Precision Engineering (Add-on) – BEng (Hons)

This module develops the knowledge, understanding and applications of additive manufacturing (AM) processes in engineering. Additive manufacturing is a collection of technologies that used CAD data to produce 3 dimensional physical models and parts through an additive process typically using polymers or metal materials. The learners will evaluate and develop strategies for the production of parts using new technologies and processes to create new components and systems to replace or complement existing manufacturing processes. A clear understanding of the additive manufacturing market and the opportunity to develop new applications forms part of this module.

This module aims to develop learners research and evaluation skills through an enquiry based approach project and draws upon the knowledge, skills and competence gain in the previous years of study.

The learners will develop research skills and the ability to work independently to produce an applied research report in accordance with pre-determined formats, standards and ethics. The topic selected must be directly relevant to the programme of study being undertaken and aligned to an industrial topic preferably in collaboration with a partner company. The student is required to produce a thesis to provide an exhaustive, critical and in-depth analytical study of the specific area of interest.

This module in advanced machining integration presents in great detail latest technologies and future technologies for CNC machining management. This module also involves the analysis of the automated handling of components throughout the stages for manufacture while ensuring component identification and verification are achieved for adhering to quality requirements. The learners will gain a detailed knowledge on metal swarf, chips, hazardous particle extraction and coolant management.

This module on design for manufacture and assembly investigates the techniques which are used to minimise product cost through the implementation of design and process improvement. Through the analysis of industrial case studies, the learner will implement the principles of design for manufacture and assembly within a controlled environment. Students will also learn about Design for Six Sigma and sustainable manufacturing and the integration of these into industry.

This module involves an in-depth study of both traditional and novel material types. It will examine both established and developing methods of manufacture and use material selection software packages to enable learners to optimise material and process selection of industrial products.

This module provides the learner with an introduction to formal project management methodologies and the project management environment. Utilising active learning strategies, the module develops the learner’s knowledge and skills in the various tools and techniques for effective project management outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). The module also provides a platform for the learner to investigate their own personality type, and to develop a deeper awareness of the effects of different personality types on the project team.

This module also introduces the learner to situational project management through multiple choice questions, which are in line with the Project Management Institute (PMI) accreditation assessment method.

This module in advanced engineering technology presents in detail both the traditional and modern manufacturing processes to the learner. Students will analyse cutting tool technology, cutting forces, and wear on tools. Advanced and emerging technologies used in modern precision engineering industries are analysed and reviewed by the learner who already has an introductory knowledge of engineering technologies and manufacturing processes. Modern machine tooling, work and tool holding techniques are also presented.

This module will introduce the learner to the tools required to define and conduct a lean manufacturing project in an industrial environment. The tools will enable a learner to analyse a production process, identify areas which have potential for improvement, define and complete projects. It will also compare the lean manufacturing philosophies for process improvement with Six Sigma, which is another widely used process improvement methodology. These two process improvement techniques are two of the most popular that are being implemented in the manufacturing and service industries.

This module will give learners a detailed knowledge of the mechanics of materials, how they degrade and fail. They will gain a detailed insight intothe current industrial testing methods that are required to obtain material properties and measure their response to degradation and failure.

With the increase demand in the precision machining industry, the demands on the quality systems employed by companies have also increased correspondingly. This module will focus on setup and management of quality systems within a high tech manufacturing organization primarily focusing on the medical device, automotive and aerospace industries.