The Department of Mechanical Engineering was established as one of the five founding departments of PSG College of Technology, with an undergraduate (UG) programme in Mechanical Engineering in the year 1951. In order to facilitate engineers build on their current abilities and gain specialized knowledge and skills to advance in certain fields, five Masters degree programmes in Engineering Design, Industrial Engineering, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Energy Engineering, and Lean Manufacturing were introduced during the years 1962, 1978, 1991, 1999 and 2007 respectively. Bearing in mind the burgeoning requirements of industry, the unique Sandwich UG programme was commenced in the year 1983.

The department has continually maintained a close liaison with universities and industries in India and abroad, through strategic collaborations and research projects. In order to pursue industry relevant research and development activities, the department has established laboratories in collaboration with industries. Distinctive, well-equipped facilities such as Festo-PSG Training Centre for Pneumatic Automation, Engineering Design Centre, PSG-Rane Centre for Manufacturing Systems, Machine Tool Research Centre, Wind Tunnel Centre and Industry 4.0 laboratory, enable our student community to gain knowledge and work hands-on on contemporary technologies utilized in industry. Consultancy in the realms of design, analysis and manufacturing, and testing of a range of products as per BIS specifications is also offered to industry. In recognition of this close-knit, comprehensive and continuous interaction with industry, the department was awarded with the prestigious AICTE-CII award for the Best Industry-Linked College in Mechanical Engineering in the year 2012, when the award was given for the first time.

The four year programme in Mechanical Engineering, commenced in the year 1951, is one of the sought after undergraduate programmes by the student community of Tamil Nadu. With a right blend of theory and practice in courses such as mechanics, design of machine elements, manufacturing technology, industrial engineering, CAD/CAM, finite element analysis, thermal engineering, and pneumatics and low cost automation, this programme has entrenched itself as a foremost option for students throughout the nation. The B.E. Mechanical Sandwich programme (5 years) established in the year 1983, is the only one of its kind in India. The objective of this programme is to mould students having theoretical background to be an engineer with extensive exposure to industrial environment. The five year in-plant training includes visits to different industries, orientation towards industrial practices, and a comprehensive skill development programme.

True to its lineage of being one of the foremost in the realm of design, the department instituted the M.E. Engineering Design programme in the year 1962. This programme lays emphasis on Design and Analysis of Mechanical Systems through courses such as Mechanisms and robot kinematics, Vibration engineering, Finite element analysis in mechanical design, Applied elasticity and plasticity, Composite structures and Failure analysis. The M.E. Engineering Design programme is accredited by NBA for 5 years from 2017.

Recognizing the need for engineers to effectively plan operations in industry, the M.E Industrial Engineering programme was subsequently started in the year 1978. Operations management, Supply chain management, Total quality management, Lean manufacturing, Manufacturing simulation, etc., are taught as part of this programme. This programme envisions to mould post graduate engineers into field experts who can redesign manufacturing systems with higher productivity and quality.

The advent of computers, IT systems and robots in industry to automate production led to a necessity for engineers conversant with automation. Hence, the M.E. Computer Integrated Manufacturing programme was started in the year 1991. Salient aspects covered in this programme include CAD/CAM interfacing, CNC programming, Rapid prototyping, and Simulation of manufacturing systems. In summary, this programme emphasizes the use of computers to aid in design and manufacturing activities undertaken in industries.

The tremendous growth of industries in India led to consciousness on energy efficiency and management and an impetus towards generating sustainable energy. To cater to this growing demand, the M.E. Energy Engineering programme was commenced in 1999. The major areas in which the programme aims to develop competency in graduate students are Energy audit, Environmental engineering, Renewable energy sources and systems, Energy management information systems, Industrial energy conservation and management and CFD analysis for energy efficient system design.

In order to reinforce traditional engineering skills with analysis techniques and customer centric value addition for products, the M.E. Lean Manufacturing programme was established in 2006. This programme provides students with a unique blend of management skills to complement their technical abilities. The student thereby develops a comprehensive understanding of day-to-day manufacturing operations in addition to developing a broad perspective on multifarious industries as a whole.

In recognition of the department’s competencies, the National Board of Accreditation has twice accredited various courses in the department with grade ‘A’ for three years in the year 2001 and for three more years in the year 2006. Five department programmes are accredited in which UG Mechanical Engineering programme and two PG programmes on Engineering Design and Computer Integrated Manufacturing have been accredited for five years.