Study information

Additive Manufacturing - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEAdditive Manufacturing CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENGM001 MODULE CONVENERUnknown
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module is dedicated to additive manufacturing, focusing on parts that are fabricated through additive processes (powder or filament – metallics, polymer or composites) versus the conventional, subtractive methods. As we approach a time where resources scarcity and clean/carbon neutral manufacturing technologies are amongst the key business drivers in many engineering sectors, this module aims to introduce you to the digital manufacturing processes, materials, design and applications.

The syllabus will provide you with in-depth knowledge of additive manufacturing processes for metallics, polymers and composites, from principles of operation to fundamentals of material processing including rheology (powder and polymer melt), sintering mechanisms and models, crystallization characteristics. Properties and green credentials of the technology will also be discussed.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The module aims to give you an understanding of the variety of additive manufacturing processes available across metals, polymers and ceramics with in-depth focus and fundamental knowledge on the powder bed technologies (polymeric and metallic) used nowadays for production by industry. The relationship structure-process-property will be discussed through research led examples. Advantages and disadvantages of each process will be introduced and compared with conventional manufacturing processes. The green credentials of AM technologies will be discussed in terms of light weighting, recyclability of powders, and supply chain.

The module also includes a demonstration of various technologies or specialist characterisation equipment in the Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing (CALM), as well as direct interaction with the CALM research team in support of the coursework. In the context of AM research, CALM has unique facilities amongst the R&D centres in UK or Europe.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes. The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module and identified in brackets below. 
 
Intended Learning Outcomes 

 

Module specific skill and knowledge 
 
ILO #1   Understand characteristics of particular AM equipment, processes, or products, with extensive analysis of a wide range of engineering materials and components (M1, M2) 
 
ILO #2 Apply the developing technologies to own specialisation (M1) 
 
ILO #3 Create new designs based on AM guidelines (M5) 
 
ILO #4  Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies (M1, M2) 
 
ILO #5 Apply the design process to new products, including cost drivers, and evaluate outcomes (M5) 

ILO #6 Evaluate the commercial, economic and social context of the manufacturing processes (M5) 

 

Discipline specific skill and knowlegde 
 
ILO #7 Understand the requirements for the manufacturing activities, create sustainable developments and apply quantitative analysis where appropriate (M7) 
 
ILO #8 Apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support study of own engineering discipline and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively (M5) 

 

Personal and key transferable skill and knowledge 
 
ILO #9 Obtain information independently and evaluate it critically (M4, M13) 
 
ILO #10 Accurately and independently summarise research articles from peer-reviewed journals without guidance (M4)

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

1: Type of AM technologies – categories per material (powder bed, powder feed, filament deposition), method of operation (e.g. laser, filament, wire);

2: Design – AM comparison with conventional processes (e.g. injection moulding);

3: Polymer/composite/nanocomposites specific systems – principle of operations;

4: Metallic specific systems– principle of operations;

5: Powder bed processes – powder rheology -theory, crystallisation and coalescence – theory & models;

6: Recyclability of powders – the influence of process on powders – analysis;

7: Demonstration – CALM lab;

8: Use of FabLab facilities.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 16 Guided Independent Study 137 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 16 Lectures and Active Lab sessions
Guided Independent Study 137 Private Study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
In class test 1 - end of each class 0.1 hours 1, 2, 6, 7 (M1, M2, M5, M7)  
In class test 2 - AM Design-related class 0.1 hours 3, 5 3, 5 (M5)   

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam 60 2 hours 1, 4, 6-8 (M1, M2, M5, M7)  Via SRS
Coursework - 4 page report  40 10 hours 2-4, 9, 10 (M1, M4, M5, M13)  Via SRS

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
All above Exam, (100%, 2 hours) 1, 4, 6-8 (M1, M2, M5, M7)  Ref/Def Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.
 
Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 50%.
 
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Set of research papers, as introduced, presented, or referenced in the lectures

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 14th November 2023 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 2nd April 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH None Defined

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.