Pre-requisite: 70245
Manufacturing involves the transformation of raw materials from their initial form into finished, functional products. Man achieves this transformation by numerous methods utilising a variety of processes each designed to perform a specific function in the transformation process. Inherent in the design and operation of processes must be a knowledge of the properties of engineering materials and specific methods to utilise these properties during the various stages of the manufacturing process. Because of the competitive nature of the manufacturing industry, engineers are constantly striving to create new materials, better transformation methods and processes which are cheap to operate, efficient, fast and accurate. Small batch production predominates in Australia and manufacturing methods and processes best suited for this type of production have to be designed and installed to achieve the greatest possible productivity. This unit provides an introductory study of manufacturing processes and is complemented by further studies at higher levels of the course. Various material forming and cutting processes are considered, and theoretical knowledge is reinforced by practical demonstrations and videos.