At HARtech, electromechanics has been part of our daily work since 1999. It’s likely the same in your facility: electromechanical equipment is everywhere, from conveyors to automated control systems, presses and hydraulic valves. But what exactly is electromechanics? And more importantly, how do you make sure this equipment lasts as long as possible?
1. What is electromechanics? A clear definition
Electromechanics is the discipline that combines electrical and mechanical engineering to design, manufacture and maintain systems that use both electrical and mechanical components. Simply put: any equipment that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion, or vice versa, is an electromechanical device.
This discipline evolved directly from electrical engineering. Today it covers the entire industrial sector: from automated production lines and process control systems to robotics and energy management.
It helps to distinguish electromechanics from the related disciplines it is often confused with:
Discipline | What it combines | Common examples |
|---|---|---|
Electromechanics | Electricity + mechanics | Motors, solenoids, actuators |
Mechatronics | Electromechanics + computing + automation | Industrial robots, automated lines |
Electrical engineering | Production and distribution of electrical energy | Transformers, alternators |
Industrial mechanics | Mechanical and hydraulic systems | Gears, pumps, compressors |
What are the main electromechanical devices?
In manufacturing environments, electromechanical equipment is everywhere. Three families account for the bulk of the interventions our industrial electromechanical service handles.
Electric motors
The electric motor is at the heart of virtually every industrial machine. It converts electrical energy into mechanical energy through the interaction between a magnetic field and a current-carrying conductor.
You’ll find them throughout any plant:
- Industrial fans and compressors
- Conveyors and material handling systems
- Hydraulic and pneumatic pumps
- Presses and forming machines
The most common failures on electric motors are winding overheating, bearing wear and insulation faults. The maintenance and repair of industrial electric motors covers rewinding, bearing replacement and insulation diagnostics, interventions that require certified expertise.
Solenoids
A solenoid is a cylindrical device that generates linear motion when current flows through its coil. The resulting magnetic field moves a plunger to open or close a valve, lock a mechanism or trigger a switch.
In the industry, solenoids control critical processes: hydraulic valves, safety systems and automated circuits. Their key advantage is that they can be driven by electronic commands, making them compatible with any modern automated system. Several types exist depending on the application:
- Linear solenoid: provide back-and-forth motion, used in valves and actuators
- Rotary solenoid: convert an electrical signal into rotation, common in locking mechanisms
- AC laminated solenoid: designed for high-frequency switching applications
Mechatronics
Mechatronics integrates mechanics, electronics, automation and computing into a single system. It is the standard of advanced manufacturing today. An automated systems electromechanical technician is responsible for programming, installing, maintaining and repairing the electropneumatic, electrohydraulic and electromechanical components of industrial machinery.
Industrial mechatronic applications include:
- Automated production lines with programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Industrial robots and manipulator arms
- Process control systems (sensors + actuators + processing)
- Anti-lock braking systems and automated safety systems
3. Why is maintenance of this equipment so important?
A poorly maintained electromechanical device will always fail at the worst possible moment. The direct costs (emergency repairs, production scrap) and indirect costs (missed deadlines, contractual penalties) of an unplanned shutdown far exceed the price of a structured preventive maintenance program.
To extend the service life of your equipment, an effective electromechanical maintenance program rests on four pillars:
- Preventive maintenance: scheduled periodic inspections (monthly, quarterly, annually)
- Reconditioning: the replacement of wear parts before failure (bearings, seals, windings)
- Fault diagnosis: rapid detection through vibration analysis, thermography and electrical testing
- Performance testing: post-intervention validation to confirm return to specifications
In Quebec, certain switchgear connection work is regulated. The professional qualification certificate for switchgear connection is mandatory for any connection or disconnection of switchgear to wiring forming part of an electrical installation. Engaging a certified team ensures full legal compliance on every job.
4. How industry 4.0 is changing industrial electromechanics
The integration of digital technologies is fundamentally reshaping electromechanical maintenance. Modern systems now incorporate connected sensors (IoT), industrial programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and real-time supervisory interfaces.
This shift demands continuous skills development. Beyond traditional technical expertise, today’s electromechanical technician must be proficient in:
Programming and operating industrial PLCs
Reading and interpreting electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
Diagnosing faults in automated electromechanical systems
Using computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
At HARtech, our technicians work on both the latest generation of equipment and conventional machinery. Our ability to combine industrial machining, welding and industrial mechanics in Montreal allows us to handle complex projects without multiplying the number of contractors.
Frequently asked questions about electromechanics
What is electromechanics?
Electromechanics is the discipline that combines electricity and mechanics to design and maintain systems that produce motion or force. Any device incorporating both an electrical and a mechanical component is considered electromechanical.
What is the difference between electromechanics and mechatronics?
Electromechanics is the foundation: it combines electricity and mechanics. Mechatronics adds computing and automation on top of that. An electric motor is an electromechanical system. An industrial robot controlled by a PLC is a mechatronic system.
What are the most common electromechanical devices in industry?
The most widespread in manufacturing are electric motors (conveyors, pumps, compressors), solenoids (hydraulic valves, actuators), mechatronic systems (automated lines, robots) and transformers (power supply and electrical distribution).
Why work with an industrial electromechanics specialist?
Certain switchgear connection work in Quebec requires a professional qualification certificate by law. Engaging a certified team guarantees legal compliance and operational safety, in addition to the necessary technical expertise.
Does HARtech serve areas outside Montreal?
Yes. HARtech serves all of Quebec. Visit our service areas page to check coverage in your region.
Electromechanical needs in Quebec? Contact HARtech
Since 1999, HARtech has provided maintenance, repair and reconditioning of industrial electromechanical equipment across Greater Montreal and throughout Quebec. Our certified technicians respond quickly to minimize your production downtime.
