Collaborative co-design and implementation of a practical manufacturing module for large classes

To enable engineering students to design effectively for manufacturing, hands-on practical experience is of paramount importance. Although students who are planning to progress into professional engineering careers do not necessarily need hands-on proficiency in all techniques, a basic understanding of the capabilities and limitations of different manufacturing processes is required. Students should be aware of how issues can arise by not considering key aspects of manufacturing processes. Providing access to this, however, is a complex undertaking. Large engineering cohorts and limited resources and teaching spaces mean it can be difficult to provide every student with these opportunities. This paper reports on the redevelopment of an undergraduate manufacturing module for second year engineering students. The course was developed based on input from several stakeholders (lecturer, student co-design and workshop personnel) with feedback gathered at regular points before, during and after module implementation.

The new module allows students to produce an artefact which requires CNC machining, drilling, turning, metal folding, 3D printing and laser cutting. Student surveys, attendance analysis and detailed interviews were used to ascertain the effectiveness of the module. Analysis has shown that average attendance has increased by 6% and feedback from students was very positive, with 96% rating the practical elements as either good or very good. The benefits of developing the module with stakeholder involvement has ensured that students are introduced to processes by experienced technicians, that logistically the workshop schedules have run efficiently and that the Student Voice has been considered throughout, resulting in a high-quality experience for the students.