Unit outline_

AMME5902: Computer Aided Manufacturing

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The aim of this unit of study is to enhance a student's manufacturing engineering skills using advanced Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) as a framework. The unit of study focuses on subtractive; additive, assembly and automation manufacturing processes as applied to a project. The management, planning and marketing of a typical manufacturing engineering project are also discussed. Through integrated project-based learning and hands-on-machine training, students learn how to: successfully complete a scalable manufacturing-based systems project, apply manufacturing management and system skills, product planning, the science in designing and selecting a manufacturing method, how to effectively present ideas and outcomes using a combination of video and report-based methods.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
(MECH2400 or MECH9400) and (MECH3660 or MECH8660 or MECH9660)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Li Chang, li.chang@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Creative work group assignment Lab 2 - Rapid Engineering / 3D Scanning Laboratory
Rapid Engineering / 3 D Scanning Laboratory
5% Multiple weeks Max 10 pages AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO7 LO21
Creative work group assignment Lab 3 - Robot Assembly Laboratory
Robot Assembly Laboratory
5% Multiple weeks 1 minute video AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO5
Written work Assignment 1 - Machining / Manufacturing Automation
CNC Code Submission / LabVIEW file submission
25% Week 05
Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 19 Sep 2025
Max 10 pages AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13
Written work Assignment 2 - Manufacturing System Design / Manufacturing Automation
Manufacturing System Design / Manufacturing Automation
25% Week 09
Due date: 10 Oct 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 24 Oct 2025
Max 10 pages AI allowed
Out-of-class quiz Lab 1 - CNC Mill Laboratory
CNC Mill Laboratory
10% Week 13
Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 07 Nov 2025
Tour and 1 hour online Quiz AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Written work group assignment Systems Engineering Report
Systems Engineering Report
25% Week 13
Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 21 Nov 2025
Max 30 pages AI allowed
Presentation group assignment Systems Engineering Presentation Video
A 6 minute video of the Group's Final Project.
5% Week 13
Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 21 Nov 2025
6 minutes. AI allowed
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1: Machining / Manufacturing Automation. CNC code to be submitted as a .nc file./ A basic report and LabVIEW file are to also be to be submitted.

Assignment 2: Manufacturing System Design / Manufacturing Automation. A Manufacturing System Design Report / A basic report and LabVIEW file are also to be to be submitted.

Lab 1: CNC Mill Demonstration Laboratory that enables students to interact with CNC maching scenarios. Online Quiz Assessment.

Lab 2: Rapid Engineering / 3D Scanning Laboratory. A report submission that enables students to undertake a Rapid Engineering / 3D Scanning task. 

Lab 3: Robot Assembly Laboratory. A video submission that enables students to undertake a Robot Assembly task using the experimental robot setup at laboratories of the University.

Systems Engineering Report: A final report which includes the many themes covered in the Unit of Study and is focused on the manufacturing of an assembly from a Systems Engineering approach.

Systems Engineering Presentation Video: A group presentation of 5 to 6 minutes in duration. The format required is in a pre-recorded video (.mp4 format) which is aligned with the Systems Engineering Report.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

 

 

 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when students demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when students demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when students demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a high standard.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when students demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.

Fail

0 - 49

Awarded when students do not meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties are in accordance with University Guidelines.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Ongoing Non-contact independent work doing research, homework, and working on assignments, group meetings, and prior readings across multiple weeks. Independent study (90 hr) LO5 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO1 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19 LO20 LO21
Week 01 Introduction to unit of study and CNC Machining Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO1
CAD SolidWorks refresher and CNC machining Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO1
The Current State of Manufacturing Lecture (1 hr) LO10
Research Reading Activity Tutorial (1 hr) LO10
Week 02 Writing CNC machine code and Introduction to CIMCO Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO1
Writing CNC machine code and Introduction to CIMCO Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO1
Data Acquisition and LabVIEW Lecture (1 hr) LO11
Data Aquisition and LabVIEW Tutorial (1 hr) LO11
Week 03 Jigs and Fixtures in Machining Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO3 LO1
Jigs and Fixtures in Machining Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Analogue Sampling and LabVIEW Lecture (1 hr) LO12
Analogue Sampling and LabVIEW Tutorial (1 hr) LO12
Week 04 Machining Forces and Cutting Time Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO2
Machining Forces and Cutting Time Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO1
Data Processing with LabVIEW Lecture (1 hr) LO13
Data Processing with LabVIEW Tutorial (1 hr) LO13
Week 05 Construction and Kinematics of CNC machines Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Construction and Kinematics of CNC Machines Tutorial (1 hr) LO4
Instruments and Communication Protocols Lecture (1 hr) LO14
Work on Assignment 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO1 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13
Week 06 3D Printing Lecture (1 hr) LO6 LO7
3D Printing and STL Files Tutorial (1 hr) LO6 LO7
Software Design Patterns Lecture (1 hr) LO16
Software Design Patterns Tutorial (1 hr) LO15
Week 07 Super Tutorial on Assignment 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO1
Work on Assignment 2 Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO1
Events, Queues and Object Orientated Programming Lecture (1 hr) LO15
Events, Queues and Object Orientated Programming Tutorial (1 hr) LO15
Week 08 CAMWorks 2.5 Axis Machining Lecture (1 hr) LO8 LO9
CAMWorks 2.5 Axis Machining Tutorial (1 hr) LO8 LO9
Automation Review Lecture (1 hr) LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13
Software Design Patterns + Review Questions Tutorial (1 hr) LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16
Week 09 Embedded Systems and Cloud Storage Lecture (1 hr) LO17
Work on Assignment 2 Tutorial (1 hr) LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16
Week 10 CAMWorks 4 Axis Machining Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO8 LO9
CAMWorks 4 Axis Machining Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO8 LO9
Automated Test Systems Lecture (1 hr) LO18
Arduino Focused Tutorial Work Tutorial (1 hr) LO11 LO12 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17
Week 11 Process Engineering Lecture (1 hr) LO5
Process Engineering Tutorial (1 hr) LO5
Automated Inspection Systems and AI in Vision Lecture (1 hr) LO19
Arduino Focused Tutorial Work Tutorial (1 hr) LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16
Week 12 CAMWorks Post Processors Lecture (1 hr) LO8
CAMWorks Post Processors Tutorial (1 hr) LO8
Case Studies - Automation Lecture (1 hr) LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19
Systems Engineering Project Super Tutorial Tutorial (1 hr) LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19
Week 13 Systems Engineering Project Super Tutorial Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO1 LO20
Systems Engineering Project Tutorial Tutorial (1 hr) LO5 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO1 LO20
Systems Engineering Project Automation Review Super Tutorial Lecture (1 hr) LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19
Systems Engineering Project Automation Review Tutorial Tutorial (1 hr) LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Interpret a design within the context of how it will be manufactured using a subtractive manufacturing.
  • LO2. Write Computer Numerical Control (CNC) codes using a simulator and be able to apply them to manufacture a component using a CNC machine.
  • LO3. Gain skills in selecting and designing jigs and fixtures to be used in the manufacture of a component.
  • LO4. Understand the structure and kinematics of a CNC machine, as well as the types of machine architectures and the corresponding capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages of each architecture.
  • LO5. Gain skills in Systems Engineering, product planning, manufacturing sequence, time, teamwork, project management, cost and express the outcomes in a comprehensive report.
  • LO6. Understand the most important aspects of the pre-processing in 3D printing technologies and its effects in the components quality and productivity.
  • LO7. Understand the nomenclature and selection process for different commercially available 3D printing systems with consideration for their relative merits and the .stl file format.
  • LO8. Use SolidWorks combined with CAMWorks to be introduced to multi axis machining of components that have complex non-orthogonal geometry.
  • LO9. Gain skills in the development and compiling of Post Processors for use within machining packages such as CAMWorks.
  • LO10. Understanding the Current State of Manufacturing Automation.
  • LO11. Understanding the Methodology of Data Acquisition.
  • LO12. Understanding the Methodology of Analogue Sampling.
  • LO13. Understanding the Methodology of Data Processing.
  • LO14. Gain Skills in Understanding Instruments and Communications Protocols using LabVIEW as a Framework.
  • LO15. Gain Skills in Event Structures and Object Orientated Programming.
  • LO16. Understanding Software Design Patterns.
  • LO17. Gain Skills in Embedded Systems using LabVIEW as a Framework.
  • LO18. Gain Skills in Automated Test Systems.
  • LO19. Gain Skills in Automated Inspection System and AI in Vision Using LabVIEW as a Framework.
  • LO20. Gain Skills in the use Assembly Robot Simulator.
  • LO21. Gain Skills in the use of 3D Scanning and Metrology Arms.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The UOS has been updated to match S2 2025 calendar. Content for 2025 has been revised to include 1. Manufacturing Automation. 2. Highly Non-Linear FEA tools to simulate subtractive, additive and formative areas of Manufacturing Engineering.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.