BEng Mechanical Engineering

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Manufacturing Engineering 1 (Mechanical)

Course unit fact file
Unit code MECH11012
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 1
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

Manufacturing engineering companies are vital for our modern economy due to their capability to generate high economic value products and jobs.  The role of a manufacturing engineer is crucial and requires advanced skills in order to analyse and improve complex integrated manufacturing systems.  The module focuses on providing a holistic understanding of the main manufacturing processes by which materials (metals and plastics) can be processed into different products in the most effective, sustainable and efficient way. The module also provides students with a deep knowledge on the techniques required for process/technology selection based on product’s specifications. 

This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 20/21 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates

Aims

The main goal of this unit is to provide students with the appropriate set of skills in order to design a product and select the most adequate manufacturing technologies to transform raw materials (mainly plastics and metals) into a tradable product based on economic, functional and sustainable aspects. In particular, the unit aims for students to acquire knowledge and develop specific understanding of the most relevant manufacturing processes including Additive Manufacturing (AM), Metal Casting, Injection Moulding, Forming and Welding. 

Syllabus

Additive Manufacturing (AM) – Dr. Marco Domingos
Introduction to the principles and applications of AM. Description of the general advantages and limitations of AM. Introduction to the different AM processes, namely Extrusion Based, Vat Photopolymerization, Powder Bed Fusion and Binder Jetting. Application of Cost Estimation model for AM parts. 
Casting processes: Dr. Marco Domingos
Fundamentals of metal casting processes; Description of different processes and equipment; Design, materials and economics of casting.
Polymer processing: Dr. Marco Domingos
Introduction to polymers: Classification and applications of thermoplastics and thermoset polymers. Fundamentals of Injection moulding processes: Principles, applications, process parameters, injection cycle, main defects and troubleshooting.
Metal forming processes: Prof. Mike Smith
Introduction to metal forming processes; Fundamentals of metal extrusion and deep drawing. Description of main applications, equipment, characteristics, forces, process defects.

Joining processes: Prof. Mike Smith
Introduction to the fundamentals of Welding processes. Description of welding principles and main applications.

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 15%
Written exam 80%
Practical skills assessment 5%

Other - Online quiz

Feedback methods

Feedback to online quiz provided 1 day after the test

Feedback provided in tutorial sessions when students are in small groups   

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 24
Practical classes & workshops 2
Tutorials 3
Independent study hours
Independent study 71

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Marco Domingos Unit coordinator

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