Level 4 – Mechanical Workshop Practices

Unit 10                

Unit code                               L/615/1484

Unit level                               4

Credit value                           15

Introduction

The complex and sophisticated engineering manufacturing processes used to mass produce the products we see and use daily has its roots in the hand-operated lathes and milling machines still used in small engineering companies. To appreciate the fundamentals underpinning complex manufacturing processes, it is essential that engineers are able to read engineering drawings and produce simple components accurately and efficiently.

This unit introduces students to the effective use of textual, numeric and graphical information, how best to extract and interpret information from engineering drawings, and the practices of workshop-based turning and milling machining.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to identify the mechanical measurement and quality control processes to analyse the dimensional accuracy of a machined component; operate machining equipment to produce a range of components to specification; explain the importance of material selection when choosing the most appropriate machining process; and apply safe working practices throughout.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Identify the potential hazards that exist when operating machine tools and bench fitting equipment, with reference to the appropriate health and safety regulations and risk assessment
  2. Operate a manual lathe and milling machine to produce dimensionally accurate engineering
  3. Interpret information from engineering drawings and operate measuring tools and work-holding equipment to check dimensional accuracy of machined components.
  4. Explain mechanical measurement and quality control

Essential Content

 LO1 Identify the potential hazards that exist when operating machine tools and bench fitting equipment, with reference to the appropriate health and safety regulations and risk assessment criteria

 Safety compliance:

Importance of, and responsibility for, safe working practice

Safe working practices when operating machining equipment in the mechanical machine workshop

Workshop safety legislation and regulations, and how they are met in practice Risk assessment of bench fitting and machining activities

LO2 Operate a manual lathe and milling machine to produce dimensionally accurate engineering components

Operation:

Factors influencing machining operations

Set-up and use of a manual lathe and milling machine following all safety procedures

Most appropriate cutting tools, work and tool holding methods for multiple applications

Speeds and feeds to suit material properties and application Use of work-holding jigs and fixtures

Removing material within dimensional tolerances

LO3 Interpret information from engineering drawings and operate measuring tools and work-holding equipment to check dimensional accuracy of machined components

Drawings function:

Types of engineering drawing and their use

Developing proficiency in reading and extracting information from mechanical engineering drawings

Types of measuring tools

Characteristics of measurement tools for inspecting parts Preparing quality control and inspection reports

LO4 Explain the types and use of mechanical measurement and quality control processes

Control processes:

Types of production quality control processes, metrology techniques Importance of quality checks on machined components

Function of quality control metrology equipment, including CNC controlled coordinate measuring machines, mobile measuring arms and touch probes, contact scanning probes and non-contact sensors (optical)

Importance of the process for data collection, analysis and product improvement