Module: Thermal Manufacturing Technology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Thermal Manufacturing Technology
Module Code	EDS1006 (ITS: EG08003)
Faculty	STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module will develop understandings and capabilities in relation to thermal engineering processes including; • the heat treatment of a range of materials to alter their properties for manufacturing. • thermal joining processes - e.g. welding, soldering, brazing. • polymer processing - injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding, vacuum forming • heat driven manufacturing processes: E.g. Casting and Forging These heat related manufacturing processes will be explored theoretically and practically demonstrated, where the student will be expected to integrate examples of these processes into the production of a motivational engineering project. This project will also incorporate and further develop skills and competences that were acquired in the previous process technology modules.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline and discuss the effects of heat treatment processes on the microstructures and test resulting properties of various metals and alloys.
2. Select and safely conduct appropriate heat treatment processes using ovens, furnaces and gas torches and suitable quenching mediums.
3. Define and explain the fundamentals of metal casting, metal casting processes and equipment.
4. Manipulate metal components using forging techniques, gaining a tactile appreciation for the effects of temperature on the formability of different metals and alloys.
5. Describe and compare the operation and fundamental characteristics of typical fusion welding processes.
6. Safely and appropriately produce and test a range of high quality welded, brazed and soldered joints.
7. Describe the manufacturing processes involved in producing products from thermoset and thermoplastic polymeric materials.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of operation of additive manufacturing processes and identify and compare characteristics of additive manufactured parts.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	24	Tutorial in Computer Laboratory
Laboratory	72	Practical in Engineering Laboratory
Independent Study	154	Independent Learning
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	10010	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Grimes	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Project	Engineering Project	60%	n/a
Formal Examination	Theory Exam	40%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Heat Treatment of Metals
Annealing, Hardening, Tempering.

Thermal Joining Processes
Manual Metal Arc, Metal Inert Gas, Tungsten Inert Gas, Automated (e.g. SAW) Welding, Gas Welding

Casting
Mould design, fluid flow, solidification, heat transfer, mould effects, defects.

Forging
Heating and compressive forces techniques, traditional forging methods, contemporary forging technologies.

Polymer Processing Technologies
Injection Moulding, Blow Moulding, Extrusion, Vacuum Forming

Additive Manufacturing
Fused Deposition Modelling, Sterolithography, Process parameters and resulting part characteristics.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Kohser, A., Degarmo, E., Black, J T., (2017).: 0, Degarmo's Materials and Processes in Manufacturing. ISBN 1119382890 ISBN-13 9781119382898,
Kalpakjian, S., (2001).: 0, Manufacturing Engineering and Technology. Pearson Education India. ISBN 8177581708 ISBN-13 9788177581706,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

0: Introduction to Polymer Processing: https://www.e-education.psu.edu/matse202/,