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INTRODUCTION

During more than 18 years as a machine designer, I have observed that experienced practitioners usually have assembled a collection of reference materials that they rely on constantly. This valuable cache usually includes standards, data tables, procedures, symbol definitions, component sizing guides, articles, and manufacturer’s publications. Experienced designers also tend to have selected a few really great reference books and other resources like technical website links. This book attempts to summarize some of that useful information and present it in a practical way that maximizes on-the-job efficiency.

Meant for machine designers at all stages of their careers, this book contains materials that should be useful to all practitioners of machine design. However, it will be especially useful to designers in the automation, assembly equipment, and light industrial machine industries. For those at the start of their careers or in need of a refresher, I have attempted to include enough background information on each topic to allow the reader to use the procedures and formulas, and communicate effectively with suppliers. For the experienced practitioner, Machine Designers Reference is constructed to quickly and concisely deliver the tips, formulas, and data that are needed most often. Most formulas and data are tabulated to make them easy to find and use. All tables are indexed at the start of each chapter to quickly direct the reader to information that is frequently referenced. Bullet lists of best practices and critical considerations are provided for each topic.

The value of Machine Designers Reference will be enhanced when used in conjunction with the standard handbooks and textbooks of our time. It is expected that the reader will exercise good engineering judgment, perform detailed analysis when needed, and work closely with component manufacturers and shops. I have included a recommended resources list at the beginning of each section to assist the reader in locating excellent in-depth treatment of most subjects. The companies and websites mentioned within are resources that I have used in the course of my machine design work. The books are mostly those I own and use regularly.

When providing fastener or component information, I consulted the catalogs of several major distributors I have had experience with. I have included only the items and sizes most commonly used in light industrial machinery. To include all the data would make for a truly gigantic book. For more sizes and types of machine components, refer to a manufacturer’s catalog or the applicable standards. I have also chosen to represent fractional inch sizes as decimal values. I have found that in the age of CAD, decimals are preferred.

Machine design is a global business, and many companies have converted to metric in the United States. This book is directed at U.S. designers using either the Imperial (English) or SI (metric) system of units. When presenting metric components, I have favored the ISO standards because in my experience ISO-designated components are more frequently encountered in light industry. I have chosen to use the decimal point rather than the comma in metric numbering to avoid confusion for anyone unfamiliar with metric convention. (A comma is the proper metric decimal indicator.)

The tabulated formulas contained in this book are designed to be convenient and quick to use for those experienced in the subject at hand. I have also found that they help me understand the interplay of variables and make better design decisions. For those following along with the written procedures in this book, I hope the tabulated formulas will be instructive, if not always convenient.

It is my intention that this book be easily used as a quick reference. The data tables for materials and fasteners are grouped together to assist in quickly locating and using the information when performing selection activities. I hope that readers will find that their appreciation for the groupings and ordering of the data tables grows as they use this book on the job.

New information and updates regarding this book and its contents are expected to be posted at www.machinedesignersreference.com as they become available.

Any errata, comments, or suggestions that you can send to me at info@industrialpress.com would be greatly appreciated.

Jennifer Marrs September, 2011