It is vital that the next generation of engineers and designers are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to harness the full potential of Industry 4.0. Part of this new industrial revolution is Additive Manufacturing; an exciting and fast developing area of digital manufacturing.

This module provides engineering students with the platform needed to solve future industry challenges, get the most out of 3D printing technology and optimise designs. The module is aimed at engineering students who have an interest in 3D printing and advanced manufacturing methodology and those that have the desire to become industry experts or academic researchers in this exciting area.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be better able to:

• Apply appropriate design methods in order to find optimal design solution fit for type of manufacture
• Apply methods of design analysis.
• Explain a broad range of manufacturing parameters and technologies
• Use advanced CAE and numerical methods to optimise designs fit for type of manufacture
• Interpret analysis (CAE, numerical and other) into the wider context of product design development, business and manufacturing.
• Represent complex designs and transient mechanical properties through CAD and visual forms.  

Assessment

Assessment is based on two coursework submissions, each carrying 50% weighting with a pass mark of 50%. There are individual contributions required in some of the report submissions and there is a group submission.

Description of Content

Additive Manufacture overview:
ASTM Categories
key technology
data flow
materials
production chain

Design for AM:
Mass customisation
personalisation
data driven
part consolidation
lightweighting
complex
optimisation
lattice
embed function

Build considerations:
CAD prep
support structures
post processing
quality control

 

Economy:
redistributed manufacture
rapid tooling
automation
flexibility
environment