WM9G5-15 Manufacturing Systems and Process Selection
Introductory description
This module provides the theoretical grounding for the domain of manufacturing systems and the current practices associated with manufacturing process selection. This requires matching processes to products and the materials that they are made from at different volumes (of sales).
Students will examine models for this and consider the role of intelligent/expert systems in supporting such decision making.
Module aims
Prepare learners to engage with engineering professionals to evaluate the impact of process choices on manufacturing effectiveness and with managers to discuss implications at a manufacturing system level.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Foundations of classical manufacturing systems practices;
Technology Readiness and factors that influence it;
Process Planning: The Design to Manufacturing interface;
Manufacturing processes and their selection;
Technology Showcases: additive manufacturing, advanced composites, laser processing, ultrasonic machining;
Expert Systems Support for Process Selection ;
Metrology technologies and their application;
Introduction to cyber-manufacturing.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Identify foundational elements of classical manufacturing systems theory and practice.
- Critique the process selection made by existing models such as CES Edupack
- Organise competing arguments for matching product requirements to new and existing materials and processes
- Evaluate the requirements for achieving technological readiness across a dispersed collaborative network
- Explain the aims and approach of the phenomenon of cyber-manufacturing
Indicative reading list
Groover's principles of modern manufacturing : materials, processes, and systems / Mikell P. Groover, Global ed, Wiley, 2017;
Materials : engineering, science, processing and design / Mike Ashby, Hugh Shercliff, and David Cebon, Butterworth Heinmann, 4th ed, 2019.
Automation, production systems, and computer-integrated manufacturing. Groover, Mikell P, Pearson 2019.
Additive manufacturing technologies: 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and direct digital manufacturing. I. Gibson. 2ed, Springer 2016.
Subject specific skills
Use professional tools like CES Edupak to support process selection choices. Be able to classify manufacturing process maturity by Technology Readiness Level (TRL).
Transferable skills
Self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
Independent ability to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.
Independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 15 sessions of 1 hour (10%) |
| Demonstrations | 5 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Supervised practical classes | 5 sessions of 2 hours (7%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 20 sessions of 30 minutes (7%) |
| Other activity | 12 hours (8%) |
| Assessment | 98 hours (65%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Other activity description
Industry exposure by way of physical or virtual factory visits and/or exhibition visits when available - the MACH shows at the NEC for example, or to firms like Mazak, both established already in WMG - and presentations from research teams. Also, self study tasks for transitioning between the phases of the 3 week engagement cycle: construction, application and consolidation. Peer-discussion, Wikis or similar.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | |
|---|---|---|
| Process Selection Task | 5% | 3 hours |
|
A set of process selection tasks involving the use of CES Edupak to make manufacturing process selections for a range of products and market requirements. |
||
| Manufacturing System Concept for 'X' | 15% | 15 hours |
|
In small groups (2 or 3 students each) Design a simple manufacturing system for one of a number of business proposals ('X') and present the solution to the class at the end of the taught period. |
||
| A Critical Evaluation of Technology Readiness | 80% | 80 hours |
|
For a given problem involving advanced and cyber-manufacturing technologies students must analyse the requirements for manufacture and critically evaluate the technical readiness, identifying areas of weakness and prioritising actions needed to resolve these (without necessarily solving them). |
||
Feedback on assessment
Process Selection Task - check-box rubric with 'Likert-type' scales;
Presentation - verbal feedback and check-box sheet;
Post Module Assignment - written feedback.
There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.