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MEEN40030

Academic Year 2025/2026

Manufacturing Engineering II (MEEN40030)

Subject:
Mechanical Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Mechanical & Materials Eng
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Fengzhou Fang
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will cover advanced topics in the broad area of manufacturing
engineering. The objectives include (i) to provide context, structure and scope to the
domains of manufacturing in general and manufacturing engineering in particular, (ii)
to describe philosophical, analytical and empirical approaches to “problem analysis”
and “solution synthesis” in manufacturing engineering, and (iii) to describe select
manufacturing processes and technologies in depth as a basis for state-of-the-art
process and process chain design, optimisation and development. The criteria for
selection of specific topics from a broad range of possible topics in this field include
(i) relevance to high end manufacturing in Ireland (high precision, high value adding
manufacturing) and in developed / developing economies (ii) part of an integrated
and systematic approach to the field (iii) represents high potential research into core
and platform technologies in the field.
The following are the main lecture topics: an introduction to manufacturing and
manufacturing engineering, historical manufacturing paradigms, lean manufacturing
principles, tools and techniques, industry 4.0 with an emphasis on digital
technologies (data analytics, data science and the ethical use of data and
manufacturing technology), manufacturing standards, precision engineering and
metrology in manufacturing, manufacturing systems (equipment and automation),
surface finishing processes (abrasive machining etc.), additive manufacturing / 3-D
printing, ultra-precision cutting and nano-metrology, electro-discharge machining
(EDM), laser processing.
The continuous assessment assignments provide students with the opportunity to
apply the knowledge acquired from the lecture material, as well as problem solving
and creative thinking skills. This will require students to work together in teams, and
to communicate the activity of their team in a joint, consensus format.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Explain the role and responsibilities of the manufacturing engineer including his/her
relationship to other functions in the manufacturing organisation, to stakeholders in
the external environment and to broader society. Describe the business context, the
main drivers and performance measures for a manufacturing system. Describe and
critically differentiate between the two main “manufacturing paradigms” developed in
the 20th century (mass production and lean production). Demonstrate knowledge
and understanding of “lean” principles, tools, and techniques as a basis for quality
control, assurance, and continuous ongoing improvement in manufacturing. Explain

the vision of “industry 4.0”, with a particular emphasis on digital technologies (data
analytics, data science) and the consequences for smart manufacturing systems of
the future. Describe the role of standards in society, business, and industry in
general.
Discuss and explain the design principles, metrologies and technologies used in high
precision manufacturing systems. Explain and be capable of illustrating in a detailed
manner the underlying fundamental mechanisms of “material removal” or “material
addition” in selected conventional and non-conventional manufacturing processes.
This will include the application of analytical treatments and development of models
for select manufacturing processes.

Indicative Module Content:

Manufacturing / an Introduction
Manufacturing Paradigms (an historical view of manufacturing)
Lean Manufacturing (principles, tools and techniques)
Industry 4.0 / Smart Manufacturing / Digital Technologies (Data Analytics and Data
Science)
Sustainability
Manufacturing Automation and Equipment
Standards in Society and Industry
Precision and Ultra-precision Manufacturing
Finishing Processes (abrasive machining processes)
Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing
Ultra-precision Cutting and Nano-metrology
Electro-discharge Machining (EDM)
Laser Processing
Chemical Mechanical Polishing (semiconductor industry)

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

48
Lectures

36
Small Group

24
Total

108

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
task-based learning;
peer and group work;
lectures;
critical writing;
lab/studio work;
enquiry & problem-based learning;
case-based learning;
student presentations,

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): 2 hour end of trimester exam. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
70
 Yes
Group Work Assignment: Laboratory
practical
(weighting: 10%
group presentation,
20% group report).
A combined grade
is provided for
both components.		 Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Course Reference Text:
Kalpakjian, S and Schmid, S.R. (2020). Manufacturing Engineering and Technology. 8th ed. Pearson, Print ISBN: 9780135228609, 0135228603, eText ISBN: 9780135247976, 0135247977

Recommended Reading:
Womack, J.P., Jones, D.T. and Roos, D. (1990). The machine that changed the world. 1st ed. Harper Perennial, ISBN 0-06-097417-6.

Supplementary Reading:
Tlusty, G (2000). Manufacturing Processes and Equipment. 1st ed. Parson, Print ISBN 0-201-49865-0.
Shaw, M.C. (2005) Metal Cutting Principles. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press.

Name Role
Dr Marco Castelli Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Denis Dowling Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Fengzhou Fang Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 3 Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 3 Tues 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 3 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 4 Thurs 15:00 - 16:20
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 10 Thurs 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 6 Thurs 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 4 Thurs 15:00 - 16:20
Autumn Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 10 Thurs 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 7 Thurs 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 3 Week(s) - 11 Thurs 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 3 Week(s) - 8 Thurs 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 3 Week(s) - 4 Thurs 16:30 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 4 Week(s) - 4 Tues 15:00 - 16:20
Autumn Practical Offering 4 Week(s) - 10 Tues 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 4 Week(s) - 6 Tues 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 5 Week(s) - 4 Tues 15:00 - 16:20
Autumn Practical Offering 5 Week(s) - 10 Tues 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 5 Week(s) - 7 Tues 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 6 Week(s) - 11 Tues 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 6 Week(s) - 8 Tues 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 6 Week(s) - 4 Tues 16:30 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 7 Week(s) - 11 Tues 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 7 Week(s) - 9 Tues 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 7 Week(s) - 4 Tues 16:30 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 8 Week(s) - 11 Thurs 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 8 Week(s) - 9 Thurs 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Practical Offering 8 Week(s) - 4 Thurs 16:30 - 17:50
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