Outline

Overview

The unit aims to teach the fundamentals of manufacturing processes and systems in mechanical and mechatronic engineering, including traditional manufacturing and advanced manufacturing technologies. Manufacturing processes are also compared in terms of their level of energy consumption, natural resources used and level of pollution generated in the manufacture of products. This unit aims to develop the following attributes: to understand the fundamental principles of manufacturing technologies for the above mentioned engineering areas; to gain the ability to select existing manufacturing processes and systems for direct engineering applications; to develop ability to create innovative new manufacturing technologies for advanced industrial applications; to develop ability to invent new manufacturing systems. At the end of this unit students will have a good understanding of the following: merits and advantages of individual manufacturing processes and systems; principles of developing new technologies; comprehensive applications and strategic selection of manufacturing processes and systems and the impact they may each have on our environment. Course content will include: CAD / CAM: An introduction into the use of CAD and manual CNC coding as separate tools combined with an introduction into the kinematics and structural requirements in the construction of a CNC machine. Rapid Engineering: An introduction into the most current Rapid Engineering methods currently in use. Manufacturing Processes: Common processes and their science (machining, casting, powder metallurgy, metal working, welding) and their relative merits, limitations and the impact they may each have on our environment.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	MECH9660
Assumed knowledge ?	MECH9400 Mechanical Design 1
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Shuying Wu, shuying.wu@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam Final exam: assessing all modules from the Unit of Study	44%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	CNC coding Student attend computer lab classes, creating the model, generating the code using software which will be marked.	10%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Lab report 1 Rapid prototyping laboratory group report	10%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Lab report 2 Polymer composite manufacturing group report	10%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Lab report 3 Material removal process laboratory group report	10%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Small online quiz Online small assessment	2%	Week 03	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Manufacturing Proposal Write a manufacturing proposal for producing a certain product for a specific application by choosing the appropriate materials, manufacturing methods and justify their selection	10%	Week 11 Due date: 24 Oct 2025 at 23:59	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Weekly continuous assessment Problems/questions in each tutorial session, aligned with weekly lectures	4%	Weekly	30 min/week	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

1. Early assessment task: This will be an online open book test in early Week 3 to test prior knowledge and content taught in the first two weeks.

2. Three lab reports for the three lab activities (Rapid prototyping laboratory & Material removal process & Polymer composite manufacturing): group reports related to the three lab activities, including attempt to address some questions that may need literature search beyond the lecture notes. Reports must be submitted no later than two weeks of attending laboratory class.

2. Assignment: Assignment will be distributed in Week 9 and due in Week 11, which requires students to propose an optimal manufacturing process for a particular part by considering the manufacturability, cost, advantages/disadvantages and justify the selection. Assignment is an individual assessment.

3. CNC coding: This will be assessed based on on attendance to the four computer lab classes and the model design as well as the generated code for CNC cuttting.

4.Weekly continuous assessment: this includes 8 small tests in tutorial sessions in Week 5-13.

5.Final exam: Final exam is to assess all the contents covered in this unit from Week 1 to Week 13.

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:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Non-contact independent work doing research, and working on assignment, group meetings and prior readings across multiple weeks	Independent study (85 hr)
Multiple weeks	Lab Work: Rapid prototyping laboratory & Material removal process (CNC) & Polymer composite manufacturing	Practical (14 hr)
Week 01	L: Introduction to Unit of Study & Manufacturing Engineering	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	L: Materials Removal Process (Conventional machining processes)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	L: Materials Removal Process (CNC)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	L: Materials Removal Process (Non-traditional machining processes)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	L: Rapid prototyping; T: Properties relavant to Manufacturing Engineerinng	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	L: Polymer Processing; T: Materials Removal Process (Turning, Milling, Drilling)	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	L: Polymer Matrix Composite Processing; T: Non-traditional material removal processes, polymer processing, rapid prototyping, composite manufacturing	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	L: Metal Casting	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	L: Powder Metallurgy T: Metal Casting	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	L: Metal Forming: Bulk Deformation; T: Powder Metallurgy	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	L: Sheet Metalworking; T: Metal Forming: Bulk Deformation	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	L: Review lecture content; T: Sheet Metalworking	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 13	L: Independent study/In-person consultation; T: Review exam samples	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at all lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions is expected. There are three 2hr labs and attendance is mandatory. Non-attendance at laboratory sessions or tutorials that include weekly assessment will result in a mark of zero for that part.

Study commitment

Typically, a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point is expected 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.

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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Demonstrate understanding of the merits and disadvantages of an individual manufacturing method and display familiarity in the use of different manufacturing techniques
LO2. Determine the basic manufacturing considerations necessary to realise the function, including the selection of materials and the manufacturing method, taking into account the strength, reliability, and cost
LO3. Incorporate different manufacturing methodologies to fabricate intricate engineering products.
LO4. Create innovative manufacturing technologies for advanced industrial applications
LO5. Contribute to effective team processes

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Assessment have been revised in order to align with the new content covered and better reflect the student effort required.

Additional information

Appeals to assesment results are subject to Clause 3.1.2, https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/253&RendNum=0,

i.e. 15 working days (3 weeks).

Please refer to the Canvas site for additional course information including teaching staff details, online resources etc.

Work, health and safety

This unit of study involves laboratory activities: please refer to the Canvas site and you lab demonstrator for safety requirements while working in the lab.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MECH8660: Manufacturing and Sustainability

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links