NG2S251 - Production Processes 01 Apr 2025 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG2S251
Module Title: Production Processes
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Sub Group: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Module Leader: David Dawkins
Module Team: Seyedali Azimifar, Jonathan Preece, Howard Jones, James Neal, Liam Richards, Matthew Wilimington, Nathan Thomas, Paul Curnick, Alun Williams, Carl Elliott, Seyedali Azimifar
First Intended Intake: SEP 2016 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100190 - mechanical engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Apr 2025
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

To extend the student's appreciation and knowledge of manufacturing processes, including ; CNC, Robotics,

Rapid Prototyping, non-traditional manufacturing processes and their maintenance.

Also to introduce the student to manufacturing calculations, including reliability.

Content Summary

Design and Manufacture Overview:
· Introduction to the design and manufacture process
· Importance of design for manufacture (DFM) principles
· Overview of engineering materials used in manufacturing.
Traditional Manufacturing Processes:
· Overview of casting, forming, and shaping processes
· Introduction to polymer processing techniques
· Fundamentals of machining including cutting, chip formation, temperature, and tool wear
· Joining techniques such as welding and brazing
Introduction to Numerical Control (NC):
· Historical developments of NC technology
· Definition and principles of numerical control
· Fundamentals of NC technology and positioning systems
· Applications of NC in manufacturing
NC Part Programming:
· Basic NC programming using the FANUC system.
· Introduction to G and M codes
· Coordinate system in NC programming
CNC Programming Seminar:
· Process selection for CNC machining
· Understanding numerical control and machine tool selection
· Tool selection and considerations for different geometries and materials
· Speed and feed calculations for efficient machining
· Basics of G and M coding
· Introduction to canned cycles for common machining operations
· Component profile and settings in CNC programming
· Integration of CAD, 3D modelling, and CAM in CNC programming
· Toolpath generation and cutting strategies.
· Post-processing and generation of NC code

Introduction to CAD/CAM:
· Overview of CAD and 3D modelling software
· Application of CAM programming for manufacturing components
· Toolpath generation and cutting strategies using industrial software.
· Post-processing steps and generation of NC code from CAM software
Machine Centres, Machinability, and Tool and Process Monitoring:
· Understanding machine centres and their functions
· Evaluation of machinability factors for different materials
· Introduction to tool and process monitoring techniques for quality control.
Advanced Manufacturing Processes:
· Comparison of conventional and advanced manufacturing processes
· Introduction to advanced techniques such as Water Jet Cutting (WJC), Additive Water Jet Cutting (AWJC), Electro Discharge Machining (EDM), and Electro Chemical Machining (ECM)
Additive Layer Manufacturing:
· Overview of Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) technologies
· Common ALM processes and process selection criteria (e.g., Fused Deposition Modelling - FDM, Selective Laser Sintering - SLS)
· Design considerations and constraints for ALM
· Advantages and future directions of ALM
Robotics in Manufacturing:
· Introduction to robotics in the manufacturing industry
· Classification of robots based on their characteristics and applications.
· Overview of robot accessories and coordinates
· Work volumes and reference frames in robotics
· Basics of robot programming and its applications in lean manufacturing
Micro Technologies in Manufacturing:
· Definition and differentiation of macro, micro, and nano technologies
· Micro and nano tooling processes for small-scale manufacturing
· Micro and nano replication processes for high-precision replication
· Applications of micro technologies in various industries
Quality Control:
· Introduction to quality control principles in manufacturing
· Understanding machine and process capabilities for achieving the desired quality
· Statistical process control techniques for monitoring and improving quality.
· Application of quality control tools such as control charts, capability analysis, and process capability indices
· Implementing inspection and measurement techniques to ensure product conformance.
· Introduction to quality assurance systems and standards

This module will facilitate the development of Personal Development Planning through the delivery of the key skills identified below in the module descriptor.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Seminar 24
Independent Study 80
Directed Study 72
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate detailed understanding and knowledge of manufacturing technology 
LO2 Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes and control

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Report on Production Processes 0 2000 50 No 40
Synchronous Online Assessment (Exam) Online Closed Book Examination 1 rsyjs 120 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1
Online Closed Book Examination 1

Reading List

Groover Mikell P (2010) Principles of Modern Manufacturing. John Wiley & Sons.

Timings R L (1998) Manufacturing Technology Vol 1. 3rd Edition. Longman

 

Timings R L (2000) Manufacturing Technology Vol 2. 2nd Edition. Longman

 

Bicheno, J., Holweg, M. (2009) The Lean Toolbox. 4th ed., Buckingham: PICSIE Books.

 

Gitlow, H.S., Melnyck, R.J., Levine, D.M. (2015) A Guide to Six Sigma and Process Improvement for practitioners and students USA: Pearson