Link
Mechanical Engineering · Mechatronics & Robotics · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A link is a rigid body in a mechanism that is connected to other links through joints, forming a kinematic chain. It transmits motion or force from one part of the mechanism to another.
Example in context
“The connecting rod is a critical link in the slider-crank mechanism that transforms reciprocating motion to rotary motion.”
“Biyel kolu, piston-krank mekanizmasında dönme hareketini doğrusal harekete dönüştüren kritik bir bağlantı elemanıdır.”
Where engineers use it
Links are the building blocks of all mechanisms; engineers analyze link lengths and joint types to determine the mechanism's mobility and motion output. They are essential for designing robotic arms, suspension systems, and internal combustion engines.
Synonyms: bar, member
In Mechatronics & Robotics
In robotics, a link is a rigid component that connects two joints and defines the relative motion between them. It is a fundamental element of a kinematic chain.
“The robot arm consists of seven links connected by rotary joints, allowing complex motion.”
Practice: can you use “Link” at work?
You are designing a new four-bar linkage for a windshield wiper. Explain how the length of each link affects the output sweep angle.
Show a model answer
“Each link in the mechanism must be carefully dimensioned to avoid interference.”
“Link” in 21 languages
| English | Link |
|---|---|
| Turkish | bağlantı elemanı |
| French | barre |
| German | Glied |
| Spanish | eslabón |
| Chinese | 连杆 |
| Arabic | وصلة |
| Portuguese | elo |
| Russian | звено |
| Japanese | リンク |
| Italian | membro |
| Vietnamese | thanh nối |
| Hindi | लिंक |
| Thai | ลิงก์ |
| Indonesian | tautan |
| Korean | 링크 |
| Bengali | লিঙ্ক |
| Dutch | schakel |
| Swedish | länk |
| Finnish | varsi |
| Ukrainian | ланка |
Frequently asked questions
What does Link mean in engineering?
A link is a rigid body in a mechanism that is connected to other links through joints, forming a kinematic chain. It transmits motion or force from one part of the mechanism to another. In Mechanical Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Link?
Link is pronounced /lɪŋk/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Link used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The connecting rod is a critical link in the slider-crank mechanism that transforms reciprocating motion to rotary motion.”
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