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:
- 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
- Operate a manual lathe and milling machine to produce dimensionally accurate engineering
- Interpret information from engineering drawings and operate measuring tools and work-holding equipment to check dimensional accuracy of machined components.
- 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