TRC4902 · Mechatronics and manufacturing

Overview

This unit aims to develop an understanding of the mechatronic engineer's role in the manufacturing industry, manufacturing processes including 3D printing, fundamentals and automation using a CNC controller. Different manufacturing systems: cellular and flexible manufacturing systems will be analysed. Recent advancement in the industry: Industry 4.0 and digital twins will be introduced. Modern manufacturing management will be presented and discussed to improve quality and productivity by removing non-value added processes to reduce the production cycle and increase the product life-cycle. This will include lean manufacturing, agile manufacturing and virtual manufacturing. This unit also includes the design of flexible manufacturing systems which is capable of producing a variety of products. The manufacturing support systems such as process planning and control and computer-aided process planning using a variant technique and a generative process planning technique with Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be covered in this unit. Finally, the design of flexible manufacturing systems for a variety of products will be studied to reduce production lot size and the design of assembly manufacturing lines will be optimised.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 40% Final assessment: 60% This unit contains hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Describe different types of manufacturing and manufacturing management systems.
2. Generate Computer Numerical Control (CNC) code for different applications using manual part programming and CAD/CAM systems.
3. Address modern manufacturing philosophies, such as lean production systems, agile and virtual manufacturing systems and improve the quality and productivity of the manufacturing systems.
4. Analyse and design cellular, lean, agile and virtual manufacturing systems.
5. Evaluate the performance of cellular and flexible manufacturing systems and manual assembly lines.
6. Design process planning system using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.