Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.
📖Advanced Vibration Analysis
- Vibration measurement: amplitude, frequency, phase
- ISO 10816 machinery vibration standards and limits
- Bearing fault frequencies and FFT spectrum interpretation
- Unbalance, misalignment, looseness vibration signatures
- Portable data collector use and trending analysis
📖Predictive Maintenance Programs
- Condition monitoring technologies: thermography, ultrasonics
- Oil analysis parameters: TAN, viscosity, particle count
- Bearing temperature monitoring and alarm setpoints
- Maintenance interval optimization strategies
- Return on investment for predictive maintenance
⚙️Precision Laser Alignment Techniques
- Laser alignment system setup and calibration
- Live coupling target alignment procedure
- Reverse dial indicator alignment verification
- Machine move corrections using laser feedback
- Rotating equipment alignment tolerances per OEM specs
⚙️Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) Methods
- Visual inspection standards for machinery wear
- Magnetic particle testing for shaft crack detection
- Dye penetrant testing for surface discontinuities
- Ultrasonic thickness measurement of components
- Eddy current testing for material conductivity
📐Mechanical Power Transmission Calculations
- Horsepower and torque conversions
- Mechanical advantage in lever and pulley systems
- Efficiency losses in geared and belted drives
- Load distribution across multiple drive elements
- Service factor application for equipment selection
📋CSA & ASME Standards for Machinery
- CSA Z432 - Safeguarding machinery operations
- ASME B4.1 - Preferred limits and fits for machinery
- ISO 14121 - Risk assessment for machinery
- Machinery guard installation and interlock requirements
- Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for maintenance
📖High-Speed Machinery Operations
- Critical speed calculations for rotating shafts
- Resonance avoidance and damping techniques
- High-speed bearing lubrication requirements
- Thermal growth and thermal clearances
- Run-down coast time calculation for equipment
🔍Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis
- Failure mode analysis for mechanical systems
- Cause-and-effect (fishbone) diagram methodology
- Common failure modes: wear, fatigue, creep, corrosion
- Documentation and technical report writing
- Preventive maintenance plan development