July 2015
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Community College
Subject Description Form
Subject Code
CCN3125
Subject Title
Appreciation of Manufacturing Processes
Level
3
Credit Value
3
Medium of
Instruction
English
Pre-requisite /
Co-requisite/
Exclusion
Nil
Objectives
This subject aims at developing students’ holistic understanding of the
principles and operation of common manufacturing processes, and the
properties and application of common materials through an integrated
mini-project, which focuses on the application and properties of
common materials, the application and operation of different
manufacturing processes, common manufacturing processes for the
batch/mass production of plastics/metal parts, surface finishing,
CAD/CAM and rapid product development processes.
Intended Learning
Outcomes
Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:
(a) propose machining, finishing, and assembly workflow for simple
product components.
(b) argue the pros and cons of different material and manufacturing
process choices for a product component.
(c) diagnose the design and manufacturing-related cause of a
mechanical fault in relation to a product and propose plausible
solutions.
(d) fabricate simple prototypes and models to explore and evaluate
design ideas for future academic assignments.
Subject Synopsis/
Indicative Syllabus
The activities listed below may be undertaken when students work on
their projects but the level of participation in the activities will depend
on the nature of a project that students will work on. In other words, not
all activities will be undertaken for all projects.
Application and Selection of Common Materials
Ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals and polymers (thermoplastics,
thermosets, and elastomers) to meet specific design requirements.
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July 2015
Application and Operation of Common Production Processes for
Metal Parts
Turning, milling, shaping, grinding; Wire-cut EDM, electro-discharge
machining (EDM), laser cutting and high speed machining; Die-casting,
spin casting, investment casting and sand casting; Blanking and forming,
fabrication, welding and joining.
Application and Operation of Common Production Processes for
Plastic Parts
Injection moulding, compression moulding, and corresponding mould
design, fabrication and heat treatment processes; Introduction to other
processes such as blow moulding, co-injection moulding, rotational
moulding, gas-assisted injection moulding and Be-Cu and plastic
moulds.
Application and Operation of Surface Finishing Processes
Electro-plating, aluminium anodising, electro-phoretic coating, vacuum
ion plating and photochemical machining.
Application and Operation of CAD/CAM Systems
Use of commercial CAD/CAM systems to generate NC programs for the
machining of components and products.
Application and Operation of Rapid Prototyping Systems and
Tooling Processes
Different reverse engineering, rapid prototyping processes and concept
modelling for product design; Different rapid tooling processes for a
specific product quantity and quality.
Teaching/Learning
Methodology
An integrated learning environment and project approach will be
adopted to enable students to understand the principles and operation of
different manufacturing processes, prototyping, automation and control
systems in a holistic approach. A simulated factory environment will be
created to facilitate students’ understanding of the diffusion and
application of modern technology and industrial practice supplemented
with relevant theories.
Throughout the workshops / tutorials of this subject, strong emphasis
will be placed on industrial practice. This intentional industrial approach
will introduce real industrial experiences and pressures for students in a
simulated factory environment. Doing their integrated projects, students
will not only learn different practical skills and theories, but they will
also tackle real industrial problems and exercise their abilities to
integrate knowledge, know-how, understanding, skills and value
judgement.
Assessment
Methods in
Alignment with
Intended Learning
Outcomes
A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess
students’ achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.
Specific assessment
methods/tasks
%
weighting
Intended subject learning
outcomes to be assessed
a
2
b
c
d
July 2015
Continuous
Assessment*
100
 Individual
Assignment
40
 Group Project
20
 Group
Presentation
15
 Individual Report
25
Total
100
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*Continuous assessment items and/or weighting may be adjusted by the subject
team subject to the approval of the College Programme Committee.
To pass this subject, students are required to achieve 100% attendance
for this subject and to obtain Grade P in the Continuous Assessment.
Student Study
Effort Expected
Class contact

Hours
Workshop / Tutorial
90
Other student study effort

Self-study
24

Continuous Assessment
16
Total student study effort
Reading List and
References
130
References
The following reading materials are published by the Industrial Centre of
PolyU.
1. Advanced Machining and Quality Control, 2009
2. Basic Fitting and Machining, 2009
3. Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing, 2009
4. Die Casting, 2009
5. Engineering System Appreciation, 2009
6. Foundry Practice, 2009
7. Numerical Control Machining, 2009
8. Plastics Technology Practice, 2009
9. Principle of Press Work, 2009
10. Rapid Proto-typing and manufacturing, 2009
11. Sheet Metal Fabrication Practice, 2009
12. Surface Finishing, 2009
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