What Books Do People Working In The Machinery Industry Generally Read?

What books do people working in the machinery industry generally read?

Those who work in machinery understand that this industry does not have a glamorous appearance like the Internet, but manufacturing is the fundamental support for the stability of the national economy. Even if a part shows extremely outstanding and beautiful characteristics in terms of design, if it cannot be processed and produced, or the production cost is too high, it will all be in vain. On this day, based on my many years of work experience, I recommend to my colleagues a few reference books that can really play a role in practice. These books are all "long-standing items" that have been read so many times that they are extremely worn out in the office and workshop.

Encyclopedia of Mechanical Design

When it comes to the mechanical industry, the most indispensable thing is the thick set of books called "Mechanical Design Manual". The sixth edition published by Chemical Industry Press is the latest version currently available. This is a set of five volumes in total, and its weight is indeed very sufficient. The content covered by this set of books is indeed very comprehensive and extensive, starting from the most basic mechanical drawing standards, all the way to detailed part design links, as well as recommendations for professional machining books on material selection, and then to areas involving heat treatment and hydraulic transmission. It basically covers all aspects of mechanical design, both inside and outside. The cover of this set of fifth edition books placed on my desk is almost tattered by me. When I encounter any uncertain tolerances or material parameters during work, I can usually find the corresponding answer by just flipping through it. It is like an encyclopedia in the field of machinery. Whether you are new to this industry or an experienced craftsman, it is indispensable.

There is another set of "Mechanical Design Manual" that belongs to the machinist version, which is also worth recommending. This set of manuals is seven volumes, which is relatively more academic and has more detailed explanations. Personally, I am actually more inclined to read this set because it explains more thoroughly in many technical details, such as gear strength calculation or bearing selection, etc. The derivation process and applicable conditions given are clear. These two sets of manuals show different advantages. The green leather version is more focused on practical quick reference, while the machinist version is more suitable for in-depth learning. If you meet the corresponding conditions, it would be best if you can prepare both sets. If you can only choose one set, it depends on whether you value comprehensiveness or depth more.

Only by understanding the processing technology can we avoid detours

Many designers only focus on functional achievement when drawing, and do not consider the feasibility of processing at all, causing the drawings to be returned after being delivered to the workshop. This is a typical example of poor craftsmanship. To avoid this situation, you must fully understand the characteristics and limitations of various processing methods. "Machining Technology Manual" is a guide to solving this problem. There are three books in this set, which explain in detail the process allowances, cutting parameters and processing methods of various processes such as turning, milling, planing, grinding, and drilling. For example, if the same parts are operated by different equipment or different operators, the results may be very different. Although the data given in the manual may seem conservative, they are universal and stable values ​​that have been verified through a large number of practices, and their reference value is quite high.

With this set of books, you will be able to predict problems that may arise during processing during the design stage. For example, when designing a deep-hole part, you will know in advance what kind of drill bit and cooling method are needed, and then you can reasonably design the undercut groove and exhaust hole through this situation. For another example, when designing thin-walled parts, you will take a proactive approach to consider the problem of clamping deformation and mark reasonable process bosses on the drawings. Experience in these aspects cannot be accumulated in just one or two days. However, with the guidance of machining professional book recommendations given in the process manual, many detours can be avoided. The designed parts are not only easy to use but also easy to make, and the cost can also be reduced.

A comprehensive guide to hardware standards

The book called "Hardware Manual" doesn't seem to have anything outstanding. Its length and width appear to be very delicate, but its thickness is quite surprising because of its extremely rich content. It summarizes the national standards for all common hardware materials and hardware products, covering various types of bolts, nuts, washers, bearings, profiles, pipes, etc. When designing machinery, every standard part you choose must meet the national standard. Otherwise, if it is not available on the market, it will need to be specially customized, and the cost will immediately increase. With this manual, you can easily check whether screws of a certain specification are in stock and whether bearings of a certain type are commonly used.

This book is not only used by designers, but is also very practical for daily home repairs. If the faucet at home is broken, or the cabinet door hinges are loose, you can find the corresponding specifications and replacement methods in the manual. It can be said that it is a universal manual that can be used on the factory floor as well as in the home tool box. I have seen many master craftsmen who have a yellowed "Hardware Manual" stuffed in their toolboxes. When encountering a situation where I need to purchase standard parts, I will first read the manual to confirm the specifications, and then go to the hardware store to purchase. I have never made a mistake.

Drawings are the language of engineers

Whether you are engaged in design work or working in a workshop, if you cannot understand the drawings, you will be like a blind person or a deaf person, and you will be in trouble. "Mechanical Drawing Handbook" is the crucial key to help you master the introduction of this special language. Drawing must have unified standards, otherwise, if everyone draws according to their own habits, no one will be able to communicate effectively. This manual integrates all drawing standards, covering the layout of views, dimensioning methods, roughness symbols, the specific meaning of geometric tolerances, etc., and is extremely systematic. After learning this relevant knowledge, when you get a drawing, you can accurately understand the designer's intention and idea, and clearly know where the mating surface is, where the avoidance position is, and where heat treatment operations are required.

This manual is also a standing tool for research and daily work. Many young people who have just entered the industry have differences between the drawing knowledge learned in school and the standards actually used in factories. This manual can help you quickly make up for it, such as the difference between first angle projection and third angle projection. No, you may have learned about it in school, but if you make a mistake when actually looking at the drawing, the parts will be reversed. For example, the standards for marking welding symbols are different in different countries. There are detailed comparisons in the manual. Only after mastering this manual can you truly step into the door of manufacturing.

Data is dead, usage is alive

The books recommended above total tens of thousands of pages of data, and no one can memorize them all. Therefore, as a qualified mechanical industry practitioner, the key is to master basic knowledge and be able to skillfully find the required information. You don’t need to memorize the allowable stresses of all materials, but you need to know which volume and chapter to look for; you don’t need to memorize all the thread specifications, but you need to be able to read the hardware manual to confirm. If you use the reference book skillfully, your work efficiency can be greatly improved. On weekdays, when you encounter problems, read more books. The more times you read, you will naturally know where the content is, and the speed will become faster and faster.

At the end of the day, I would like to ask my peers for recommendations on professional books on machining . Which reference book do you use most frequently during your actual work? Have you ever encountered a situation where the manual data does not match the actual situation? Welcome to share your experience and thoughts in the comment area, and don’t forget to like and repost it so that more mechanical workers can see these practical and useful information.