iii Preface Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics covers the many aspects of industrial maintenance and prepares students for careers in a wide variety of industries and occupations. From theory to application, design to diagnosis, and installation to adjustment, you will gain a “big picture” perspective needed to be successful in a fi eld that is constantly changing due to technological advancement. With straight-forward explanations and procedures, this text will serve as a valuable reference for you in both the classroom and the workplace. Advancements in technology and automation have made mechatronics a critical component of industrial maintenance. Mechatronics combines the study of electronics, mechanics, control systems, robotics, and computer software. Th is mechatronics knowledge is used to design, operate, maintain, and repair “smart” devices and systems that incorporate sensors, actuators, instrumentation, process control, and automation. An understanding of mechatronics will prepare you for career opportunities in a wide range of industries that utilize industrial robots, automated systems, programmable logic controllers, and other mechanical systems. Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics is the fi rst textbook specifi cally aligned with the NIMS Industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM) standards. Th ese standards—developed with input from a nationwide team of industry and education leaders—provide a clear picture of the knowledge and skills needed by industrial maintenance technicians in today’s workplace. Modeled specifi cally after these standards, Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics applies not only to manufacturing, but to all fi elds that fall under the umbrella of mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems control and maintenance. Due to its broad coverage, Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics can be used as a primary text for multiple courses in an Industrial Maintenance program, eliminating the need to purchase multiple costly textbooks. Numerous in-text examples, procedures, review questions, diagrams, and artwork reinforce key concepts. Safety notes and “tech tips” highlight key bits of knowledge that are particularly applicable and critical in the workplace. Troubleshooting methodology is emphasized throughout Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics (including several dedicated troubleshooting chapters) to ensure that you become a problem solver who can determine the true cause of a problem, rather than merely a “parts changer.” NIMS off ers a set of nine national, industry-created, industry-recognized credentials based on Industrial Technology Maintenance Level 1 standards. In order to attain a NIMS credential, candidates must pass a written assessment on theory and also complete a hands-on skill assessment under a qualifi ed instructor or supervisor. Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics works hand-in-glove with the NIMS standards to help students successfully achieve NIMS credentials. Th is area of study is both wide-ranging and challenging. While this text could have been literally thousands of pages, it has been condensed to highlight core knowledge in the key maintenance disciplines: maintenance operations, basic mechanical systems, basic hydraulic and pneumatic systems, electrical systems, electronic control systems, process control systems, maintenance welding, and maintenance piping. Technology is constantly advancing in many of these subjects, and it is expected that this book will undergo revisions and updates to keep pace with those advancements.