATRONICS
ACADEMY
M-TEC at The Groves Campus
7107 Elm Valley Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Phone: 269.353.1282
Fax: 269.353.1580
careeracademies@kvcc.edu
www.kvcc.edu/training
MECHATRONICS ACADEMY
PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
Revised 6/4/12
Mechatronics is a term that describes the
integration of mechanical, electrical, and
computer technologies into the design of
complex products. It integrates the classical
fields of mechanical engineering, electrical
engineering, mathematics, and information
technology. Although industrialized machines
have long included all three components,
traditional methods viewed each separately.
Today these multiple disciplines are combined
into a systems approach for troubleshooting
and resolving problems in an automated
manufacturing plant.
The Mechatronics Academy is an 18-week, full
time, competency-based training program
designed to assure graduating students have
demonstrated knowledge and skills essential
to perform troubleshooting, service, and repair
on mechatronics systems in an industrial
setting. This Academy will prepare trainees
for jobs which require electrical, mechanical,
computer, robotics and automation skills sets.
The electromechanical and robotics training
provided in the Mechatronics Academy will
prepare graduates to enter the industrial sector
in positions such as industrial maintenance
technician, automated manufacturing
technician, electrical technician, mechanical
technician, and industrial maintenance and
repair. The combination of skills gained through
this training is highly transferable to technician
jobs in many industry sectors.
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MECHATRONICS ACADEMY
TRAINING
The Mechatronics Academy will develop
students’ competency in industrial safety,
electrical fundamentals, fluid power (hydraulics
and pneumatics), industrial electronics and
instrumentation, programmable logic control
(PLC), troubleshooting, welding, robotics
and motor control automation. Through lab
exercise, simulation and self directed projects,
the students will develop an attitude of
safety, critical thinking, problem- solving and
teamwork skills. Students will be expected to be
able to perform routine service, use condition
monitoring tools, troubleshoot problems and
make necessary repairs. An understanding of
lean manufacturing and quality control systems
will be demonstrated through the ability to
use lean tools and incorporate quality work
practices throughout the program.
This hands-on program provides a full range
of certified safety training and an opportunity
to practice on electrical, mechanical, and
robotics equipment. The program combines
lecture, demonstration, and laboratory
exercises to facilitate learning. Students are
taught on devices which simulate automated
production where fluid control, robotic control,
and electronic control are essential. Safe work
practices are stressed and consistently practiced.
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MECHATRONICS ACADEMY
INDUSTRY
EXPECTATIONS
Manufacturing organizations focus on
continuous improvement and growing
technology. Candidates must demonstrate
a commitment to safety, an understanding
of productivity, and the need to meet
quality and production standards.
Employers expect strong personal ethical
characteristics and behaviors and a
commitment to success.
Candidates must also be willing to work
a variety of hours including holidays and
weekends. They must be willing to work
overtime. Technicians must also be able to
keep up with the physical demands such
as extended time standing, bending and
stooping, lifting, and exposure to noise.
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MECHATRONICS ACADEMY
ADMISSION TO
THE PROGRAM
The Mechatronics Academy is designed to
prepare students for a number of careers
that involve troubleshooting, maintenance
and repair of electrical-mechanical-robotics
equipment. The Mechatronics Academy accepts
students into the program using a screening
process which aligns with the requirements
of employers.
Applicants must have demonstrated
mechanical and/or electrical experience and
the ability to work with mathematical concepts.
The candidate selection process includes math
testing, industry fit testing, and a criminal
background screen.
Applicants must meet each
requirement below:
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Have at least one year of demonstrated
mechanical and/or electrical experience.
• No violent felonies. Violent felony convictions
severely hinder the likelihood of being hired.
Criminal background checks are performed.
• Algebra skills generally acquired in high
school are necessary for success in the
academy. Math testing is required.
• Strong personal ethics and professionalism. A
workplace industry fit assessment is required.
The selection process has been designed to
allow applicants to make an informed decision
about mechatronics as a career choice; while
the instructional team evaluates the candidate’s
readiness to be successful in the training.
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MECHATRONICS ACADEMY
PROGRAM
CONTENT
ELECTRICAL FUNDAMENTALS
AND ADVANCED ELECTRICAL
CONCEPTS
160 Hours
This module introduces the basic electrical
components in a mechatronic system.
Topics covered include basic functions and
properties of electrical components, digital
control circuitry, industrial control strategy,
and troubleshooting; with a special emphasis
on machine and process control schemes,
process variable analysis, robotics, and
factory information processing. Technical
documentation such as data sheets, schematics,
equipment programming diagrams, and system
specifications will be covered. Students gain
experience with troubleshooting techniques
and strategies to identify, localize, and correct
malfunctions; including systematic preventive
maintenance and electrical component
safety. Hands on laboratory learning focuses
on analysis, characterization, and design of
electrical and mechatronic systems.
AUTOMATION AND CONTROL
SYSTEMS
220 Hours
This module provides training in the practical
applications of machine sensors, machine
control configurations, HMI, motion control
drives, electrical actuators and process control
systems. Students gain hands on experience in
troubleshooting machine faults pertaining to
controls, drives, actuators, servo and stepper
motors, encoders, resolvers, PLC, I/O, SCADA,
robotics, and inspection systems. Areas
of study include process instrumentation,
calibration, programming, and operation
concepts with working demonstration of piping
instrumentation diagrams, logic control loops,
maintenance logs, machine drawings and
electrical schematics.
HYDRAULICS
50 Hours
Students will study the physics of energy,
work, power and efficiency. Individual
components and the theory of their operation
are fully covered by the units in this module.
Students must demonstrate the ability to read
engineering prints and to interpret schematic
symbols. Lab activities support the theoretical
learning and the trainees demonstrate mastery
of the subject through lab exercises in which
they are required to diagnose and correct
hydraulic system faults.
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MECHATRONICS ACADEMY
PROGRAM
CONTENT
FASTENERS
INDUSTRIAL TRADES
Fasteners are discrete assembly items that are
used to join together the various components
of a part. Students gain hands on experience
with fasteners used in industry for the assembly
and disassembly of components. Areas of study
cover basic types of threaded and non-threaded
fasteners. Students learn about components
and applications and the various types of tools
commonly used in assembly, as well as the
importance of torque and how it is derived and
applied to bolted joints.
Workers in manufacturing and industrial
trades make almost all of the products that we
use today. This module addresses industrial
concepts relating to industrial machine
troubleshooting, maintenance and repair. Areas
of study include oil sampling methods and
filter changes, gearbox inspection, backlash
measurements, metrology, and troubleshooting
concepts for pneumatic and vacuum systems.
Students also gain experience in MIG, TIG, and
stick welding.
CRANE AND RIGGING
BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
This module is to increase the trainee’s level
of knowledge of rigging gear inspection, safe
rigging procedures, and load control using
vertical or horizontal rigging systems. Students
gain the skill necessary to properly develop and
execute a critical lift plan using load equipment.
Computer skills will be incorporated throughout
the program. Specific learning activities and
lab assignments will require students to
demonstrate mastery of basic computer skills
in order to write a comprehensive maintenance
report. Lean manufacturing concepts will be
applied.
20 Hours
20 Hours
ROTATING EQUIPMENT
55 Hours
Units of study include lubrication techniques,
bearing replacement, coupler replacement,
alignment techniques, vibration analysis and
measurement, and thermo graphic analysis for
large and small rotating equipment.
80 Hours
40 Hours
Trainees will also be required to create and submit
a resume/cover letter and demonstrate effective
interviewing skills for various employment
opportunities.
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