MEC2010 : Materials and Manufacturing Process Selection
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to School approval at module registration
- Module Leader(s): Dr Chuan Cheng
- Lecturer: Dr Priscila Melo, Dr Dehong Huo, Dr Adrian Oila
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
Satisfy progression or admission requirement for entry to Stage 2 of engineering degree programme by satisfactory completion of Stage 1 or equivalent at Level 4 normally with one year of prior study related to this topic.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The module aims to (i) provide basic knowledge of typical failure mechanisms found in materials, the calculations necessary to design engineering components with these in mind, and awareness of methods which can be used to improve material performance; (ii) provide basic knowledge of different manufacturing processes and the ability to select suitable process to manufacture mechanical and/or functional components and devices.
Outline Of Syllabus
The teaching content include two parts:
Part I: materials, provides an understanding of material properties and failure modes
• A review of basic material properties.
• Yield criteria and strengthening mechanisms.
• Failure modes such as Fracture, Fatigue and Creep.
• Case studies of failures.
• Examples of common material inspection techniques.
• Non-metallic materials, for example Polymers and Composites.
• Examples of relevant calculations to assist in component design and assessment.
Part II: provides an understanding of different manufacturing processes and how to select them.
• Overview of engineering manufacturing processes: casting, forming, additive manufacturing, and subtractive manufacturing.
• Mechanical machining processes: principles of material removal and cutting mechanics, types of machining operations, CNC systems, CAM for machining processes, and high-speed machining.
• Non-conventional machining methods: EDM, ECM, laser machining; and their applications, advantages, and limitations.
• Advanced Manufacturing technologies and processes: VAT photopolymerization, Material Extrusion, Powder Bed Fusion, Material Jetting, Binder Jetting, Direct Energy Deposition, Sheet Lamination
• Materials used in each technology, their properties and formulation (polymers, metal, ceramics, composites).
• The material-manufacturing-properties triangle: how to combine these to achieve the results needed for the desired application: examples in different mechanical engineering fields (e.g., automotive, bioengineering)
• Materials Post-Processing and Selection (Heat treatment, surface engineering (coatings, nitriding, carburizing).
• Laboratory practice on NetFabb for manipulation of 3D models and emulation of different printing processes using well-known products and printer models. Design and tuning of lattice structure for design optimisation.
• Laboratory practice of an example slicer software (Cura) to manipulate model prior to printing and define printing parameters.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Revision for Exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Canvas Quizzes for self-assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lectures for Part II |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 107:00 | 107:00 | Revision of lecture material, attempting tutorial questions and background reading. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Online lecture videos (Part I) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Lecture (for part I) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | CAM computer labs |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | NetFabb and Cura lab practical |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Tutorial (for part I) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Lab tour of processing workshop |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 48:30 | 48:30 | Revision for Exam |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module uses lectures as an efficient way to introduce the students to new subjects and is the primary means of meeting the intended knowledge outcomes. The understanding is further developed and applied in practical and
tutorial sessions highlighting some of the lectured topics to meet the intended skills outcomes.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 100 | Inspera invigilated open-book exam. Paper resources are allowed, no digital resources except for provided Inspera resources. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Canvas quiz to check module knowledge (note: 6 quizzes for part I) |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Canvas quiz to check module knowledge |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Canvas quiz to check module knowledge |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Canvas quiz to check module knowledge |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Canvas quiz to check module knowledge |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Canvas quiz to check module knowledge |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessment approach ensures that students have a level of formative feedback as the course progresses.
Combined with tutorial sessions, these will assist students to focus their guided independent study.
The canvas quizzes and tutorials will also provide examples of the question types that will be utilised in the Inspera exam that will attract 100% of the available marks
The open-book Inspera exam will be invigilated, on-campus, allowing the students to demonstrate the application of the knowledge they have been taught. This exam will assess the intended knowledge and skills outcomes through
varying question types such as multi-choice, calculations and essay.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MEC2010's Timetable