MEC3030 : Digital Manufacturing Processes and Systems
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Professor Kenneth Dalgarno
- Lecturer: Dr Dehong Huo, Dr Javier Munguia Valenzuela
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
• To develop knowledge and understanding of machining processes and machine tools.
• To learn how to use commercial CAM software for NC machining.
• To develop knowledge and understanding of additive manufacturing and 3D printing processes.
• To learn how to manipulate CAD files to prepare them for 3D printing processes.
• To develop knowledge and understanding of how manufacturing systems are designed and of key principles and techniques which underpin their operation.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module will address two key digital manufacturing techniques, machining and 3D printing, and also the design and operation of manufacturing systems. The main topics will be:
• Machining processes: conventional and unconventional machining, cutting forces and cutting tools,
machine tool design, CAM for machining, high speed machining, and current trends in machining.
• Additive manufacture (AM) and 3D printing: AM processes for polymers and metals, AM software and
workflows, design for AM, AM used in conjunction with other processes.
• Manufacturing systems design and operation: types of production, design of manufacturing systems,
operation of manufacturing systems, resource planning, lean manufacturing, supply chains and Industry 4.0.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Non-Synchronous sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | For CAM coursework |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 113 | 1:00 | 113:00 | Revision of lecture material, attempting tutorial questions and background reading. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Examination |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Revision for Exam. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | PiP Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | CAM for toolpath generation demonstration (PIP, non-essential) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | Additive manufacture build preparation demonstration (PIP, non-essential) |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Software use for CAM coursework exercises |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
• Lectures are the most efficient way to introduce the students to new subjects, and the knowledge
outcomes will primarily be met through the lectures, augmented by the practical demonstrations for some subjects.
• Use of computers for CAM is a practical skill, best learnt in a computer-based practical, and the skill outcomes related to CAM will be primarily be met by the practical demonstrations, with the underpinning knowledge coming from the lectures.
• Analytical techniques are best learnt through seeing the techniques applied and then applying the
techniques to new problems. The analysis of manufacturing systems will be covered in lectures with
worked examples in the lectures and example problems set for the students to undertake as part of
independent study. Alternative online sessions will be offered to students if in-person sessions are not possible to take place due to unforeseen circumstances. In that case, in-person lectures, practical PC sessions and practical laboratory sessions will be replaced by online sessions. All PiP is non essential.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 85 | Exam covering all elements of the syllabus |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 15 | Additive manufacture build preparation |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
• Computer based exam will be used to assess the knowledge outcomes and the use of analytical techniques for manufacturing system design.
• Computer based coursework exercise will be used to assess the skills outcomes.
If in-person examinations are not possible due to unforeseen universal circumstances (such as a pandemic), this will remain as a PC Examination and will be completed remotely.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MEC3030's Timetable