Rapid Product Development
MSc/ PG Dip/PG Cert/ Continued Profession Development
Full-time / Part-time / Distance learning
Location: Leicester, City Campus
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2-6 years part-time
Introduction:
Product development encompasses a diverse range of activities from conceptual design right through to manufacturing engineering. To be successful in this highly demanding and competitive environment industry requires individuals who can apply the new range of rapid product development tools in a creative and competent way. Aimed at both professional engineers and recent graduates the MSc course in Rapid Product Development has been set up to address industries shortage of knowledge and understanding of Rapid Prototyping and its associated technologies.
Entry Requirements:
All modules require basic mathematics ability, computer literacy, knowledge of engineering manufacturing techniques and/or design. Competence in the use of the English language is essential. In order to pursue any of the academic qualifications students must have an honours degree of 2:2 or above in a relevant subject or industrial experience sufficient to earn accredited prior learning (please contact us for more details).
Expertise:
In addition to lectures delivered by DeMontfort University’s dedicated and professional teaching staff, lectures by experts from industry and visits to companies in the RPD field account for over 30% of the teaching time.
Course Content:
The course comprises of 8 taught modules (which must be selected from a list of 9 modules) followed by an individual project. The intensive and highly focused modules cover all aspects of product development from computer aided design to manufacture.
Computer Aided Design
3D CAD is the cornerstone of modern product design and manufacturing and unpins the whole principle of rapid product development. This module will provide explain the basic principles of CAD and then provide detailed hand-on training using the latest solid modelling software from Solid Works® Techniques for conversion and transfer of data for downstream applications, such as rapid prototyping, for example, will be explained. In addition to intensive tuition and hands-on training, the applications of CAD data will be demonstrated using case studies from industry.
Rapid Prototyping
Since the late 1980’s Rapid Prototyping technologies have evolved to become one of the most significant aids to product development. This course will introduce the basic principles of rapid prototyping and a wide range of rapid prototyping methods will be covered in detail, including hands-on training in the major techniques and associated software tools, including Marterialise “Magics”. This module will demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of the alternative rapid prototyping methods using applications and case studies from industry.
Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering (RE) enables geometric data of objects to be captured and use in design, prototyping and processes manufacturing. This route is essential to support product development where CAD data does not exist (for example old parts or hand sculptured/modified objects and individually customised products). In this module an overview of the basic principles of RE will be given. A wide range of RE methods will be covered in detail. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience with both contact and non-contact RE methods. Intensive training will also be given in the use of Delcam CopyCAD® software which enables the RE data to be manipulated and taken into a wide range of CAD system.
Design Analysis
In order to maintain competitiveness and reduce time-to-market many companies now employ a range of design analysis techniques to enable the performance of products to be predicted and the design to be optimised. In this module the basic principles of computation design analysis methods (FEA,CFD etc) will be explained and the role they can play in product development will be described and illustrated using case studies from a range of industries, including the aerospace and automotive sectors. Students will then receive training in the use of the ALGOR® finite element software to enable simple design analysis problems to be successfully solved.
High Speed Machining
High speed machining (HSM) has enabled complex parts to be machined in a factor of the time required for traditional machining methods. High speed machining is not only quicker but allows machining of hard metals and thin walled components which are free from distortion and have an excellent surface finish. This module will explain the basic principles of high speed machining and the combination of technologies which have enabled HSM to become a reality. During the course students will receive instructions on how to use Delcam PowerMill® software to generate cutter paths suitable for use on the University’s HSM equipment.
Rapid Tooling
Rapid tooling techniques have a vital role to play in reducing both the cost and time of developing new products. Using a combination of teaching and hands-on tuition this module covers both the theory and practice of a wide range of rapid tooling methods. The relative strengths and weaknesses of the various techniques will be described and illustrated using applications and case studies from industry.
Virtual Prototyping
Virtual prototyping (VP) encompasses a range of computer based tools including virtual reality (VR) and haptic devices which enable user to see and even feel objects which only exist as electronic data. VP methods allow designers and customers to review a new product at an early stage of development without the need to generate a physical prototype. The range of applications is growing day-by-day and includes the development of large products (shipping building, aerospace etc), architecture, medical and civil defence. This intensive module gives an overview of the basic principles of VR A wide range of VR technology, from basic graphical interfaces through to immersive VR facilities linked to haptic devices, will be explained in detail. Students will also have the chance to use a range of VP methods, including state-of-the art VR and gaming facilities within DeMontfort University and assess for themselves their relative effectiveness.
Research Methods
At Masters level the ability to plan and undertake research and report the findings is essential. This module not only provides these skills it also forms the essential foundation for students wishing to undertake the final project module to gain a Masters degree. Lectures and practical classes include project planning, conducting literature surveys, reporting writing and presentation skills.
Concurrent Engineering
Rapid product development relies on the effective management of the design process; concurrent engineering techniques are vital in achieving this goal. In this module the basic principles of CE engineering will be explained, including detailed lectures on FMEA,FTA,QFD, design for manufacture and assembly (Boothroyd & Dewhust technique) and Business Process Improvement techniques.
Individual Project
This is the culmination of the Masters course. The project will be selected by the student and provide the opportunity to focus on core interests as well as applying the knowledge and skills developed in the taught modules. The potential exists to undertake projects supported by industry or linked to major programmes of research.
Course Structure:
Full Time Study
Each module occupies three consecutive weeks. One week is required for the intensive contact period, which involves a combination of teaching methods including lectures, practical classes, industrial visits and guest speakers. The remaining two weeks are for self-directed study, which involves reading the supplied pre-study material and completing the written assignment.
Four modules are completed during the first semester (September to January) with a further four completed in the second semester (January to June). The summer semester (June to September) is dedicated to undertaking the individual project, either at the Leicester City Campus and/or at a sponsoring company.
Part time study
In addition to the full-time option the course structure, based on an intensive week of teaching and tuition, allows professional engineers and designers to undertake the course on a part time basis, without impacting on day-to-day responsibilities at work. Pre-study material is supplied a month prior to the contact week to enable suitable preparation to take place and part-time students have a month to complete their written assignments following the contact week.
Although it is possible to complete the course in just two years, as few a two modules can be undertaken in a year, allowing up to six years to complete the entire course. Alternatively, a Postgraduate Certificate comprising of 4 modules (within 2 years) or a Postgraduate Diploma comprising of 8 modules (within 4 years) can be undertaken. Modules may be undertaken individually for continued professional development, helping you to keep abreast of new development in this field and contributing towards attaining chartered status.
Assessment:
Each module is assessed using a combination of practical exercises and phase test undertaken during the contact week and also a written assignment undertaken after the contact week.
The individual project is based on research conducted by the student, usually in association with an external industrial organisation. The project is assessed via continuous performance monitoring, a project report prepared by the student and a viva voce examination.
For further information and an application form please contact:
The course Leader: Professor David Ian Wimpenny
Email: dwimpenny@dmu.ac.uk
Tel: (0116 257 7689)
or
Admissions
Faculty of Computing Sciences and Engineering
De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH
Tel: (0116) 257 7699 Fax: (0116) 257 7693
Email: cse@dmu.ac.uk
Course fees Oct’07-Sept’08 (NTI rate)
For home/EU students £480 (£380 for qualifying SME participants)