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The scientific definition of a 'machine' is any device that transmits or modifies particles. In common usage, the meaning is restricted to devices having rigid moving parts that perform or assist in performing some work. Machines normally require some energy source ("input") and always accomplish some sort of work ("output"). Devices with no rigid moving parts are commonly considered tools, or simply devices, not machines.
People have used mechanisms to amplify their abilities since before written records were available. Generally these devices decrease the amount of force required to do a given amount of work, alter the direction of the force, or transform one form of motion or energy into another.
The mechanical advantage of a simple machine is the ratio between the force it exerts on the load and the input force applied. This does not entirely describe the machine's performance, as force is required to overcome friction as well. The mechanical efficiency of a machine is the ratio of the actual mechanical advantage (AMA) to the ideal mechanical advantage (IMA). Functioning physical machines are always less than 100% efficient.
Modern power tools, automated machine tools, and human-operated power machinery are tools that are also machines. Machines used to transform heat or other energy into mechanical energy are known as engines.
Hydraulics devices may also be used to support industrial applications, although devices entirely lacking rigid moving parts are not commonly considered machines. Hydraulics are widely used in heavy equipment industries, automobile industries, marine industries, aeronautical industries, construction equipment industries, and earthmoving equipment industries.

Contents

Types of machines and other devices

References

Types of machines and other devices

'Types of machines and other devices'

Simple machines	Inclined plane, Wheel and axle, Lever, Pulley, Wedge, Screw
Mechanical components	Gear, Rope, Spring, Wheel, Axle, Bearings, Belts, Seals, Roller chains, Link chains, Rack and pinion, Fastener, Key
Clock	Atomic clock, Chronometer, Pendulum clock, Quartz clock
Compressors and Pumps	Archimedes screw, Eductor-jet pump, Hydraulic ram, Pump, Tuyau, Vacuum pump
Heat engines	External combustion engines	Steam engine, Stirling engine
	Internal combustion engines	Reciprocating engine, Wankel engine, Jet engine, Rocket, gas turbine
Linkages	Pantograph,Peaucellier-Lipkin
Turbine	Gas turbine, Jet engine, Steam turbine, Water turbine, Wind generator, Windmill (Air turbine)
Airfoil	Sail, Wing, Rudder, Flap, Propeller
Electronic machines	Computing machines	Calculator, Computer, Analog computer
	Electronics	Transistor, Diode, Capacitor, Resistor, Inductor
Biological machines	Virus, Bacterium, Cell (biology), Plant and animal, DNA computers, Human being
Miscellaneous	Robot, Vending machine, Wind tunnel

References

# 'Machinery's Handbook', , Erik, Oberg, Industrial Press Inc., 2000, ISBN 0-8311-2635-3