All of the manufactured products we use in our daily lives, from processed food to clothing and cars, are the result of production engineering. Production engineers need to have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all the possible production technologies available, their advantages and disadvantages, the requirements of the production system operation and the interaction between the various components of the production system.

This unit introduces students to the production process for key material types; the various types of machinery used to manufacture products and the different ways of organising production systems to optimise the production process; consideration of how to measure the effectiveness of a production system within the overall context of the manufacturing system; and an examination of how production engineering contributes to ensuring safe and reliable operation of manufacturing.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to illustrate the role and purpose of production engineering and its relationship with the other elements of a manufacturing system. They will be able to select the most appropriate production processes and associated facility arrangements for manufacturing products of different material types and design a production system incorporating a number of different production processes.

Production engineering activities:
Common practices for manufacturing
Research and develop tools, processes, machines, and equipment
Integrate facilities and systems for producing quality products
Design, implement and refine products, services, processes and systems
Combination of manufacturing technology and management science

Production processes:
Common ceramics, composite, metals manufacturing processes
Bonding and jointing technologies, including welding, adhesives, snap fits, interference fits and mechanical assemblies
Function of the range of production facilities within a manufacturing plant
Production design for manufacture and assembly
Cellular and flexible manufacturing systems
Component production using CNC machining centres and automated production processes
Automated materials handling equipment, conveyor systems, automatic guided vehicle servicing, product assembly and production lines
Heat treatment facilities, paint and coating plants
Warehouse, stock storage equipment
The purpose, operation and effects of incorporating concepts such as lean manufacturing and just-in-time (JIT) supply to the production process

Production systems:
Production performance criteria, through-put rates, yield rates, cost
Effectiveness, sustainability, flexibility and reliability
Optimising supply chain performance and management
Essential collaboration between manufacturer, supplier and retailer
Production errors and rectification
Cost in terms of time, material waste, product recall, reputation and litigation
Production data collection, critical evaluation and analysis

The human component:
Cultural openness to new ideas and continuous improvement
Collaboration and information sharing
Performance management and rewards
Engineer training and development practices

A research assignment of 1000 words, assessing learning outcome 1, weighted at 25%

A project-based report assignment of 2000 words, assessing learning outcomes 2, 3, and 4, weighted at 75%.

Whole group lectures will be used to deliver new material and to consolidate previous material. Small-group tutorials, with activities designed to enhance the understanding of the material delivered in the lectures, will be used to apply the skills and knowledge learned. A mixture of classroom based and practical activities will take place supported by staff.

Illustrate the role and purpose of production engineering and its relationship with the other elements of a manufacturing system.

Select the most appropriate production processes and associated facility arrangements, for manufacturing products of different material types.

Analyse how a production system can incorporate a number of different production processes for a given product or assembly.

Explore the effectiveness of a production system in terms of its operation within the wider manufacturing system.

PC with standard software such as Microsoft Excel and industry standard CAD software (e.g. AutoCAD, Catia, SolidWorks, Creo)

Materials lab equipment such as Tensile testing and hardness testing equipment.

KALPAKJIAN, S. and SCHMID, S. (2009) Manufacturing Engineering and Technology. 6th Ed. Prentice Hall.

https://www.khanacademy.org/ Khan Academy (Tutorials)

Must be registered on HNC/D Mechanical Engineering or Electrical and Electronic Engineering provision at South Staffordshire College

All of the manufactured products we use in our daily lives, from processed food to clothing and cars, are the result of production engineering. Production engineers need to have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all the possible production technologies available, their advantages and disadvantages, the requirements of the production system operation and the interaction between the various components of the production system.

This unit introduces you to the production process for key material types; the various types of machinery used to manufacture products and the different ways of organising production systems to optimise the production process; consideration of how to measure the effectiveness of a production system within the overall context of the manufacturing system; and an examination of how production engineering contributes to ensuring safe and reliable operation of manufacturing.

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to illustrate the role and purpose of production engineering and its relationship with the other elements of a manufacturing system. You will be able to select the most appropriate production processes and associated facility arrangements for manufacturing products of different material types and design a production system incorporating a number of different production processes.