MATSEC SEC Engineering Technology case studies
MATSEC SEC Engineering Technology · Put your knowledge to work in context.
SEC Engineering Technology is a secondary-level qualification in Malta's MATSEC system. It is designed for students who have followed a school engineering technology programme and want certification of both theoretical understanding and practical workshop competence. It suits candidates progressing to technical, engineering or trade-related post-secondary study, and also those who simply want a credible record of applied design and making skills. The subject is broad rather than narrow. Topics on this exam: Health, Safety and Workshop Practice, Engineering Materials and Their Properties, Hand Tools, Portable Power Tools and Measuring Instruments, Machine Tools and Machining Processes, Joining and Assembly Methods (welding, soldering, brazing, adhesives, fasteners), Engineering Drawing, Orthographic Projection and CAD, Mechanical Systems, Mechanisms and Power Transmission, Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals and Control, Design, Planning and Project Realisation (coursework), and Energy, Sustainability and Environmental Impact in Engineering. The MATSEC SEC Engineering Technology case studies are 5 cases and about 3,790 words.
1Bench Grinder: Cracked Wheel and Loose Clothing
A school workshop has a 150 mm bench grinder rated at 2950 rpm, bolted to a bench that rocks slightly when leaned on. A learner is sharpening a wood chisel.
830 words, about 4 min2Marine Handrail Bracket: Galvanic Corrosion Decision
A harbour maintenance team is repairing a gangway. An aluminium alloy 6082-T6 bracket, 8 mm thick, supports a 316 stainless steel handrail post.
814 words, about 4 min3Lathe Batch: Micrometer Zero Error, Taper and Tool Drift
A batch of 20 mild steel shafts is being turned on a centre lathe to 25.00 mm ±0.03 mm. The operator uses a carbide tool at 600 rpm and 0.2 mm/rev without coolant.
528 words, about 3 min4Cast Aluminium Gearbox Lug: Welding Versus Alternative Repairs
A cast aluminium gearbox lug has cracked through its 6 mm section. The alloy is an Al-Si casting similar to LM6 and the area is contaminated with oil.
782 words, about 4 min5Compressor Motor: Nuisance Tripping and an Unsafe Upsize Proposal
A workshop compressor is driven by a single-phase 230 V motor rated at 2.2 kW output. The motor nameplate gives full-load current 13.5 A, power factor 0.82 and efficiency 0.78.
836 words, about 4 min