One lesson I’ve learned throughout my engineering career is that there is no shame in asking “simple” questions.
Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned engineer, there will always be concepts, standards, or design decisions that you don’t fully understand. If you never ask those questions, how are you supposed to learn—especially when the answer could have a direct impact on a project or your long-term development?
Early in my career, I sometimes worried that asking basic questions would make me look inexperienced. Over time, I realized the opposite was true. The engineers who grew the fastest weren’t the ones who pretended to know everything—they were the ones who were curious enough to ask.
I’d love to hear everyone else’s experience.
Did you ever struggle with asking “basic” questions?
What helped you become more comfortable speaking up?
Have you ever asked a simple question that ended up preventing a major mistake or teaching you something valuable?

TL;DR: Asking simple questions isn’t a sign of incompetence—it’s one of the fastest ways to learn, grow as an engineer, and avoid expensive mistakes. What’s your experience?

Long time lurker. You guys are the experts! Im looking for some help on a project I was given. I've searched google but can seem to find what I need. (Chain)

I work in a group of mixed discipline engineers, mostly electrical. My former lead (structural) created this design and 90% of everything mechanical our team has put out. I would confidently say he doesn't make many mistakes on this kind of stuff, but maybe...

In his model there is no chain shown or called out on the BOM.

What type of chain would go here? name or style? Google doesnt seem to help. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Like the title asks, anyone able to parse the call out for a counterbored hole? What's the counterbore diameter? Counterbore depth? Pilot hole diameter.

I read this originally as .749 for the counterbore. But that can't be true because 13/16-20UNCEEF-3B is a wider diameter (13/16)

Anyone who could break this down for me, I would be eternally grateful

I just came across the new SOLIDWORKS Scavenger Hunt, and the idea actually looks pretty interesting.

From what I understand, each challenge starts with a cryptic clue, then you explore a SOLIDWORKS model to uncover a hidden question. The answers build up over time and eventually unlock the final challenge.

I'm planning to give the first one a try this week.

Has anyone here already started it? What did you think of the format? (No spoilers please!)

#solidworkschampions #solidworks #3dxw27 #3dxw27scavhunt

We performed a ~2 week stress test on a gear pump pumping a light oil. We are unfortunately not experts on this topic but it looks like we are seeing some kind of a wear-out process in the pictures we have taken. Either lack of lubrication due to low viscosity or just cavitation. Can someone weigh in on what we are seeing in the roughed surface. The pictures show two different locations.

I have passed out my Mechanical Engineering Technician (diploma)in 2021. After that I have been into whole other kinds of jobs far away from Engineering. Now, I want to consider my myself for the engineering. What are my pathways so I can get back on track. Studies or Job search.
Any help will be appreciated. Thnks

Hazelnut farmer in Croatia, not a mechanical engineer. Built 4 grain-homogenization silos, each with a vertical mixing spiral (Ø500mm × 4m) hanging off a worm gearbox, 4kW motor, output shaft down, direct-coupled. First unit commissioned this month, at silo 1.

Equipment (from nameplates):

- Motor: YE2-112M-4, 4kW, 220/380V (Δ/Y), 14.9/8.6A, 1440rpm, Class F, IP55

- Gearbox: Tehnopan NMRV110, worm, i=1:40, flange 112B14, grey cast iron housing, output ~36rpm

- Mounting: vertical, output shaft down. Factory ports: two side ports at mid-housing height, one drain plug at bottom; no port on top as shipped.

At commissioning the motor was found wired delta on a 400V grid; measured ~85A/phase. Rewired to star. No-load current after rewiring: 5A.

Separately, the gearbox ran hot. First loaded run measured (IR + surface): housing 123°C, with the end opposite the motor (far worm bearing zone) at 130-140°C, sides 130-140°C, top ~100°C, motor flange 95°C, motor body 65°C.

Oil was changed: drained ~2.0L, black. Refilled with INA Epol SP 320 (mineral EP oil; per its technical datasheet: ISO VG 320, viscosity 320/23.6 mm²/s at 40/100°C, VI 93, density 0.902 g/cm³, flash point 250°C, copper corrosion 100°C/3h: 1b) to the side-port level.

Then logged four thermal runs, IR thermometer + clamp meter (TRMS), same housing measuring spot unless noted:

Test 1 — loaded (~10t corn), old oil, warm restart:

0min 81.2°C → 1min 83.5 → 2min 87.5 → 3.5min 92.5 → 5min 99.5 → 7min 106.0°C. Aborted, still rising.

0min 81.2°C → 1min 83.5 → 2min 87.5 → 3.5min 92.5 → 5min 99.5 → 7min 106.0°C. Aborted, still rising.

Test 2 — loaded (~10t corn), fresh INA SP 320, level to side port:

0min 36.0°C → steadily up to → 17.5min 108.4°C. Aborted, still rising. Slow oil weep at the side breather during the run.

Test 3 — no load, silo empty, same oil, windy/no sun:

0min 38.0°C → 10.5min 44.6°C. Bearing-end reading slightly warmer than the housing measuring spot. A second no-load check on a different (warmer, calmer) day: 5min = 38.7°C side / 44.0°C bearing; 10min = 43.0°C side / 48.2°C bearing.

Test 4 — loaded, after drilling a vent port on top of the housing and topping up oil (quantity not recorded), start with an unevenly-piled load:

Three tracked points — housing side, worm-bearing end, motor current (star, rated 8.6A):

0min: 36/38°C, 9.0A

5min: 60/65°C, 9.15A

10min: 82/91.5°C

13min: 90/101°C, 8.85A

16min: 101/107°C

17min (abort): 101/111°C, 8.8A. Housing wall directly next to the worm mesh measured 118°C at abort. The side reading had gone flat over the last two readings (101°C); the bearing-end reading was still rising (107→111°C). Current ranged 9.25→8.8A across the run, motor showed no signs of overload throughout.

Reference unit (separate machine, for comparison only, no thermal log kept): a Tramec KC90 right-angle helical-bevel gearbox (i=65, mounting B6) on my grain dryer, driven by a 1.1kW motor (1.1kW, 1400rpm, 4.52/2.60A, IE2), turning a Ø350mm spiral, output ≈21.5rpm. Per the owner (me), in service about 10 years with no reported issues — no instrumented data, just years of operation without complaint.

From the manufacturer's own catalogue for this gearbox family (Motovario VSF, 2017 edition — not the brand I actually have, mine is a different maker's unit built to the same NMRV110 frame size):

- Housing material: die-cast aluminum for sizes 025-110; grey cast iron only at 130-150. (My unit: cast iron.)

- Factory lubrication: synthetic polyglycol oil, listed as filled for life, 1.6L for size 110 regardless of mounting position; breather/level/drain plugs listed as present only on sizes 130 and 150. My unit has 3 plugs.

- An older manual from the same product line lists plugs also present at size 110, with a 2.5L mineral fill — the catalogue itself doesn't reconcile this difference.

- Efficiency: dynamic η at 1400rpm input for i=40 listed as 0.79; static η 0.48.

- Load limits: max radial load (Fr2) 12,000N; permissible axial load listed at 1/5 of radial.

- Mounting position guidance: B3 (horizontal) is described as giving less oil splash, better lubrication, less heating; V5 (my mounting) is flagged for sizes 063-150 as "check application / contact technical service" in the 1500<n1<3000rpm input-speed band.

Questions:

1. Does this temperature/time pattern look like normal worm-gearbox behavior for this duty (loaded, ~15-20min continuous run), or does it point at something specific being wrong?

2. What would you want measured next to narrow this down?

3. Is there additional data worth logging before I make any changes?

I love machine design. I applied to a masters de gree in mech engineering and in mechatronics, and I got accepted only in the mechatronics program. I enjoy learning about electric drives, robotics and control, but I am worried that I cannot get jobs as a hardware designer, which is my passion, but rather end up only in automation or something like that. That field is great, but I want to be a hardware designer. Do you think that jobs where you are in charge of both electrical and mechanical design exist with that kind of profile? (Bsc in mech eng and Msc in mechatronics)

So i started this job in January of 2026 and since then i haven’t had any issues until this last month. My company works with designing and inspecting HDDs for clients. I was tasked with inspecting this one job and they kind of kept dragging me along and extended my stay week by week on short notice. Throughout the last few weeks i have been showing up late to drill sites because of the crew not getting work done till later, and not having any one supervise me (or so i thought).

Fast forward to this morning where my manager calls me and says that another inspector told on me saying that i have been arriving late, i admitted to it since they had evidence on me. He said i would be leaving the field site immediately and that i will be reporting to the office tomorrow morning.

I asked him to tell me straight up if i was being terminated tomorrow and he said “technically no” since i was doing construction inspection work for the construction department, and i am under the engineering department.

I know what i did was wrong and feel terrible, ill acknowledge my wrongdoing tomorrow and ask for a chance at regaining their trust, i am extremely nervous. How screwed am i?

P.s. i started applying to other jobs today, i feel like i really fucked with the trust in this company and think it could be a really long time for them believe in me again.

Update

I showed up to the office, joined the daily meeting (my manager was present), shortly after though i asked if he wanted to talk about what happened and he said “yeah we can figure something out later, I’ll send you some work in a bit” and that was it lmao

Its a good sign i probably wont be terminated (Atleast not today) but i learned my lesson even though its late on my part lol do not want to be in that situation again. Kinda wanted to have that conversation with him so if he doesn’t bring it up today or tomorrow, I’ll probably find some time to apologize when he’s not busy. Somewhat relieved, but i don’t think im free yet lol ill just take it a day at a time.

Update again:
After meeting with my manager and HR i got the chance to apologize and explain myself. I received a PIP with the only expectation being that i get there on time and not leave early. I asked if there was anything relating to my performance but my manager said this is only about attendance and that i have good quality work. Moral of the story dont be late lol

I have 2 years of experience in mechanical automotive domain , i am currently working as fulfilment engineer in a warehouse and its not what I expected , I am wishing to change the job. I applied for different positions in automotive but i am not receiving any interviews.

I was hoping to switch to HVAC as its a big field and lots of upcoming opportunities.

Guys, how is your experience as mechanical engineer in HVAC domain , manufacturing side to be specific ? Does it involve a lot of calculations thermal engineering or are the manufacturing personal limited to just manufacturing/CAD/procurement side of it? Also what kind software do you use on daily basis for design ?

I want to understand if you connect with the vendors ? How is the interaction ? I know its lot of sheetmetal , can you tell me what should I specifically study for interviews and stuff ?

Also what is the average salary in the Midwest region for a fresher ?

I've seen posts from ME communities showing use of VR/AR to design parts. I've also seen some cool stuff in volumetric displays and holograms.

I'm curious if mechanical engineering is still being done on a 2D interface or if anyone has adopted tools like AR, VR, 3D displays, or something similar.

Is this stuff a gimmick? Have you actually seen anyone using VR, 3D or Volumetric displays in the manufacturing or design process?

And if not, what would an immersive 3D display even do for you?

Hi everyone,

I'm a second-year Process Engineering student, and I'm trying to learn AutoCAD Plant 3D more seriously.

I already have a solid foundation in regular AutoCAD, and I've completed a few basic plant layout and piping exercises. However, I feel like I'm just clicking buttons without really understanding how Plant 3D is used in an actual engineering workflow.

The biggest problem is that I don't know what I should study next or which learning resources are considered the "best." There seems to be a lot of scattered tutorials on YouTube, but I can't tell which ones follow industry practices.

I'm looking for recommendations on things like:

• Books or official documentation worth reading
• Complete online courses (paid or free)
• YouTube channels that teach Plant 3D from beginner to advanced
• Project-based learning resources using real industrial examples
• A learning roadmap (what topics should I master first?)

Ultimately, I'd like to become proficient enough to work on real process plant projects, not just draw piping models.

Any advice from people working in EPC companies, process design, or plant engineering would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!!

Looking to hear people’s stories and experiences on why you like your area of mechanical engineering best, or why it’s a fit for you.

I started off as a sales applications engineer which was an awesome way to travel and engage my communication skills with customers, but still get to do some design work for them and work at high level technical angle. Then I went to do mechanical design engineering work for a couple products and tended to enjoy that, especially because it was at small and medium companies where I also got to handle a lot of prototyping and testing and even UX design.

But my most recent role as a design engineer at a larger org has me feeling more trapped behind the computer and more isolated feeling. I miss engaging a more balanced blend of my skills.

Hello ME Reddit,

A few weeks ago I accepted an offer to move from FL to Palmdale CA to work and began preparing for the transition. The role is for a big aerospace company (Lockheed) and is heavily design oriented, which I was happy with. I started my career in structures (FEA) but have been doing heavy design/PD work ever since. I’ve been trying to get back into structures work and applied to a position of a competitor.

After accepting the other offer, I received an offer for a role back in FL (Northrop Propulsion) which will do thermo/stress analysis, which seems more interesting and aligned with what I wanted to do, although both roles are great. Was torn about it, and was wondering if anyone could offer two cents about if it would be right to drop an accepted offer for one that came after. Thanks!

Hello everyone! I’m starting a project and I don’t have much experience with mechanical engineering related things.

My main question is what programs do you recommend using to plan and/or model the project?

I’m currently in an associates program for CAD technology. I’ve taken courses for AutoCAD, catia, and NX.

I don’t feel like any of the projects in those courses are portfolio worthy. Is there any chance on getting a job with those surface level projects?

Hello guy, newly licensed mechanical engineer here no prior experience, I was task by my supervisor to supervise installation ng air curtain.

1. Currently the AC Unit is mounted above the glass door where the Air curtain is supposed to be installed.

2. What are the best brands for a Small Clinic with a 1m wide glass door?

Hi guys,

I want to join major electronics companies like Apple and Meta. I noticed they have a lot hiring for manufacturing roles such as Manufacturing Design Engineer, Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, and such. I want to know how these jobs compare to each other in terms of responsibility scope, career outlook, culture, prestige, and competitiveness.

Thanks!

The marring is consistent in spacing and length and circles the entire shaft.

There was a 6004-2RK bearing on this surface. On the non-threaded side of the shaft the bearing was sandwiched between a circlip in a groove acting as a flange or seat, then a wave washer, then the bearing.

On the threaded side of the shaft, a small handwheel.

I apologize again if this isn't a great place to ask.

So i choose to make the mechanical clock cad model as my first year (going for spring powered )

I have studying now about (club tooth escapment) done making the escape whell and pallet fork with proper dimensions in cad in progress of making balance wheel

Now i am finding difficulty in learning about the clock gear train i understood the very basic concept but can't seem to progress a path to learn about how much teeth i need from barrel to the escape to match all the escape whell osscilation and all the caluction of the hr , min and sec hand

Also facing problem as all I have I just therotical knowledge, how am I supposed to learn all about my mainspring how much will it rotate the barrel , if I use guitar string for my hairspring how much beat , oscillation will I get from balance wheel, and how do I calucte all that therotically for my cad model and then prepare the gear train

I am so confused here

It is my first project which I started with no knowledge at all

plz help me to understand what I need to study and just basic reference

:- it my first post in this group and I hope not braking any rules

i’m currently heading to senior high school and i’m split between two options(for context, I go to a technical school and for the past three years I’ve been taking classes on automotive technology) do I want to become a technician and work in a dealership (which I know more about) or do I wanna put my academics to use and become an engineer specifically either mechanical or electrical but I don’t know much about engineering. I just know it’s a degree so could engineers please give me knowledge and advice on what your day-to-day life looks like and how you feel about it

Hello,

I'm looking for advice on how I can improve my knowledge and become better at my job.

I graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and have been working for about a year as a production planning technician. I work for a company specializing in the fabrication, assembly, and welding of steel structures and metal products.

One of the things I struggle with is estimating the time required for fabrication work, especially assembly and welding operations. For each operation, the worker clocks in using an operation card, and once the product is completed, I can see exactly how many hours were spent on each task.

The problem is that my estimated times are often quite different from the actual time required. Sometimes the differences are significant, and I'd like to become more accurate.

Do you have any advice on how to improve time estimation for fabrication work? Are there any methods, books, courses, or practical techniques that you would recommend? I would also appreciate hearing how experienced production planners or manufacturing engineers estimate labor hours.

I know that experience plays a big role, but I'd like to learn how to develop this skill more systematically instead of relying only on trial and error.

Thank you in advance for any advice. I also apologize for any mistakes in my writing—English is my second language

Je vais intégrer une école d’ingénieur en alternance dans un grand groupe automobile. Je vais travailler sur la conception et l’optimisation des flux de production d’une nouvelle ligne industrielle.

Mon objectif à long terme est de me spécialiser en gestion de production industrielle, puis de me lancer dans le consulting auprès de grands sites de production (automobile, aéronautique, pharma, etc.).

Selon vous, quel est le potentiel financier de cette voie sur une échelle de 1 à 10 ? Et surtout, à quels niveaux de rémunération peut-on réellement prétendre après quelques années d’expérience ou en tant que consultant indépendant ?

Je suis preneur de vos retours d’expérience, notamment si certains travaillent déjà dans le Lean, l’amélioration continue, l’industrialisation ou le conseil en opérations.