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Module

MEC3030 : Digital Manufacturing Processes and Systems

  • Offered for Year: 2025/26
  • Module Leader(s): Professor Kenneth Dalgarno
  • Lecturer: Dr Priscila Melo, Dr Dehong Huo
  • 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

Aims

• To develop knowledge and understanding of machining processes and machine tools.

• 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 analysed and 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 and operation of manufacturing systems, resource planning, lean manufacturing and supply chains.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion130:0030:00Revision for exam.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture82:0016:00Lectures
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion12:002:00Examination.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical32:006:00Additive manufacture build preparation demonstration
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical13:003:00CAM for toolpath generation demonstration
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1123:00123:00Revision of lecture material, attempting tutorial questions and Canvas quizzes and background reading.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study102:0020:00Online materials/resources.
Total200:00
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 topics.

• 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.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination1202A85Exam covering all elements of the syllabus (C1, C2, C6, C13, C14, C15).
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Practical/lab report2M15Additive manufacture build preparation (C13)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Computer based exam will be used to assess understanding of machining processes, machine tools, additive manufacturing processes, and manufacturing systems. Computer based coursework exercise will be used to assess ability to use CAM software to prepare a AM build.

Reading Lists

Timetable