Advanced Manufacturing module (ME52005)

You will learn about manufacturing technologies currently employed in industries across the world. This will provide you with state-of-the-art knowledge. You will learn about modern manufacturing systems for a variety of applications.

You will gain a critical awareness of current problems and new insights.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• be introduced to lasers. You will learn about the use of lasers in materials processing and manufacturing
• learn about the essentials of laser-matter interaction. You will understand the role of lasers in industry and modern manufacturing
• learn about the use of lasers in cutting, drilling, welding, bending and cleaning. This will also cover many other modern applications of lasers in advanced manufacturing
• explore a variety of high-technology manufacturing techniques. This will include:
  • nano-scale patterning techniques of metals and ceramic materials using inkjet printing methods
  • larger-scale additive manufacturing of polymers and metals
• participate in demonstrations of polymer 3-D printers.
• participate in class discussions on how the manufacturing techniques are applied to:
  • manufacture aeroplane parts
  • improve on traditional metal alloys
  • form single crystal structures to be used in microelectronic devices
• investigate how materials can be post-processed to improve their final finish. You will learn how they achieve their final properties. This includes the application of advanced welding techniques and the rolling of cast alloys

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• understand the basic physical theory and techniques in modern manufacturing processes
• understand concepts relevant to lasers in manufacturing and industry
• understand how to critically evaluate the effectiveness of current technologies in manufacturing processes
• understand 3-D and ink-jet printing technologies

Assignments / assessment

• engineering project coursework (50%)
  • This will consist of a presentation and a question-and-answer session
• viva on course content (50%)

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
• seminars
• practical workshops