Alkyd paint – a paint made from synthetic polyester resins

Bakelite – an early thermosetting plastic made from copolymerization of phenol and formaldehyde

Cellophane – an early plastic sheeting of regenerated cellulose used chiefly in packaging

Cellulose acetate – an ascetic ester that is flexible, long lasting and useful for film products, textiles, and packaging

Ceramic fiber – a filament or thread for reinforcement and for thermal, electrical and sound purposes

Ceramic magnet – a magnet made from ceramics and magnetic powders

Carbon fiber – a material made by pyrolyzing spun, felted or woven raw material to a char

Dacron – a polyethelene terephthalate plastic used in textiles

Duralumin – an aluminum alloy containing copper and known for its light weight and hardness

Epoxy – a polyester resin that has high strength, low shrinkage and is used for coatings, adhesives, in casting and foam

Fiber reinforced plastic – plastic most commonly reinforced with glass used for intertwining reinforcement

Foam rubber – rubber in a cellular mass with many small gas bubbles encapsulated

Freon – a halogenated hydrocarbon used controversially in refrigerants and aerosol applications

Metal powder – metal powders that are made into parts through the application of heat and pressure

Mylar – a polyester plastic used to make heat resistant film as in tape recording

Neoprene – a synthetic rubber made from polymerized chloroprene and is resistant to heat, oil, and weathering

Nylon – a long-chained polymeric amide used for fibers, sheeting and extruded forms – invented by Wallace Hume
Carothers in 1935

Polyvinyl chloride – a thermoplastic polymer that is tough and chemical resistant

Polyethelene – an ethylene resin plastic that is synthesized by

Polypropylene – a tough thermoplastic that resists moisture and solvents and is used to mold, in fibers and plating

Polystyrene – synthetic resin made of polymerization of styrene and used in injection molding, extruding and casting

Polyurethane foam – foam polyester used in insulation, padding and soundproofing

Pyrex glass – a hard and heat resistant borosilicate glass most often used in cookware

Safety glass – a glass containing wire or sheets of plastic that resists separating or a tempered glass that resists shattering

Silicon crystal – the large crystal from which is cut disks upon which computer chips are etched

Silicone – a fluid, resin, or elastomer that is water repellant and used in adhesives, cosmetics, and elastomers

Spray adhesive – an adhesive spread over an object through the use of a pressured gas

Stainless steel – a chromium steel alloy that does not tarnish or rust

Synthetic rubber – petroleum derived (olefinic) rubber substitute

Teflon - a polyterafluroethelene plastic used in protective coating of products – Roy Plunkett, DuPont – 1938

Central Processing Unit (CPU) – a unit that consists of memory, arithmetic logic, and a control element

CD-ROM drives and disk – compact disk for recording and playing audio and images using optical technology

Data plotter – principally a machine printer for large-scale diagrammatic applications

Digital stylus – a pen that inputs writing or drawing digitally and directly into a computer system

Disk drive – an external disk drive that allows flexibility of use of an application or the storage of work

Dot matrix printer – a printer that uses striking pins to print the required computer instructed characters

Electric typewriter – a typewriter that works electrically and can have function keys and stored memory

Electronic keyboard – a device resembling a typewriter keyboard but with the pressure on the keys
translates into digital encoding

EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory – a fixed memory

Fax machine – a print in or print out digital machine used to send or receive copies of printed data

Ferrite memory – early computer core memory using iron as a medium

Flat recording disk – a disk recording system for sound reproduction

Flat screen – a flat computer screen most often used with portable computers and based upon TFT or DSTN

Floppy disk – a small disk that records and reads digital data for a micro or mini-computer

Handheld computer – a mini portable with almost all the PC functions

Hard dick drive or Winchester disk – a data memory device that uses multiple disk platters that float on a spindle

Inkjet printer – a computer printer that makes characters by forming droplets of ink onto a dot matrix pattern

Integrated circuit (I/C) – a number of single circuits joined together on a substrate as one chip

Joystick – a control device often used in robotics to control the positioning of the tool point as with a teach pendant

Laser printer – a printer that by line or page uses powerful coherent light beams to create the characters

LED/laser printer – (black & white), color) – light emitting diode sometimes used as portable computer screen elements

Magnetic drum memory – an early computer data storage device consisting of a magnetized drum over which
read/write heads operate

Magnetic tape and reader – thin magnetic plastic tape upon which data can be read

Mainframe computer – a large computer capable of running more than one program simultaneously

Microprocessor – a computer processor on a single chip

Mini computer – a transitional computer that is smaller than a mainframe and larger than a PC

Modulator – a device used for data transmission that changes digital data into a continuous signal

Mouse – an x,y,z device for the movement of a screen cursor and for function selection

Paper tape – paper tape that when punched with holes can hold memory and run machine tools

PC – a microcomputer used principally for personal applications

Portable computer – a computer that can be carried and can run off of batteries

Programmable pocket calculator – a digital calculator that can be programmed for different functions

RAM (Random Access Memory) – main memory chip in a computer

ROM (Read Only Memory) – a computer chip memory device that can be read but not written upon

Server – a powerful PC that may be more robust than a minicomputer and acts as a central server for a host of clients

Scanner – a reader that transmits flat work to a computer in digital form

Semiconductor diode (or crystal diode) – a two electrode-semiconductor that utilizes a pn junction or point contact

Thermal printer – a high-speed printer that uses heat to create the characters

Track ball – device that controls positioning on a computer screen and most often used in conjunction with graphics

Transistor – a small device or circuit that is a semi-conductor and is used in computers and other electronic devices

Touch screen – a screen that responds to human touch and allows for instructions through this response

Vacuum tube – an electron tube evacuated to a degree that allows its electrical characteristics to be unaffected by
gas or vapor

Video/graphics board – a computer board that allow the user to increase and make available large memory graphics
and video

CNC controller – Computer Numerical Controller using a dedicated stored program to perform some or all basic
NC functions

DNC controller – Direct Numerical Control controller that connects to a higher level computer control system and
instructs a machine tool

Hydraulic control – a system that converts forces by high pressure on a fluid to mechanical force

Intelligent I/O – Input/Output devices that are designed with integral microprocessors for specific communication
and control functions

Motor controller – a device that governs in a programmed sequence the electrical power delivered to a motor

NC controller – Numerical Control controller using coded tape to instruct a machine tool or a robot

Photoelectric control – control of a circuit or equipment by changes in incident light

PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) – control for analog devices in process manufacture

Pneumatic controller – a device for mechanical movement derived from pneumatic pressure

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) – a controller for the control of factory floor devices such as motors
and positioners

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) – controllers that supervise, regulate and record data in
processing industries

Servomechanism – a power device for effecting machine motion that uses a closed-loop system in which the
controlled variable is mechanical position or velocity

Temperature control – a device to control temperature in an oven, furnace or enclosed space

Tension device – a regulator or controller of tension on textile or sewing machines

Abrasive jet machine – a device that uses an abrasive liquid to cut material under pressure

Arc welding gun – a device used to arc weld by application of heat from a consumable electrode

ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) – a device for changing tools for automated production from a crib on the tool or in
a separate storage

Automated boring machine (or jig boring) – a device that makes round holes in parts (both vertical and horizontal)

Automated planner – a cutting tool for large-scale work that uses a cutter that moves over the work-piece

Automated riveter – a machine that automatically forms the second head below a second plate

Automated shaper – a cutting tool for smaller scale where the tool stays and the work piece is fed through

Automated ultrasonic machine – cuts with abrasive slurry driven by a tool vibrating at high frequency

Automatic belt sander – an industrial belt sander with automatic alignment of belt

Automatic grinding and sanding machines – automatic tools for industrial grinding or sanding of surfaces

Automatic injection machine – a robotics injection machine that inserts circuits and other electronic devices in
a computer card

Automatic tool changer – a tool changing mechanism attached to a machine tool

Blanking machine – a metal piercing machine that cuts shapes in sheet metal using a flat bed positioner
and a ram and die combination

Blow molding machine – a machine that automatically produces plastic bottles and other complex forms by
pressure against a mold

Broaching machine – a fast cutting machine with an elongated and increasingly larger toothed cutters

Centerless grinder – a cylindrical metal-grinding machine that supports work between two abrasive wheels

Centrifugal casting machine – a mold for thermoplastics or metals that draws the material into the mold through rotation

Composite tape laying machine – robot like machine that lays down layers of plastic or metal composite materials
for parts like airplane wings

Drop forge (form of smith forge) – a tool using successive shaped dies to shape complex metal parts in a sequence
of operations

EBM (Electron Beam Machine) – uses electrical energy to generate thermal energy for removing material

EDM (Electrical Discharge Machine) – uses sparks within a dialectic enclosure to do machining

Electrolytic grinding – a combination of grinding and machining tool in which a cathodic wheel is in contact with an
anodic workpiece

Extruding machine – a machine that forces material (metal, plastic or material like food stuff) through a die using pressure

Finishing robot – an industrial robot that sprays coats of paint or other finishing material

Friction welder – a process that welds metal or thermoplastics in which two members are joined by rubbing the
mated parts under high pressure

Honing machine – a machine that shapes cylindrical surfaces by grinding of a wheel of abrasive stones

Industrial robot – a robot that has several programmable axis and end effector controls

Injection molding machine – a machine that transfers heated and softened thermoplastics from a barrel to a
cool mold cavity

Knitting machine – a machine that automatically knits a garment using the same interweaving as hand knitting

LBM (Laser Beam Machine) – uses an intense, coherent beam of single-wave light to cut, drill, and slot metal

Liquid jet machine – a use of fine, high pressure and a high velocity jet liquid to cut material

Machining center – an automatic machine tool capable of drilling, reaming, tapping, and boring on multiple faces
with a tool changer

Plastic injection molding machine – machines that mold products and parts by injecting plastic into a mold

Powdered metals press – a press that uses pressure to form metal powders through complex dies into parts

Press brake – a machine that automatically or semi-automatically bends sheet metal into programmed forms

Roll forming machine – a machine that uses a sequence of dies in an automated and programmed sequence
to shape sheet metal

Scara robot or assembly – normally an electric robot that assembles parts or products with vision and
testing/marking assists

Spinning machine – chip free production using a mandrel and a holder to form a cylindrical sheet metal work-piece

Stereo-lithography – a manufacturing device that lays down layers of plastic material from a program that
makes an object or part

Squaring shear – a cutting tool that operates top and bottom blades to cut a work-piece and is used in sheet metal work

Swage – a machine that tapers rods and tubes that are used in furniture and industry

Transfer machine – a series of machine stations in line that perform complex machining of parts like engine housings

Tube bending machines – a machine system that creates accurate bends in hollow tubes of metal

Turning center – a numerically controlled lathe that has been referred to as a turret or screw machine that usually
cuts with a robot assist

Ultrasonic cleaner – a cleaner of parts in a cleaning solution by imposition of an ultrasonics bath

Ultrasonic welding machine – a device that employs a high-frequency vibrating tool to impart ultrasonic energy
to the weld area

Vacuum forming machine – a machine that draws down a held sheet of plastic into a mold by a vacuum

Vertical press – an automated machine tool that uses great pressure to for,m metal parts using a ram and
hydraulic device

Wave soldering machine – a machine that automatically solders computer cards by waving the solder in holder

Welding robot – a robot that holds a welding tool and the automatic feeding and fuel devices for that tool

Bar code printer – a printer that prints the spaced lines indicating data on a label or other print material

Bar code scanner (or reader) – hand held optical scanner to read and record bas codes

Bar code scanner fixed – an optical scanner that is built into a line or warehouse station to read and record bar codes

Bar code terminal – a terminal used to display bar code information

Digital camera – camera that translates light into digital information

Holographic storage – storage of three dimensional laser images

Label printer – an automatic printing machine that prints labels exclusively from coiled rolls of laminated materials

OCR – an optical character scanner that reads characters by shape

OCR language – optical character reader language and standards

Tape recorder – a sound recording device that uses coated tape as a media

Video camera – a camera that records video signals for eventual play back on a recorder.

Video recorder – a magnetic tape recorder for storing video signals for communication of images and sound

Chart recorder – a recorder in which a dependent variable is plotted against an independent variable by ink pen

Conductometer – a device that measures thermal conductivity and compares rates at which different rods transmit heat

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) – a fixed platform-measuring device for very refined measurements

Digital gage – a gauging tool that even hand held reads measurements and transcribes them digitally for display readout

Electric timer – a device that is set to signal when a programmed period of time is reached

Flow meter – a meter that measures flow in terms of mass rather than volume

Interferometer – a visual reference gauging tool using split and recombined light beams to compare geometry or surface temperature

Optical fiber sensor – A device that measures the modulation of intensity, spectrum, phase or polarization from a light-emitting diode

Photoelectric cell (electric eye) – a solid-sate photosensitive electron device where voltage is a function of incident radiation

Pneumatic telemeter – a transmitter of a pressure impulse through a small bore tube for sensing temperature,
flow, and pressure

Stroboscope – an instrument for making moving bodies and object visible intermittently by light flashes or by shutter

Ultrasonic transducer – a transducer that coverts ac current to mechanical vibrations of the same frequency

Alarm system – an automatic and often software driven alarming system for break down, error or accident in
processing and tooling

Clean room – a room that meets rigorous Federal Standard 209 for cleanliness by class

Compressor – a machine used to increase the pressure of a gas or a vapor

Dehumidifying system – a device that removes moisture from an environment by condensation

Fluorescent lighting – a tubular discharge lamp with ionization of mercury vapor that activates the fluorescent
coating on the glass

Heat pump – a device that transfers heat from a cooler to a hotter reservoir and expands energy in the process

Induction heater – heating by increasing the temperature in a material by inducted electric current

Industrial vacuum cleaner – a high power, large-scale vacuum for industrial applications

Lift platform – a semi-automatic working platform for reaching high places under human control

Overhead crane – a device that operates along an X, Y, Z axis and is used for lifting and positioning from overhead

Overhead door – an automatic door that is stored in its open position

Refrigerator – a closed-flow system in which refrigerant is compressed, condensed, and expanded to create cooling

Safety equipment – automatically triggered safety devices for workers on heavy machinery

Scrubber – a device for removal or washing out of entrained droplets or dust

Tungsten filament light bulb – a light bulb using a tungsten filament as an incandescent

Argon ion laser – a laser that uses ionized argon

CCD camera – a Charged-Couple Device camera that transforms a light image into a digitized image

CID camera – a solid-state camera that uses a charge injection-imaging device (CID) to transform light into digital form

Force sensor – a device that detects and measures the magnitude of force exerted on an object and converts this to computer signals

Laser scanner – and imaging device that scans a spot of laser light along the image area and detects with a photo sensor

LCD – a Liquid Crystal Display device that aligns material in liquid suspension under voltage for display of alphanumeric characters

Machine vision systems – a system of devices that integrate a light source with a camera with a recording and inputting computer

Maser (Microwave amplification simulated emission of radiation) – a laser that emits microwaves

Motion transducer – a transducer for detecting linear or angular motion

Polaroid camera – a camera that takes and processes the picture internally and quickly

Pressure transducer – a device providing linear dc voltage output proportional to applied pressure

Proximity sensor – a sensing device that produces an electrical signal when approached by or when approaching and object

Xerox machine – a dry copying machine that uses powders that remain adhered to an electrically charged surface

Automatic vibratory feeder – use of vibration to move objects along a surface to a position

Carousel – a circular motion-conveying machine that presents work-pieces to be loaded or unloaded often by a robot

Coil handler – mechanisms that keep coiled metal, plastic or paper in an orderly condition for use in various
processing systems

Forklift truck – a truck that uses a lifting fork to pick up and move goods for storage or manufacture

Magnetic conveyor – a conveyor that uses a translating magnetic field on the backside of a steel surface to cause
attracted parts to move

Overhead rail materials handling system – a computer driven parts and goods flow control system for manufacturing
and storage

Pneumatic conveyors – a conveyor that transports dry, free-flowing granular material by a high velocity air stream

Pneumatic weigh machines – a system for weighing in which load is detected by nozzle and balanced by opposed
modulating air pressure

Robotic system – robots specifically designed to lift, wrap, strap or otherwise package goods and parts

Shrink-wrap packaging equipment – a machine that surrounds a box or product in plastic sheet and by air withdrawal
wraps the product

Strapping machine – a machine for wrapping and binding with strap both packages and finished goods

Vacuum packaging – a device that wraps goods in plastic sheeting by the introduction of a drawn down vacuum

Air servomotor – a device that converts compressed air into rotary mechanical force and motion and is controlled by a servomechanism

Gas generator – an apparatus that supplies a high-pressure gas flow to drive compressors, airscrews and other machines

Hydraulic motor – an actuator that converts forces produced by high- pressure hydraulic fluids into mechanical shaft motion

Motion controller – a device that serves to govern in a preprogrammed manner the electrical power delivered to a motor

Smart motor – a programmable motor with feedback for self-regulation

Voltage and power regulator – a device used to maintain a desired output of voltage regardless of normal changes to input or output