Editing Machine (section)

==Machine elements==
The elementary mechanical components of a machine are termed '''[[machine element]]s'''. These elements consist of three basic types (i) ''structural components'' such as frame members, bearings, axles, splines, [[fastener]]s, seals, and lubricants, (ii) ''[[Mechanism (engineering)|mechanisms]]'' that control movement in various ways such as [[gear train]]s, [[belt (mechanical)|belt]] or [[chain drive]]s, [[Linkage (mechanical)|linkages]], [[Cam (mechanism)|cam]] and [[cam follower|follower]] systems, including [[brake]]s and [[clutch]]es, and (iii) ''control components'' such as buttons, switches, indicators, sensors, actuators and computer controllers.<ref>Robert L. Norton, ''Machine Design,'' (4th Edition), Prentice-Hall, 2010</ref> While generally not considered to be a machine element, the shape, texture and color of covers are an important part of a machine that provide a [[industrial design|styling and operational interface]] between the mechanical components of a machine and its users.

===Structural components===
A number of machine elements provide important structural functions such as the frame, bearings, splines, spring and seals.
* The recognition that the frame of a mechanism is an important machine element changed the name [[three-bar linkage]] into [[four-bar linkage]]. Frames are generally assembled from [[truss]] or [[beam (structure)|beam]] elements.
* [[bearing (mechanical)|Bearings]] are components designed to manage the interface between moving elements and are the source of [[friction]] in machines. In general, bearings are designed for pure rotation or [[linear-motion bearing|straight line movement]].
* [[Spline (mechanical)|Splines]] and [[key (engineering)|keys]] are two ways to reliably mount an [[axle]] to a wheel, pulley or gear so that torque can be transferred through the connection.
* [[spring (device)|Springs]] provides forces that can either hold components of a machine in place or acts as a [[suspension (vehicle)|suspension]] to support part of a machine.
* [[seal (mechanical)|Seals]] are used between mating parts of a machine to ensure fluids, such as water, hot gases, or lubricant do not leak between the mating surfaces.
* [[Fastener]]s such as [[screw]]s, bolts, spring clips, and [[rivet]]s are critical to the assembly of components of a machine. Fasteners are generally considered to be removable. In contrast, joining methods, such as [[welding]], [[soldering]], [[crimp (joining)|crimping]] and the application of [[adhesive]]s, usually require cutting the parts to disassemble the components