Precision Engineering - BEng (Hons)

Program Overview

The TUS Precision Engineering BEng (Hons) program equips students with the expertise to design, fabricate, and measure high-precision components for industries such as medical, automotive, and oil and gas. Through hands-on training in CNC machining, CAD/CAM, and metrology, graduates are well-prepared for careers as precision engineers, applications engineers, or in manufacturing and production roles. The emphasis on industry relevance ensures that students are well-versed in current technologies and practices, making them highly sought after in the precision engineering field.

Program Outline

This program equips students with the skills to work effectively with both manual and CNC machines, producing parts from initial design to final product.

Outline:

The program is a 4-year, full-time undergraduate program offered at the Moylish campus in Limerick City. Assessment includes continuous assessment (40%), Christmas exam (20%), and final exam (40%).

• Introduction to CNC Programming and Operation (10 Credits): Introduces CNC technology, machining processes, and operations.
Focuses on CNC programming, setting, and operation using ISO G and M codes and conversational programming techniques on CNC milling machines and CNC lathes. Covers tool setup, work setting, safe operation, and measurement methods. Assessment includes practical coursework, metrology laboratory work, and workshop activities.
• Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Maths (10 Credits): Develops recognition of basic engineering mathematics and their application to practical engineering problems.
• Mechanical CAD and Design (10 Credits): Introduces engineering drawing standards and uses 2D and 3D CAD software to prepare a portfolio of drawings.
• Mechanical Engineering Science (10 Credits): Develops understanding of basic laws of physics and their application to engineering.

Year 2:

• CNC Programming (CAM), Setting and Operation (10 Credits): Advances CNC knowledge and skills using CAM software.
Covers tooling technology, quality standards, tooling usage analysis, speeds, feeds, operation sequencing, and machining strategies for efficiency. Students program, set up, and operate CNC 3-axis and 5-axis milling machines and CNC lathes with milling capability.
• CAD & Design (5 Credits): Further develops understanding of the SolidWorks CAD Parametric Modelling environment, including hardware, software, physical surroundings, and mechanical engineering design concepts.
• Engineering Technology and Maintenance (15 Credits): Introduces advanced technologies, procedures, and techniques used in mechanical and manufacturing engineering.
Covers manufacturing processes, metrology, material science, and maintenance. Includes practical workshop activities using lathes and milling machines.
• Six Sigma and Metrology (10 Credits): Introduces principles of six sigma and metrology standards.
Covers geometric tolerancing, gauge repeatability and reproducibility, and measurement methods using CMMs, vision systems, profile projectors, and basic tools.
• Industrial Machine Mechanics – Statics and Dynamics (10 Credits): Develops knowledge of fundamental principles of machine mechanics and dynamics of industrial machinery.
• Mech Eng Maths & Programming (10 Credits): Strengthens mathematical fundamentals for solving complex engineering problems.
Develops programming, debugging, and engineering computation skills using software like Visual Basic in Excel.

Year 3:

• Semester 1:
• Advanced CNC Machining (5 Credits):
Develops in-depth knowledge of advanced CNC tooling technology and quality standards. Covers programming, setup, and operation of CNC 5-axis milling machines and lathes with advanced turning and milling capability. Uses CAM software for complex components and advanced machining techniques.
• Advanced Six Sigma and Metrology (5 Credits): Introduces advanced six sigma tools for the precision machining industry and regulated industries like medical device and aerospace manufacturing.
Covers statistical analysis, process optimization, and CMM programming for complex geometrical shapes.
• Materials and Mechanics (5 Credits): Improves knowledge and understanding of materials and processes used by engineers.
Applies mechanical equations to practical problems through component testing and case studies.
• Process Planning (5 Credits): Improves knowledge and understanding of process planning in a precision engineering environment.
Covers modern manufacturing processes, strategic usage of processes for efficiency, and integration of manufacturing techniques.
• Group Project (5 Credits): Involves active learning through an applied group project with industrial links.
Develops research, design, engineering principles, materials analysis, and manufacturing skills. Includes professional development aspects like project management, problem-solving, technical writing, and presentation skills.
• Semester 2:
• Engineering Work Placement (15 Credits):
Provides a 5-month work placement in an engineering organization (January to May). Students apply practical skills and theoretical knowledge gained in previous stages of the program.

Year 4:

• Additive Manufacturing Technology (5 Credits): Develops knowledge, understanding, and applications of additive manufacturing (AM) processes in engineering.
Covers AM technologies, CAD data usage, 3D model production, and material selection.
• Applied Research Project (10 Credits): Develops research and evaluation skills through an inquiry-based project.
Students work independently to produce an applied research report on an industrial topic, preferably in collaboration with a partner company.
• Automated Manufacturing Systems (5 Credits): Provides in-depth study of automated manufacturing systems for a precision engineering environment.
Examines advanced technologies that integrate precision engineering processes and automation for part realization. Covers automated component handling, component identification and verification, and metal swarf, chips, hazardous particle extraction, and coolant management.
• Design for Manufacture and Assembly (5 Credits): Investigates techniques for minimizing product cost through design and process improvement.
Analyzes industrial case studies and implements principles of design for manufacture and assembly. Covers Design for Six Sigma and sustainable manufacturing.
• Engineering Material Selection (5 Credits): Provides in-depth study of traditional and novel material types.
Examines manufacturing methods and uses material selection software packages for optimizing material and process selection.
• Engineering Project Management (5 Credits): Introduces formal project management methodologies and the project management environment.
Develops knowledge and skills in tools and techniques for effective project management.
• Advanced Engineering Technology (5 Credits): Presents traditional and modern manufacturing processes in detail.
Covers cutting tool technology, cutting forces, wear on tools, and advanced and emerging technologies used in modern precision engineering industries.
• Implementation of Lean and Six Sigma Systems (5 Credits): Introduces tools for defining and conducting a lean manufacturing project.
Covers process analysis, identification of areas for improvement, project definition and completion, and comparison of lean manufacturing philosophies with Six Sigma.
• Mechanics and Materials Testing (5 Credits): Provides detailed knowledge of the mechanics of materials, degradation, and failure.
Covers industrial testing methods for obtaining material properties and measuring response to degradation and failure.
• Quality and Financial Management Systems (5 Credits): Focuses on setup and management of quality systems within high-tech manufacturing organizations, primarily in the medical device, automotive, and aerospace industries.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and include continuous assessment, coursework, examinations, project work, and practical assessments. Specific assessment criteria are outlined in each module description.

Teaching:

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory sessions, and project work. The program utilizes a combination of theoretical and practical learning to provide a comprehensive understanding of precision engineering principles and practices.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are highly skilled in areas like CNC machining, CAD/CAM, metrology, and material selection methods. They are well-prepared for roles in world-class manufacturing and production environments. Typical career paths include:

• Precision engineer in a world-class machining environment
• Applications engineer
• Design engineer and development
• Manufacturing engineer
• Production engineer
• CNC machinist and programmer
• Materials engineer
• Process control engineer

Other:

The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in precision engineering, enabling them to contribute to the advancement of manufacturing technologies and processes. The program emphasizes practical skills development and industry relevance, preparing graduates for successful careers in a variety of engineering fields.