BEng Mechanical Engineering

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In modern engineering industry, there are a number of manufacturing processes that shape metals by means other than traditional cutting. These processes are important in the aerospace and automotive sectors, as well as others. A selection of processes based on laser processing and electrical machining, is studied.

Impart an understanding of the fundamental and practical aspects of advanced processes such as laser manufacturing and electrical machining. Introduce the students to the underlying concepts and practical aspects of manufacturing systems.

Syllabus:

1. Laser processing

This section will introduce lasers and their applications in industry. The basic principles of a laser will be detailed, followed by examples of the main types of laser sources used in industry. The general principles of laser-material interactions will be covered. This will be followed with an introduction of the main types of industrial processes including laser cutting, welding and surface treatment. In each case, example industrial applications will be detailed.

 2. Electrical machining. ¿

Two main processes will be covered, Electrochemical machining and Electro-discharge Machining.

With regards to the ECM process the syllabus covers typical machine layouts and systems. Process parameters and typical products. Process principles. Electrochemical equivalent. Electrolyte types. Machining electro-dynamics. Process problems. Workpiece surface characteristics. Electrochemical grinding. ¿Modelling of ECM will also be covered as well as industrial applications of the process. With regards to Electro-discharge machining the syllabus covers a description of the process. Discharge generator circuits. Comparison of a relaxation generator with Transistorised type. Analysis of Relaxation circuit EDM and analysis of pulses in transistorised type. Process variables and their effect on the process, tool and workpiece.  Micro-EDM drilling applications in industry.

3. Manufacturing systems

Manufacturing systems describes the underlying organisation of the production of goods within an enterprise (company). In essence this involves the processing of incoming orders and the scheduling and allocation of the resources (people and machines) that are required to transform these orders into products of an agreed quality against an agreed delivery deadline. The number and nature of the particular transformations depend on the product being manufactured and may involve assembly, batch production or continuous manufacture. These in turn influence the layout of the manufacturing plant.

The unit provides a  grounding in the more analytical aspects of the operation of manufacturing systems for students who have worked in industry while at the same time providing details of industrial practice to those who have no direct industrial experience.

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