Module Details

Module Code: MECH7007
Title: Manufacturing Technology
Long Title: Manufacturing Technology
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides a comprehensive understanding of both subtractive and additive manufacturing processes used in modern industry. Students will develop the skills to calculate the forces involved in machining and forming processes and select appropriate techniques to achieve required surface finishes. The module also covers precision inspection methods for machined components, ensuring high-quality production. Additionally, it addresses the identification of suitable plastic materials and processing methods for plastic parts. By the end of the module, students will be able to apply these principles to both subtractive and additive manufacturing technologies in real-world scenarios.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Calculate the forces involved in machining and forming processes.
LO2 Select an appropriate process to produce required surface finishes
LO3 Determine methods to inspect precision machined engineering components
LO4 Identify suitable plastic materials and processing methods for parts made from plastic
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Material Removal Processes
Theory of Metal Machining, Theory of chip formation, Merchant theory, Tool life, tool materials and tool geometry, Cutting fluids, economics of cutting, machinability, Broaching: process, broach design
Formative processes
Forging, rolling, bending, shearing, metal drawing, sheet-metal working, casting.
Surface Finish and Process Selection
Surface roughness and texture definitions in components, Factors affecting surface finish in subtractive and additive processes, Profilometers and other surface measurement tools: usage, accuracy, and application, Process selection for achieving desired surface finishes in various production methods.
Precision Inspection of Components
Tolerances and dimensional accuracy in precision machining and injection moulding, Inspection methods, optical methods, and gauging techniques, Non-Destructive Testing methods for quality assurance of precision parts, Quality Control standards and practices in both Traditional Machining and Additive Manufacturing.
Plastic Materials and Processing
Properties and classifications of plastics (thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, composites) with a focus on materials used in injection molding, Injection molding material selection criteria based on performance, cost, and Processability, Environmental and sustainability considerations in plastics manufacturing.
Injection Moulding Techniques and Mould Design
Overview of injection molding: Processes, equipment, and materials, Mould design fundamentals: Cavity layout, gating systems, cooling channels, and ejection mechanisms, Influence of mould design on product quality, cycle time, and manufacturing cost, Process optimization in injection moulding: Material flow, shrinkage, and defect prevention
Additive Manufacturing Techniques
Overview of additive manufacturing processes: FDM, SLA, SLS, etc., Strength, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy in additive manufacturing, Integration of additive manufacturing with traditional methods (e.g., hybrid tools, rapid tooling), Post-processing techniques for additive-manufactured components.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Laboratory reports
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Classroom lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Laboratory Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Classroom lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Laboratory Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Mikell P. Groover. (2021), Fundamentals of Modern Manufacturing, John Wiley & Sons, [ISBN: 9781119706427].
  • Helmi A. Youssef,Hassan A. El-Hofy,Mahmoud H. Ahmed. (2023), Manufacturing Technology, CRC Press, [ISBN: 9781032432489].
  • Yusuf Altintas. (2012), Manufacturing Automation, Cambridge University Press, [ISBN: 0521172470].
  • Stephen F. Krar,Jonathan A. Gill,Peter Smid,Robert J. Gerritsen. (2024), Technology of Machine Tools, 9th Edition. McGraw Hill, [ISBN: 1266665358].
  • Zainul Huda. (2021), Machining Processes and Machines, CRC Press, [ISBN: 0367532697].
  • Michael F. Ashby. (2022), Materials and Sustainable Development, Butterworth-Heinemann, [ISBN: 0323983618].
  • Samir Mekid. (2021), Metrology and Instrumentation, John Wiley & Sons, [ISBN: 978-1-119-72171-0].
  • António Gaspar-Cunha,J. A. Covas. (2011), Optimization in Polymer Processing, [ISBN: 1611228182].
  • R. J. Crawford. (2004), Plastics engineering, Butterworth-Heinemann, [ISBN: 0-7506-3764-1].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBIOM_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Biomedical Engineering 3 Mandatory
CR_EMECH_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering 3 Elective
CR_EMECH_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 6 Mandatory
CR_EMECN_7 Parttime - Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 5 Group Elective 1