bases-mécanique-industrielle

A guide to the basics of industrial mechanics

Industrial mechanics is an art that involves the construction and maintenance of machines dedicated to an industry or a company related to engineering, whose purpose is to transform raw materials into mass-produced products.

This complex and exciting field has been mastered for more than 20 years by the specialists of HARtech. Our machine maintenance and repair experts tell you everything you need to know about this field.

What is industrial mechanics?

Industrial mechanics handle the manufacturing, construction, installation, implementation, commissioning and operation of industrial machinery, and all procedures for commissioning and repairing these machines. It is a fairly broad field of knowledge, since there is a wide variety of industrial machines, production processes and types of industrial parts.

Many companies, especially those involved in mining, transportation, metal mechanics, chemicals, food and utilities, require this knowledge.

Main tasks of an industrial mechanic

Industrial mechanics have to possess many skills in order to adapt to the different tasks that may come their way:

  • Assembly, commissioning and installation of industrial equipment
  • Inspection and repair of industrial equipment
  • Optimization of facilities and infrastructures for guaranteeing overall viability
  • Operations related to the assembly and maintenance of systems
  • And much more

These tasks are part of the daily life of industrial mechanics and machining companies such as HARtech.

Industrial equipment repairs

After finding a problem, an industrial machinery mechanic must most often dismantle the equipment to repair or replace broken parts. To do this, the mechanic must have a very good knowledge of electromechanics and industrial machining.

Since broken equipment can cost a production line money, industrial mechanics must be able to work efficiently and even in an emergency.

Industrial machinery installation

Since industrial machinery is moved to a factory in separate parts, mechanics must assemble it from different parts. They must first understand how the machine works to assemble and disassemble it properly.

In addition to their knowledge, mechanics use sophisticated measuring tools to get the parts of the machine and assemble it properly. This installation is also part of an industrial moving service.

Industrial machinery maintenance

Whether it’s for the functioning of machinery or for machine parts, regular preventive heavy machinery maintenance is necessary to keep the production line running at all times.

This preventive maintenance saves money and makes the production process more efficient. That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect the equipment, looking for anything that looks out of place or abnormal. Addressing potential problems before they occur can be very helpful in meeting company goals and commitments.

Who is in charge of industrial mechanics?

There are several industrial mechanics career opportunities in Quebec, from design and manufacturing to machine installation and operation. There are 2 types of professionals:

  • Industrial engineers carry out the design of the machine, while supervising the production process.
  • Industrial operators/mechanics with specialized technical training carry out the installation, commissioning and maintenance of industrial equipment.

What are the qualifications to be an industrial mechanic?

  • Good physical condition and stamina to work long hours standing in noisy areas
  • Interests in mechanics, technologies and industrial environments
  • Ability to perform measurement and geometry calculations
  • Understanding of assembly drawings and estimates
  • Good manual skills and manual dexterity to operate various types of machines
  • Meticulousness, precision and attention to detail
  • Analytical capability, for example to quickly find the reason for breakdown
  • Ability to work in a team to collaborate with other mechanics, industrial machinery and equipment operations, machinists, welders, electro-mechanics, etc.
  • Basic knowledge of English to understand technical documentation

If you possess most of these qualifications, you will enjoy working in this exciting environment.

What training is required to become an industrial mechanic?

There are many different industrial mechanics training options:

  • Professional training programs
  • University degrees
  • Postgraduate studies
  • Specialization courses in specific systems

If you have already taken one of these courses and wish to join a reputable company, consider joining the team at HARtech.

What are the tools used in industrial mechanics?

The machines used in factories and industries are usually large, heavy, and very complex. Their successful operation is maintained by industrial mechanics, who keep the machines working with a variety of tools. Some of the most used tools include:

Basic tools for mechanics

  • Wrenches: Allen wrench, impact wrench, socket wrench, monkey wrench, eye wrench, pipe wrench, offset wrench, torque wrench, cross wrench, combination wrench, flat wrench and Torx wrench
  • Pliers: tweezers, bolt cutters, long-nose pliers, cutting pliers, multi-grip pliers and universal pliers
  • Screwdrivers: Robertson square screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, star screwdriver, flat screwdriver and Pozidriv screwdriver

Specific tools for industrial mechanics

  • Measuring tools: the mechanic’s square to check the flatness of a surface and trace right angles, the thickness gauge to measure the spacing between two mechanical parts and the ruler to accurately measure before and after working the part
  • Striking tools: a chisel for shaping steel and sheet metal with the help of a mallet, a chisel to shear, cut or mark steel and sheet metal, a pin punch to extract a cotter pin from a through-hole in combination with a hammer or mallet, a mallet to hit a chisel or burin without causing a disruptive shock surge, a mechanic’s hammer for small retyping jobs
  • Cutting tools: a lever shear for cutting sheet metal plates, round or square rods, concrete reinforcing bars, an electrician’s chisel for cutting large section electrical cables without damage, an electrician’s knife for cutting semi-rigid conduits, outer sheathing and other small parts, a knife for cutting thin and not very resistant materials, a punch for cutting flexible materials or for making gaskets, a hacksaw for cutting all types of metal into tubes

Other tools can be used, such as a magnetic finger, a shim, a vice, a screw extractor and many more. The list is long!

For a reliable industrial mechanic in Montreal, call on HARtech

Would you like to know more about our industry, our tasks or the job opportunities in the mechanical industry? Contact us! We will gladly answer your questions.

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