Higher

Design & Manufacture

Manufacturing
Processes

Duncanrig Secondary School

 Content
Section A: Manufacturing Processes Section B: Rapid Design & Manufacture
Introduction 1 Computer Aided Design (CAD) 35
Material Preparation Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) 36
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) 36
Extrusion (metal) 2 Rapid Prototyping (RP) 37
Extrusion (polymer) 3 Sterolithography (SLA) 37
Rolling (metal) 4 Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 38
Spindle moulding (wood) 5 Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 38
Material Processing 3D printing 38
Rapid Tooling 39
Injection moulding (polymer) 6
Rotational moulding (polymer) 7
Blow moulding (polymer) 8
Compression moulding (polymer) 9 Section C: Manufacturing Systems
Mould & Die Design 10
Vacuum forming (polymer) 11 Introduction 40
Sand casting (metal) 12 Production Planning 40
Die casting (metal) 13 Flowchart 40
Forging (metal) 14 Process chart 40
Drop forging (metal) 15 Gantt chart 40
Press-forming (metal) 16 Concurrent Engineering 41
Drawing (metal) 16 Just-in-Time (JIT) 42
Piercing & Blanking (metal) 17 Quality Assurance (QA) & Control (QC) 42
Spinning (metal) 18 One-off production 43
Turning (wood, metal & polymer) 19 & 20 Mass production 43
Milling (metal & polymer) 21 Batch production 44
Routing (wood) 22 Line production 44
Laminating (timber) 23 Continuous (flow) production 45
Laminating (polymer) 24 Cell production 45
Sub-contracting & Outsourcing 45
Assembly Processes
Adhesive Bonding (all materials) 25
Welding (metal & polymer) 26 & 27
Riveting (metal & polymer) 28
Mechanical fastenings (all materials) 29
Knock-down fittings (wood) 29

Finishing Processes
Aqua Transfer Printing (all materials) 30
Powder coating (metal) 30
Varnishing & Lacquering (all materials) 31
Painting (all materials) 32
Anodising (aluminium & titanium) 32
Galvanizing (steel) 33
Finishing Summary Table 33
Industrial Processes: Summary Table 34
SECTION A: MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

Introduction
The choice of which manufacturing process is most suitable depends upon; material, shape, size,
degree of accuracy, surface finish, unit cost and most critically the number of components to be made –
the batch size.
Manufacturing processes can be grouped into a number of broad families:

Material Preparation (converting raw materials into standard stock sizes):

 Extrusion (metal & polymer)
 Rolling (metal)
 Spindle moulding (wood)

Material Processing (giving the component its final form):

 Injection moulding (polymer)
 Rotational moulding (polymer)
 Blow moulding (polymer)
 Compression moulding (polymer)
 Vacuum forming (polymer)
 Sand casting (metal)
 Die casting (metal)
 Drop forging (metal)
 Forging (metal)
 Pressing (metal)
 Stamping (metal)
 Piercing (metal)
 Blanking (metal)
 Turning (wood, metal & polymer)
 Milling (metal & polymer)
 Routing (wood)
 Laminating (timber & polymer)

Assembly Processes (bring together the component to complete the product):

 Adhesive (wood, metal & polymer)
 Arc welding (metal)
 Spot welding (metal)
 Heat welding (polymers)
 Riveting (metal & polymer)
 Mechanical Fastenings (wood, metal & polymer)

Finishing Processes (enhancing and protecting the product’s component parts):

 Varnish (wood)
 Lacquering (metal)
 Powder coating (metal)
 Aqua Transfer printing (metal & polymer)
 Painting (wood & metal)
 Galvanizing (metal)
 Anodising (metal)

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 1

Material Preparation: Metal Extrusion

The extrusion of metal is used to produce long straight lengths of material with a
uniform cross-sectional shape. The cross-sections possible include solid round, L
and T shapes, tube or complicated irregular hollow shapes.

Extrusion can be likened to squeezing tooth paste out of a tube – long lengths of
material are formed in the same cross sectional shape as the tube opening.
Common metals that are extruded include aluminium, copper, magnesium, steel,
and stainless steel.
A selection of just some of the
possible extrusion shapes

Extrusion involves squeezing a hot metal billet inside a

closed cavity with a shaped opening formed by a die
using either a mechanical or hydraulic press.

Dies showing the

detailing possible when
extruding lengths of
metal

Extrusion often minimises the need for secondary machining, but it does not give the same dimensional
accuracy or surface finish as a machined part. However, this process can produce a wide variety of
cross-sections that are hard to produce cost-effectively using other methods. Minimum thickness of
steel is about 3 mm, whereas with aluminium and magnesium this can be extruded to about 1mm.
Cold extrusion can be used for most materials -subject to the design of robust enough tooling that can
withstand the stresses. Examples of the metals that can be extruded are lead, tin, aluminium alloys,
copper, titanium, vanadium and steels. Examples of parts that are cold extruded include collapsible
tubes, aluminium cans, cylinders, gear blanks. The advantages of cold extrusion include, no oxidation,
good mechanical properties due to the cold working, and a good surface finish.

Metal Extrusion: features

Materials & shapes: Mainly used with the softer metals, e.g. aluminium, copper, zinc. In general, the
softer the metal, the more intricate the shapes that can be made. Useful for long thin parts with a
constant cross-section. Possible cross-sections are usually limited to less than 100mm across.
Dimensional tolerance and surface finish may be poor with hot extrusion. Cold extrusion is possible for
some metals giving better properties.
Economics: Although extrusion appears to be a continuous process, it is really a batch process as it
needs to be interrupted to load new billets. Typical machine prices are in excess of £50,000. Dies can
cost upwards of £1,000 to make (depending on size), but a lot more to design well. More frequent die
replacement is needed for higher strength metals. Production rates from 5-10 metres/minute are
possible. Usually only economic for a batch size of 1,000 – 1,000,000 metres.
Typical products: metals such as aluminium, copper, magnesium, steel, and stainless steel are
extruded to form window frames, tubing, building and car trim, aircraft parts, railings & wires. Extrusion
can be used to form 1 – 1,000kg lengths to an accuracy of 0.2 - 2mm.

A length of aluminium
window frame being
cold extruded

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 2

Material Preparation: Polymer Extrusion

Polymer extrusion is used to produce long lengths of plastic with a uniform

cross-sectional shape. Extrusion can be likened to squeezing toothpaste out a
tube and it is commonly used with thermoplastics, such as: polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

A selection of some of
the forms possible when
extruding polymers

Polymer granules are placed in a feed hopper and then moved through a heater using a screw feed.
When in the plastic state the polymer is forced at high pressure through a die with the required profile to
produce long lengths with a uniform cross section.

The extruded component is cooled as it leaves the die cavity. Unlike metal
extrusion, polymer extrusion is a continuous process and can produce
unlimited lengths of the component. A useful variation of the process, called
co-extrusion, is used to coat wires in-line for electrical cables.
A PVC pipe being cooled
with water as it leaves the
Polymer Extrusion: features die cavity.

Materials & shapes: Mainly used for thermoplastics, but can be used with elastomers and some
thermosets. Complex shapes with constant cross-section can be easily formed. Because of shrinkage,
die design can be difficult (and hence expensive) if good dimensional accuracy is required. It produces
a finished component with no waste that requires no further finishing.
Economics: The cost of the machines is high - well over £50,000. Die design can be expensive; the
actual dies usually cost a few thousand pounds to produce and need replacing after 10-100km of
extrusion. Depending on size, parts can be extruded at rates from 1-60m/minute. Because of the high
costs, it is usually only economic to produce lengths over 10km - although there is little competition for
many of the possible shapes.
Typical products: Polymers formed into channels, pipes, sheet, architectural mouldings, cables,
coated wires. These can be formed continuously with the economic batch size of 1,000 – 1,000,000 is
typical.

Commercial extrusion
of PVC water pipes

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 3

Material Preparation: Rolling

Rolling is an alternative to metal extrusion and it is used to produce long lengths

of straight material with a uniform external cross-section. Rolling cannot,
however, be used to form hollow components.
A selection of rolled steel
components

Rolling is a very common process and is used to form 90% of all stock sized steel by squeezing the
metal ingot between two massive rolls or dies.

In hot rolling the metal ingot is heated to around 2/3 of its meting point and forced
through a series of roller dies that progressively form the profile. This produces
components with particularly good mechanical properties because the metal grain
reforms to the rolled profile as the material cools. This leaves hot rolled material
relatively soft with a surface layer of oxide (called black bar in the case of hot rolled
mild steel).

Cold rolling produces good dimensional accuracy, an oxide free surface finish
and a work hardened surface making the metal strong. Often hot rolling is first
used to shape the metal and cold rolling (or drawing) is then used to finish the
material and work harden the surface.
A selection of cold rolled
steel components with a
good surface finish and
dimensional accuracy

Metal Rolling: features

Materials & Shape: a hot ingot in moved back and forth through a set of connected die rolls. Each roll
gets closer the final shape; the last pass will finish the rolled shape. Rolling can be used to make thick
sections such as slabs or large I-beams. In practice, there do not need to be many separate ‘dies’ if the
operator can move the rolls closer together between passes.
Economics: For making stock items, rolling has few competitors. For this reason, it is usually
performed by the foundries before passing on to customers for further processing. For long shaped
sections, rolling is the only viable option for larger cross sections - for smaller cross section extrusion
may be more economic. Machines can cost millions of pounds. Typical economic batch sizes 10,000 –
1,000,000
Typical products: metal I-beams, rails, sheets, plates, foil with a low shape complexity. Typical weight
range 0.1 – 100kg with the minimum thickness of 0.2mm.

Rolling machine set up to

produce rectangular bar or
sheet.

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 4

Material Preparation: Spindle Moulding
Spindle moulders are used for cutting shaped profiles along lengths of wood to form such things as
skirting boards, decorative mouldings and window frames.

Stock sized spindle moulded lengths of MDF

The spindle moulder consists of a cutter

block that rotates at high speed on a vertical
spindle protruding through a hole in the
worktable. Adjustable fences guide the work
past the cutter block. A large variety of off-
the-shelf shaped cutting tools are available
for all the common profiles.

Spindle Moulding: features

Materials & Shape: it is possible to mould a wide variety of different profiles along the length of timber
or manufactured board. Specialised or one-off moulding cutters can be produced inexpensively by
grinding a tool to the required profile, although these cutters tend to have a much shorter life span than
the off-the-shelf tools manufactured from high speed steel. It is only possible to mould external profiles,
no internal detail such as holes or slots can be machined.
Economics: commercially standard stock profiles are mass produced. The low capital costs of a
spindle mould mean that even small to medium sized companies can produce specialised moulding for
one-off or low volume batch jobs.
Typical products: skirting boards, decking, dado and picture rails with a low shape complexity.

Small volume or one-off batches are

High volume batches are produced on possible with the timber boards being
automated spindle moulder manually fed into the spindle moulder

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 5

Material Processing: Injection Moulding

Injection moulding is the most commonly used polymer forming process. It is

used to produce components to a high degree of accuracy with a very fine
surface detail, something that cannot be achieved by any other moulding
processes. It is typically used for thermoplastics (polythene, polystyrene, ABS,
nylon, PVC, polypropylene etc) although it can also be used with certain
thermosets. A selection of some
polymer products made
by injection moulding
The thermoplastic in the form of granules, or the liquid thermoset, is heat softened and then injected
into a shaped metal die mould where it is cooled. When the die is opened, the component is
automatically ejected. This is a perfect copy of the mould with all its intricate detail such as texture,
text, holes and very fine detail.

Injection Moulding: feature

Materials & shapes: injection moulding is the best way to mass-produce small, precise, polymer
components with complex shapes. The surface finish is excellent; texture, pattern and fine detail
reproduce well. Thermoplastics dominate, but it can also be used for thermosets and elastomers.
It is unsuitable for thick sections with typical part sizes of 100-600g, although items up to 25kg can
be made but at great expense. Injection moulded parts generally do not require finishing, although
parts for feeders etc. may require removal. Thermoplastic scrap is easily recycled, but other
materials must be disposed of carefully.
Economics: to reduce costs, several parts are often moulded together on a "tree-like" structure;
parts can then be separated after moulding. Economical batch size can vary between 10,000 –
1,000,000 units.
Typical products: polymer toys, model-making kits, handles, food containers, cups, electrical and
plumbing fittings to a maximum weight of 25kg and minimum wall thickness of 0.3 – 10mm.

An ABS car dashboard

being manually removed
from an injection moulder

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 6

Material Processing: Rotational Moulding
Think of a large hollow polymer product and the chances are that it has been made
by rotational moulding. This versatile process is surprisingly inexpensive and is used
to make a wide range of everyday products including medical goods, consumer
items, agricultural and garden equipment, automotive and transportation
components. Its main disadvantage is the low production rate which usually limits it
to smaller batches. A selection of large
hollow product made by
rotational moulding.

Rotational moulding is used with thermoplastic and elastomers, although

certain thermosets may be formed using this process. However, Polythene
is by far the most common material used and accounts for 85% of all
rotational moulded products.

A rotational moulder showing the

potential size of the products
that can be formed.

Overview of rotational moulding: A hollow mould is filled with a thermoplastic powder and then
rotated about the horizontal and vertical axis in an oven until the polymer coats the inside of the mould.
The mould is then cooled and the part removed:

Rotational Moulding: features

Materials & Shape: mainly for thermoplastics (especially polyethylene), but some thermosets can be
used. It is used to produce hollow products with uniform thin sections as low as 2.5mm thick and in
size up to 4m across. The moulded products do not need to be circular (or symmetrical) in cross-
section and no further finishing after forming. It is possible to include surface details such as logos or
even incorporate metal inserts into the component although the low pressure limits the possible
sharpness of the detailing. There is no waste as all material is used.
Economics: cycle time is limited by heat conduction out of the mould, so increases dramatically for
larger wall thicknesses. Thin walled products can be produced at almost 1 a minute, whereas thick
walled products might be as few as 3 per hour. Although the tooling is dedicated, the moulds are
usually quite cheap. Equipment is relatively inexpensive (£1,000 to £20,000). The long cycle times
usually limit economic batch sizes to between 100 and 10,000.
Typical products: polymer buckets, plastic footballs, dustbins, storage tanks, traffic cones with a
maximum weight of 50kg and minimum wall thickness of 2.5 - 6mm.

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 7

Material Processing: Blow Moulding

Blow moulding is used to manufacture hollow thermoplastic products such as

bottles and containers from polythene, PVC, polypropylene or PET. It is a fast
process with very little waste and suits automation, however, the high cost of
the die mould means that it is only suitable for high volume runs.

A selection of the
thermoplastic product
made by blow moulding

A hollow plastic tube is extruded and placed between

the two halves of a shaped mould die. The die is
closed sealing the bottom end of the tube and air
under pressure is blown into the tube forcing the
thermoplastic material against the side of the mould.
Once cool, the die is opened, the component is
ejected and the cycle begins again.

Blow Moulding: features

Materials & Shape: blow moulding is used for simple, thin-walled, hollow products - mainly bottles with
thermoplastics, particularly PET and polythene. It produces a good, smooth surface finish and the fine
detailing such as the bottle thread can be moulded. Depending on how the hollow blank (parison) is
made, scrap can be negligible.
Economics: The production rate is 100–2500 components/hour. The tooling and machines are
moderately expensive (£10,000 - £100,000) and moulds may need to be replaced after about 100,000
uses. Blow moulding can be economically used for batch sizes of 1,000 – 10,000,000.
The flexibility of the process is limited by dedicated dies and there are short set-up and tool change
over times. Full automation of the process is viable and blow moulding is well suited to high volume
production. Extrusion blow moulding allows a continuous operation but increases the waste material as
the complexity of the mould also increases; material utilisation is generally good. Although some
trimming is required the cost is minimal.

Typical Products: thermoplastic bottles and hollow components with a maximum weight of 300g and a
minimum wall thickness of 0.4 to 3mm.

The fully automated blow moulding of

thermoplastic bottles used for fabric
conditioner.
Note the large amount of flash caused by
the high production rate. This excess
material will need to be trimmed off before
the bottles can be filled.

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 8

Material Processing: Compression Moulding
Compression moulding is mainly used to form thermosets and elastomers in mid-size batches (injection
moulding is less expensive for thermoplastics). With thermosets the chemical reaction provides most of
the energy and little extra heat is required to cure the polymer.
The thermoset liquid and hardener are placed in a heated mould. The die is closed creating sufficient
pressure to force the polymer into the shape of the mould. After the polymer has had time to cure, the
die is opened and the component is ejected from the mould.

The polymer placed in the mould

and heated.

The die is closed forcing the

polymer to fill the mould. It is left
to cure and then the die is
opened and the component is
removed.

Compression Moulding: features

Materials & Shape: this process is mainly used for thermosets, although rubbers, some thermoplastics
(polypropylene) and chopped-fibre composites can be formed this way. Complexity of the mould
design is relatively limited to simple forms as moulding can only be in one plane, although a wider
variety is possible with rubbers as they can be more easily removed from the mould. Holes, inserts,
threads, bosses, ribs and lettering are possible. Although it is not common, thin sections are possible
with a good cavity design. Components have a section range 0.8–13mm and max weight 20kg. Waste
material, called flash, needs to be removed after moulding and is not readily recycled. Compression
moulded components do not have sprue gates as the material was not injected.
Economics: cycle time is limited by heat transfer, or curing time and is usually over 1 minute.
Production rate can be increased by using multiple cavity moulds. Equipment cost is low compared to
similar processes - about £10,000 - £50,000. Die cost a few thousand pounds, and need replacing
after 10-50,000 uses. This makes the overall cost moderate to high and with the low production rate (20
to 140 components per hour) compression moulding is only usually economic for batch sizes of
between 5,000 – 1,000,000.
Typical Products: polymer dishes, pot handles, caps, electrical components and other heat resistant
products or items made from elastomers such as rubber. Maximum component weight of 20kg is
possible and a minimum thickness of 1.2-25mm.

A compression moulded
rubber component being
manually removed from
a die after curing

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 9

Material Processing: Mould & Die Design

The high tooling cost involved in the manufacture of a new die

mould from special alloy steel, with its automatic ejection and
water cooling, makes it only suitable for higher volume batches
where the die can be used to produce thousands of identical
components at a very low unit cost.
Modern dies moulds feature a number of interchangeable parts
which can be altered or replaced if the component has to be
changed without requiring an entirely new die to be made.

Injection moulding die

There are a number of features on a product that indicate that it has been moulded:

 Split lines: around the product showing where the different parts of the die mould met.
 Sprue gate: showing where the plastic was injected into the mould.
 Ejector pins: will leave small round marks on the inside of the component as it is ejected from
the die.
 Webs: added to stiffen and strengthen the component due to the limited thickness of the
material.
 Boss: moulded to the component to allow the product to be screwed together.
 Draft: wall sides are tapered to allow the component to be ejected from the die mould.
 Corner fillets: internal corners rounded to avoid weakening the component.
 Uniform wall thickness: to avoid sudden changes in size which interrupt the flow of polymer
and weaken the moulding.

Boss

Web

Draft

Ejector pin
marks

Sprue
gate

Fillet

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 10

Material Processing: Vacuum Forming

Vacuum forming involves heating a polymer sheet until soft and then sucking
it over a shaped mould until cool. This process is only suitable for
thermoplastic polymers and it is in effect the opposite forming process to
blow moulding - with sucking instead of blowing.
Vacuum Forming is an inexpensive technique that can be used for one-off or
low volume batches (with wooden moulds) or volume production runs (more
expensive cast metal moulds).
A selection of vacuum formed food
thermoplastic food containers

The thermoplastic sheet is clamped The former is forced up through the The formed plastic sheet is
tightly in the vacuum former and centre of the soft plastic and then removed once cool and the
then heated until soft. the vacuum pump is switched to excess material is cut off.
suck it tightly around mould.

Vacuum Forming: features

Materials & shapes: only suitable for thermoplastics and some elastomer foams. Shapes should
have constant section thickness and not 'curve-back' on themselves. Parts cannot have holes or
openings. Surface texture produced is good, but fine detail in mould cannot be copied. Suction holes
in the mould need to be small to avoid leaving a mark on the product. Some further processing is
required to complete the component as the surplus material must be trimmed off and this waste cannot
be easily recycled.
Economics: the vacuum forming cycle time is limited by heating and cooling of the sheet. Normally
cycle times of 5+ units a minute can be achieved. Production rate can be increased by multi-part
moulds, although extra trimming will be required. Manual equipment is inexpensive; making it suitable
for one-off or low volume batches, however fully automated equipment can cost over £250,000.
Moulds are usually aluminium (although wood can be used for small-scale production) and so relatively
inexpensive. Manual systems viable from 1 – 1,000 parts while fully automated systems, only becomes
economically viable for batches over 10,000.

Typical products: thermoplastic advertising signs, bath tubs and panels, washing-up bowls, open
plastic containers, food containers, packaging with a material thickness of 0.25 – 6mm. Economic
batch size 10-100,000.

An automated vacuum former

capable of volume production of
thermoplastic components

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 11

Material Processing: Sand Casting
Sand casting involves pouring molten metal (aluminium, cast iron, brass) into
a shaped impression, called a mould, made in sand.

A turbine mould being

prepared in before
A selection of sand cast casting.
metal components. They all
feature rounded corners This features a sand
(fillets), stiffening webs and core used to produce
tapering sides. hollow shapes within
the metal casting.

The mould is made inside a two-part box, called a cope and drag,
by packing sand around a shaped pattern. The pattern can be
made from expanded polystyrene (investment casting), modelling
clay, or more commonly painted hardwood. The sides of the
pattern must be tapered (draft) to allow it to be removed from the
sand and all corners must be rounded (filleted) to prevent stress
lines forming in the metal as it cools.

The pattern is placed in the drag and fine sand is sieved and
packed around. The drag is then turned over and the cope
attached. Sprue pins are inserted and the sand is packed around.
The pattern and sprue pins are removed leaving the mould cavity.
The box is then reassembled and ready to receive the molten
metal.
The molten metal is poured in through one of the sprue pin holes
(runner) and as the mould fills up the gases escape via the second
hole (riser). When cooled the cast object can be broken out of the
sand mould.
The patterns used for sand casting are relatively cheap and easy to produce but the surface texture of
the cast component tends to be poor and may require further machining or finishing. Casting does
allow complex shapes to be manufactured that could not be produced in any other way.

Sand Casting: features

Materials & Shape: most metals can be cast but this process is most commonly used to form products
out of aluminium, bronze, brass or cast iron. There is almost no limit to the size of a sand casting -
casings over 5m wide are routinely made (e.g. ship propellers). Most shapes can be made, but the
surface often has a characteristic rough finish which may need machining. Removing the extra material
left from risers/gates can also greatly add to the cost of the finished product.
Economics: the basic equipment cost is low - from £500 to £3,000, however, automation and higher
temperature furnaces can increase this price considerably. The limit on the production rate depends on
the metals cooling time. Small parts can be produced at several per hour - large parts can take hours
or even days to fully cool. The labour intensive nature of the process mean it is usually only economic
for small batches but with automation the volume can be viable between 1 – 100,000 units.
Typical Products: aluminium, cast iron, brass, bronze item including engine parts, plumbing fittings,
pump housings, machine tool bases, ship propellers and decorative items. The weight of product can
vary from 0.3kg to 1,000kg and the minimum thickness of 5-100mm.

A bronze church bell being

cast.
Note that the sand mould
has been reinforced with
steel rings.

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 12

Material Processing: Die Casting

Die-casting is a highly automated process used in the mass production of

aluminium, magnesium or zinc alloy components where a high degree of
accuracy and excellent surface finish is required. Die-casting is used to
produce items such as toy cars, military models, pencil sharpeners, car
parts and camera bodies.
Die cast zinc
engineering
components.

The molten metal is forced into the shaped water-cooled die mould where it rapidly solidifies and is then
ejected. Very little finishing is required other than removal of the sprue gate and any flashes caused by
leakage of material where the dies meet.

Die Casting: features

Materials & Shape: die casting is mostly used for low melting point alloys such as aluminium, zinc and
magnesium. In general only small parts are made, but it can be used for components up to 20kg.
Complex parts can be made with good dimensional accuracy and surface detail. A draft (taper) angle
has to be incorporated to alloy easy ejection of the part. Parts are left with good mechanical surface
properties. Ejector pin marks are often visible.
Economics: die casting equipment is expensive, and can cost well over £100,000 while the dies cost
many thousand pounds. Dies require replacing after a few hundred thousand uses and this can take
several weeks to manufacture, mean prototype testing is slow. The production rate depends on how
long the part takes to cool before it can be ejected. This can give rates of 500+ parts per hour in
normal conditions. Because of the high capital cost, the process is typically used for batches of
100,000+, although it may be economical for volumes between 5,000 –1,000,000 units.
Typical products: aluminium, zinc or magnesium alloy small toys e.g. cars/soldiers, hand tools, disc
drive chassis, motor casings, carburettors. The weight of product can vary from 0.05kg to 20kg with a
medium to high shape complexity and an accuracy of 0.15-0.5mm.

A robotic arm used in an

automated factory to
remove components
after die casting.

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 13

Material Processing: Forging

The forging involves heating metal, to 60% of its melting temperature, and then
hammering into the required shape. Forging is a skilled and labour intensive process that is
only really suitable for one-off or low volume batch production.

Just about any metal can be forged, some of the most common include: carbon, alloy
and stainless steels; very hard tool steels; aluminium; titanium; brass and copper; A selection of
and high-temperature alloys which contain cobalt, nickel or molybdenum. hand forged steel
components
Hot forging refines the grain structure and improves physical properties (such as strength, ductility and
toughness) of the metal. The forging process can create parts that are stronger than those
manufactured by any other metalworking process. This is why forgings are almost always used where
reliability and human safety are critical. But you rarely see forgings, as they are normally component
parts contained inside airplanes, automobiles, tractors, ships, oil drilling equipment and engines.

Forging: features
Materials & shape: any metal can be forged. The forged component is left with mechanical properties
however an oxide layer forms on the surface and this usually requires further processing before
finishing. One-off or very low volume batches can be forged manually by a skilled blacksmith using a
hammer and anvil but for larger batches powered hammers and jigs may be used to speed up
production and ensure uniformity in the component.
Economics: production rate is limited by the insertion and removal of the blank, so some form of
automation is often used. As a result, machines can cost £100,000+, but can produce many parts a
minute (if small). As both the machines and the dedicated dies are costly, production runs in excess of
50,000 are often needed to produce small parts economically. Large parts can be produced
economically at smaller batch sizes, because there is less competition.
Typical products: metal wrought iron work including fences, gates and decorative furniture, high
stressed mechanical parts such as aircraft components, chains and hand tools.

A powered hammer being used to

forge a steel engine components

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 14

Material Processing: Drop Forging

Drop forging of metal is the volume production version of hand

forging. The process involves repeatedly stamping the hot metal
between a punch and die using a hydraulically power hammer until
the component shape as been formed.

A selection dropped forged

steel components

The stages in forming a typical metal

component by drop forging
Drop Forging: features
Materials & shapes: any metal can be forged, provided it is hot enough (60% of the melting
temperature). Typical sizes for closed dies range from 10g to 10kg, depending on complexity. The part
is left with good surface and mechanical properties, although cold-forging can perform even better.
Complex parts can be formed using a series of forging dies with increasing levels of detail. A draft
(taper) angle has to be incorporated to allow easy removal of the part. Drop forging leaves a parting
line and flash (waste metal squeezed out between the die halves) on the component. The flash waste
has to be removed to finish the component although this metal is recycled.
Economics: production rate is limited by the insertion and removal of the blank, so some form of
automation is often used. As a result, machines can cost £100,000+, but can produce many parts a
minute (if small). As both the machines and the dedicated dies are costly, production runs in excess of
50,000 are often needed to produce small parts economically. Large parts can be produced
economically at smaller batch sizes, because there is less competition.
Typical products: metal spanners, pedal cranks, gear blanks, valve bodies, engine components with
a typical economic batch size of 10,000 – 1,000,000 units.

Hand finishing the flashing on a drop Drop forging used to form a steel
forged crank shaft for the diesel engine axle for a railway carriage.

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 15

Material Processing: Presswork – Press-Forming
Presswork is the generic term applied to the cold working of sheet metal with shaped presses.
Pressworking is among the most important metalworking processes. It is used in the manufacture a
wide range of sheet metal products using processes such as blanking, piercing, drawing, stamping,
pressing, spinning and bending.

Press-forming is used to produce 3D products from thin sheet metal.

Examples of such items are kettles, baking tins, tubular furniture, car bodies
and aircraft frames.

A selection of just some of the

sheet metal product made by
press forming

The dies used in press forming are expensive to

produce and have to be able to with stand the
many hundreds of tonnes loading exerted by the
hydraulic press. The die press is made of two
parts that allow for the thickness of the metal.
Components start out as flat sheets, which are
then blanked out, to the required shape. The
large force is then used to press the blank into
the required form.

A complex 3D shape
press-formed in
stainless steel

A press-forming machine used to

produce simple bends on sheet metal
used on building cladding

Material Processing: Presswork – Drawing

The process of drawing is the main process in the production of three-dimensional curved pressings
e.g. drinks cans, gas cylinders, and bullet casings.

The sheet material (blank) is placed on a shaped die, which has a

highly finished surface and lubricated to minimise friction. A punch is
then forced into the material, drawing it down to form the object. The
depth, which can be drawn in one punch, depends on the type of
material, its tensile strength and the tool design.

The stages of drawing

a drinks can

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 16

Material Processing: Presswork – Piercing & Blanking
Blanking is the process of stamping out the external shape in sheet metal.

A simple steel spanner for

use with flat-packed furniture
is produced by blanking

Piercing involves punching internal shaped hole(s) in the sheet metal blank.

A bicycle sprocket is made in one

operation by blanking (outer shape)
and piercing (internal detailing)

These two presswork processes are usually carried out at the same time when a large number of
identical items are required. These processes are similar and work by passing a length of sheet metal
from a coil or roll between a hardened steel punch and matching die. The punch is forced through the
strip and shears the metal on the die. The shape is formed immediately in one press. This process is
automated by passing the metal strip through by the exact amount on every stroke. Bicycle chains and
jewellery chain links are examples of products made in this way.

A high speed blanking & piercing pressed use in high

volume batch production of sheet metal products

The die and punch, waste material and

the blanked sheet steel component

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 17

Material Processing: Presswork – Spinning
Spinning is a simple process used to form symmetrical hollow objects such as
bowls or vases out of sheet metal.
The metal blank is pushed against a rotating wooden former using the lathe
tailstock. A forming tool is used like a lever to wrap the metal blank against the
former. The uneven edge is then machined off.

A selection of the sheet metal

product that are manufactured
by spinning

A sheet metal lampshade being

formed by spinning

Presswork: features
Materials & shape: mild steel less than 6 mm thick is the most common press formed material.
Blanking (shearing) is used to cut parts for subsequent processing, sheet is shaped with bending (1-D)
and drawing (2-D), pressing contains elements of all three. Surface finish is usually good, but this is
dependent on good quality die design. A wide variety of shapes can be made, but die design must
account for the elastic 'springback' of the sheet after forming. Some scrap is always produced and
cannot be directly recycled.
Economics: primarily used when near-net-shape (finished form) processes are impractical in terms of
time or materials e.g. for car body panels. Simple manual equipment can cost only a few thousand
pounds, but is only used for prototyping and small batches as the production rates are low. Automated
tooling (which can be expensive) is usually dedicated to individual components, so is normally only
used for long production runs in order to be cost-effective. Economic batch size 25,000-250,000 with
automated production rate being very high (drinks cans can be produced at almost a 1,000 a minute).
Typical products: sheet metal from 0.2-6mm thick in products such as cans, washing machine cases,
car body panels, kitchen utensils, hubcaps, metal desks etc.

Mild steel car body panels:

blanked, pierced and press
formed ready to be spot welded
together

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 18

Material Processing: Wood Turning
Woodturning is the process used to form round or cylindrical timber objects on
a lathe.
There are two methods of turning, between centres and faceplate turning.
Turning between centres is used to produce long cylindrical items such as table
legs. Turning with a faceplate is used to produce items such as bowls or
bases. As the timber rotates, special shaped chisels are used to remove the
waste using a cutting or scraping action.
A selection of timber product
produced by wood turning

When mass-producing a product, like turned staircase spindles, the process is automated. Traditional
this was done on a copying lathe where an inexpensive plywood profile was used to repeat the shape
however; these have been phased out in favour of CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) lathes
which convert a CAD (Computer Aided Drawing) file into a set of control instructions which
automatically operate the cutting tool. This helps to ensure accuracy, reduce the lead-time between the
design and manufacture, allows small batch production to be automated and increases productivity by
machining the items quickly again and again.

A CNC wood lathe used to

automatically turn component
A copying lathe using a using the CAD information
plywood profile to repeatedly
turn identical pine table legs

Wood turning: features

Materials & shape: most timbers can be turned into circular and cylindrical forms. Turning produces a
good quality surface although the product will require some form of finishing in order to protect and
enhance the timber. The turning process involves the removal of timber to form the product and hence
this process produces unusable waste material.
Economics: primarily used to produce finished components. Manual turning is used for one-off or
small batch production while copying or CNC machines are used for larger volumes. Basic manual
lathes can cost less than £1,000 while CNC equipment £10,000+.
Typical products: solid timber cylindrical products such as stair spindles and newel posts, tool
handles, bowls, vases, table and chair legs and rails etc.

A pine staircase with the

spindles machined on a CNC A mahogany table with four
wood lathe identical legs machined on a
CNC wood lathe

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 19

Material Processing: Metal Turning
Metal turning lathe is used to form cylindrical or conical shapes in metal and some
types of plastic.

The material is held firmly in a rotating chuck while a shaped cutting tool removes
the waste using a simple wedging action. A variety of processes can be carried out
on the lathe for example turning cylinders, creating texture (knurling), accurate
drilling and threading.

A selection of the components

machined on a metal turning
lathe

When mass-producing a component the turning process is automated. This machining is carried out
automatically using a CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) lathe which converts a CAD (Computer
Aided Drawing) file into a set of control instructions for the cutting tool. This helps to ensure accuracy,
reduce the lead-time between the design and manufacture, allows small batch production to be
automated and increases productivity by machining the items quickly again and again.

A CNC metal lathe used to

automatically produce
components. Note the ejector
chute to remove the machined
components.

Metal turning: features

Materials & shape: most metals and certain polymers can be turned into circular and cylindrical forms.
Turning produces a good quality surface. The turning process involves the removal of material to form
the component and hence this process produces waste which is difficult to recycle.
Economics: turning is primarily used to produce finished components rather than products. Manual
turning is used for one-off or small batch production while a CNC machines are used for larger
volumes. Basic manual lathes can cost less than £1,000 while CNC equipment £10,000+.
Typical products: metal products such as engineering components, bolts etc.

A cast aluminium alloy piston with

the end machined on a CNC
metal lathe before fitting in the A CNC metal lathe machining a
motorcycle engine steel billet into a component

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 20

Material Processing: Milling

Milling is a machining process used to remove waste metal or polymer in

order to produce 3D forms out of solid block.
A selection of milled metal
components showing the
level of detailing possible

The material is securely clamped to the machine table and then the whole assembly is fed across a
rotating multi toothed cutter to shape the component. The machines used industrially can be extremely
sophisticated - the cutting head is often able to twist and turn in many directions!

A manual milling machine used

for one-off or low volume batch
production
A boat’s propeller being
milled out of solid brass as
an alternative to casting

When mass-producing a component the milling process is automated. This machining is carried out
automatically using a CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) mill which converts a CAD (Computer
Aided Drawing) file into a set of control instructions for the cutting tool. This helps to ensure accuracy,
reduce the lead-time between the design and manufacture, allows small batch production to be
automated and increases productivity by machining the items quickly again and again.

Milling: features

Materials & shapes: almost any material can be milled, although difficulties arise with very brittle
materials (e.g. ceramics) and very hard materials (e.g. tool steel). Milling is used in metals primarily to
shape parts by cutting edges, slots or grooves. It is often used to complete parts that have been
formed by a near-net-shape process (e.g. casting or forging). Milling is unusual for wooden products,
although variants such as routing can be used to form grooves and mouldings.

Economics: milling machines vary in price from £1,000 to £1,000,000. Milling is generally a very slow
way to produce a component - but it can be economic for prototyping or small batches. High speed
machining centres are used where the accuracy of milling is required to finish a component. The cost of
milling on a commercial scale is often a balance between higher speed and longer tool-life.

Typical products: metal or polymer components formed from a solid billet of the material or used to
finish casting (e.g. top of engine block).

A CNC milling
machine which uses
the CAD drawing to
generate the control
program for the
movement of the
cutting tools

Titanium golf putter

machined on a CNC
mill
Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 21
Material Processing: Routing
A router is a versatile piece of equipment which can perform a variety of different
tasks. It may be used to:
 Cut detailed profiles along the length of a wooden board similar to a
spindle moulder;
 Form intricate joints for furniture using a jig to guide the cutter;
 Act as an engraver for 3D lettering or other sign writing applications;
 Cut detailed 3D shapes out of a range of sheet materials similar to a
milling machine.
A selection of routed
components showing the
level of detailing possible

A jig used to router a traditional

dovetail joint for the low volume
A range of sheet materials
batch of pine box
formed using a CNC router by
a sign writer
A guitar being machined out of
a solid board of mahogany
using a CNC router

In its least expensive form the hand operated power router it can be used to
produce groove, housings, rebates and moulding in manufactured board or
solid timber. The hand router consists of a powerful high-speed electric motor
with a chuck which can hold a wide variety of shaped tungsten carbide cutters.

A selection of tipped cutters

for a hand power router

Industrial CNC (computer numerical control) routers have the motor and
cutter mounted on moveable arms operated by computer. This technology
allows the manufacturer to convert CAD (computer aided drawing) files
automatically into control programs for the router which can shape, groove,
pierce, or even form text in the timber.

A shape pierced out of sheet

aluminium on a CNC router
Routing: features
Materials & shapes: traditionally routers are used on timber and manufactured board, especially MDF
which has excellent machining characteristics; however, modern CNC equipment can be used on most
sheet material including polymers and soft metals such as aluminium. A router can be used to cut
grooves or rebates, form joints such as the mitre used to join kitchen work surfaces, machine intricate
3D shapes and to pierce and engrave the surface of the material.
Economics: routers vary considerable in price from a few hundred pounds for a hand operated power
tool to a large scale CNC machine costing tens of thousands of pounds. Routing is generally a very
slow way to produce a component - but it can be economic for prototyping or small batches. Power tool
routers are generally used by tradesmen for one-off or low volume batches while large CNC routers are
economical for medium sized batches. Routing involves removing waste material to form the
component and this cannot be easily recycled.
Typical products: manufactured board or solid timber or sheet polymer or softer metals used to for
small to medium batches of components such as panelled doors, wood joints, engraving, decorative
mouldings, piercing and lettering for sign writers etc.

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 22

Material Processing: Laminating

Laminating is the process of building up a component or product out of a number of

layers. Laminating can be used with manufactured board, timber or polymers to
produce shapes and sizes that would not be possible to manufacture otherwise.
Laminated pine building joists

Glue laminating (glulam) of timber is used to produce curved and straight

beams or structures. Glulam components available off-the-shelf in a range
of standard cross section and lengths of 10, 12 and 15 metres but it is also
possible for these beams to be made to low volume batches for specific
projects.

Curved laminated pine roof

When forming curves the timber is first softened using chemicals, microwave irradiation, or steam
boiling, although steam boiling is the simplest and cheapest method and it takes 1 hour per 25mm
thickness. The softened timber is then bent around former mould using clamps or a hydraulic press.
Bending is more economical than machining a curve because there is no waste and the end product is
stronger and less vulnerable to breakage.

A solid ash chair back being

bent around a former after
steaming
The steamed timber is clamped
around a former overnight

Laminating Wood: features

Materials & shapes: solid softwood timbers and plywood are traditionally laminated. Standard cross-
sections and lengths are available off-the-shelf but custom made beams or structural components can
be manufactured. These are all tested and given a British Standard institute (BSi) rating guaranteeing
their strength. Laminated timber can be used for roof and floor beams, columns, and rafters in almost
any type of structure where it offers a low cost, attractive alternative to steel. The wood can be fire
proofed, pressure treated with preservatives or finishes.
Economics: off-the-shelf stock is inexpensive and the standard length allow for road delivery. Since
wood is a renewable resource, glulam is an ecologically attractive alternative to steel and concrete (it
takes ten times more energy to make a steel beam than to make an equivalent laminated timber beam).
Typical products: glulam is used extensively in the construction industry for building beams, columns
while steam bending of solid and laminated timber is used in furniture making, traditional boat building
and sports equipment.

Laminated and steam bent

tennis rackets

Laminated and steam bent

building beams

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 23

Material Processing: Laminating Composites

Laminating involves building up layers of thin plastic sheet over a simple

shaped mould.
Typically, laminating is used to form Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP)
or Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). Here woven fibre matting is
soaked with thermosetting polyester resin and laid-up in the mould. Once
cured the shaped composite has an excellent strength to weight ratio.
Laminated glass fibre
reinforced plastic (GFRP)
garden pond

For low volume or one-off production hand lay-up is used. This is particularly suited for products that
are medium to large in size, with simple shapes, requiring only one smooth finished surface.

For a large batches volume spray-up moulding is used. Parts produced by spray-up include boat hulls,
swimming pools, bus roofs, reinforced acrylic bathtubs etc. The process consists of simultaneously
spraying onto the mould, chopped glass strands and the resin. After spraying onto the mould hand
rolling is used to flatten or compact the mixture well onto the mould and, as far as possible, eliminate air
bubbles.

Spray-up moulding of glass

fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP)

Laminating Composites: features

Materials & shapes: hand lay-up is perhaps the most familiar process. It can be used for components
of virtually any size, but usually simple shapes. Similar shapes can be made by spray-up, which is
faster but more expensive. Both process can suffer from quality problems - using vacuum bagging to
suck the material tightly against the mould walls can reduce these issues.
Economics: there are few composite forming processes, and the decision of which to use is normally
determined first by shape and type of fibre (chopped or continuous), and then by volume of production.
In general, composite forming is more expensive than in other material classes. This is primarily
because of the slow production rate due to the curing time of the resins. Hand lay-up equipment can
cost under £100, but good quality moulds can cost significantly more and have a lead time of several
weeks. It is useful for prototyping or where only a few parts are required. Spray-up can be automated
and so is usually used for mass production.
Typical products: GFRP and CFRP are used for boat hulls, propeller blades, baths, water tanks,
structural cables, rocket noses, turbine blades, golf clubs, tennis racquets, bicycle frames etc.

A laminated Carbon fibre hull on a

Swedish stealth patrol boat

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 24

Assembly Processes: Adhesive Bonding
Glues allow a wide variety of different materials to be quickly and easily joined. Once cured, this
permanent fixing method will often have a greater strength than that of the actual material it is joining.

Adhesive bonding was first used for load-bearing joints for aircraft in World War II. Significant
advances have been made in the technology since then, but it has still to be widely used industrially for
metals.
Adhesives are available in many forms including: liquids, pastes, powders, tapes and films. Adhesive
bonding is often combined with mechanical joining - 'super glue' was first used to prevent nuts on
machinery shaking loose.

Adhesive bonding is a widely used joining process in the

fabrication of engineering products. It forms an essential
part of the laminating process in multi-material sandwich
structures and it is also used for structural connections
between multi-material components. Adhesive bonding is
achieved by placing a 'liquid' or semi-liquid material between
the components to wet the joint surfaces. Solidification of
the liquid, usually by chemical reaction, then provides the
joint strength.
A selection of different configurations used in
adhesive bonding of materials

Adhesive Bonding: features

Materials & shapes: any materials can be joined, although some may require special surface
preparation. Especially useful for joining different materials or very thin materials. The mechanical
properties of adhesive joints can be very good, but they usually have poor resistance to 'peeling'. The
strength also deteriorates with temperature and is rarely useful above 100-2500C. Adhesive joints can
provide additional benefits as well as joining, including: sealing, insulation, corrosion protection and
vibration damping. Correct design of the joint is essential for it to be strong. One method is to increase
the area, so lap joints are better than butt joints; another
Economics: equipment costs (unless automation is required) can be low, although the cost of the
adhesives themselves can be significant. Where good joint quality is essential, special equipment such
as fixtures, presses and ovens are required which can significantly add to the cost. The production rate
is often limited by the curing time, which can range from a few seconds to many hours (think of 'super
glue' and 'araldite' as common household examples).
Typical products: car mirrors, brake linings, helicopter blades, laminated glass, packaging etc.

The very large composite deck structure

weighing 7 tonnes is attached to the
aluminium deck by adhesive bonding

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 25

Assembly Processes: Welding (metal)

Welding is a permanent way of joining metal components and this technique

is used with 70% of the all the steel produced in the UK. Welding applications
range from largest structures to the micro joining of electronic circuits.

A 200 tonne steel water cooler

assembled by arc welding

There are several types of arc welding - MMA (Manual Metal Arc) is
probably the most well known. Automated arc processes include TIG
(Tungsten Inert Gas) and MIG (Metal Inert Gas). All arc processes use a
filler to join the two pieces - in MMA and MIG the filler also serves as the
electrode which makes the electric arc. In manual arc welding, a welding
rod is struck over the surface of the metal and then just lifted off. The
electrical current jumps across the gap and carries the molten steel from
the rod to form the weld. At the same time the flux covering on the
Manual Arc welding of steel welding rod forms a protective skin over the weld which can be chipped
off when the weld cools. Safety precautions must be taken to protect the
welder from the bright arc and the noxious fumes. Good welding requires
a lot of skill, and in industry a welder must have special qualifications.

There are other more specialist arc welding processes such as spot welding or seam welding which are
used on sheet steel and work without a filler. They rely on the electrical current melting the two
surfaces together and forming the weld

Seam welding where two round copper

Manual and automated spot welder used on electrodes roll along the edge forming the weld.
sheet steel products such as car body panels This technique is limited to products where the
electrodes can follow the outside profile such as
in the sheet steel fuel tank for a car
Manual Metal Arc (MMA) Welding: features
Materials & shapes: although many metals can be joined with MMA, it is most commonly used for
steel. Other materials, such as aluminium, are usually joined by more sophisticated arc welding
processes (e.g. MIG, TIG). MMA is portable and so suitable for repair or on-site work. Thin plates
may require only one pass for a successful join. For thicker plates, multiple passes may be required to
fill the gap. For thin plates, the edges may be square. For greater thicknesses, the edges need to be
bevelled to allow the gap to be filled more easily. In the area that has been affected by heat, the
properties of the material may change greatly.
Economics: the cost of MMA equipment can be less than £100. However, the production rate is slow
so it is only economic for one-off jobs, repair work and difficult access situations.
Typical products: metal components such as car bodies, ships, oil rigs, pipelines, pressure vessels.

Laser spot welding is used to join

the 3 stainless steel razor blades
with 13 welds in a cycle time of Titanium bike frame
1 second TIG welded together

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 26

Assembly Processes: Polymer Welding

There are three main types of welding used with thermoplastic polymers; ultra
sonic, friction and laser welding.

Polymer welded onto the

titanium frame

Ultrasonic welding involves the use of high frequency sound energy to melt the
thermoplastic at the joint. Parts to be joined are held together under pressure
and are then subjected to ultrasonic vibrations. When ultrasonic vibrations stop,
the molten material solidifies and a weld is achieved. The resultant joint strength
approaches that of the parent material; with proper part and joint design,
hermetic seals are possible. Ultrasonic welding allows fast, clean assembly
Polycarbonate lens without the use of consumables. Since ultrasonic welding is very fast (weld
ultrasonically welded times are typically less than 1 second) and easily automated, it is a widely used
onto the ABS body technique in mass production.

Friction welding is a technique in which the heat needed to melt the material
is generated by pressing one of the parts to be joined against the other and
rapidly vibrating it. The heat generated by the resulting friction melts the
material (either thermoplastic or metal) in 2-3 seconds. The vibration is
then stopped and the parts are aligned, and held together under pressure
until a solid bond is formed. Such bonds are permanent, and have a
strength approaching that of the parent material.
The principles of friction welding

Lasers are a versatile tool which can be used in welding, cutting,

engraving, marking, drilling and polishing of polymers and metal. Lasers
are non-contact, zero-wear and are capable of precisely delivering
enormous amounts of energy to specific, highly localised areas. Because
plastics melt at low temperatures and vaporize very easily, only a small
amount of heat input is needed to make the surface of the plastics slightly
fluid. In fact, the influence required for laser welding is far lower than is
A laser was used to cut, needed for any other plastics application
engrave and weld the polymer
pendant

Friction Welding: features

Materials & shapes: usually, at least one of the parts to be joined must be circular - this can be solid or
hollow. One of the materials to be joined must soften before melting. Used to join different materials to
each other (e.g. polymers to metals).
Economics: basic equipment costs around £10,000, but automation can increase this significantly.
Most suited economically to joining pipes and attaching studs. For similar metals, competitive with arc
welding for the geometries it can do. But because of the capital cost, it is not competitive where only a
small number of joints are required.
Typical products: thermoplastic and metal components such as pipes, two-part bumper, fuel tanks,
fuel pumps, expansion vessels, instrument panels, air channels, parcel shelves, inner door panels,
spectacle frames, motor saw housings, heating valves etc.

Friction welding a
steel stud onto a plate
by placing it in a drill
and rotating at high
speed

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 27

Assembly Processes: Riveting
Riveting is an old established technique which is used to permanently join
materials together. Traditionally riveting was solely a manual technique where a
hole is drilled through the materials, the rivet is inserted and then hammered until
it expanded and joined the pieces together. On large engineering projects such
as shipbuilding and civil engineering, the steel rivets were heated to red hot and
then formed with a pneumatic or hydraulic hammer (this has been replaced by
welding or bolting). Today riveting usually involves pop or self-piercing riveting.
A hot steel rivet being formed
by a pneumatic hammer

Pop riveting is used to join thin pieces of metal or polymer. The pop
rivet has two parts; the pin and the rivet. The pop rivet pliers are
used to pull the pin through the rivet and as this happens the rivet is
deformed so that it joins the pieces together. This process is used
on thin metal or plastic where the joint does not have to be very
strong and it is ideal for situations were access can only be gained
from one side such as in heating and ventilation ducting and air
frame construction. Pop riveting is a relatively slow technique which
does not lend itself to large batch production due to the need to pre-
drill holes before forming the rivet.
Pop rivets and an air operated pop rivet
gun used to join sheet aluminium to an
aircraft wing

Self-piercing riveting is a one-step joining technique suitable for ductile

metal and polymers up to a maximum thickness of 10mm. As it relies on
a mechanical interlock to form the permanent join and it can be used on
materials and combinations of materials where, for instance, spot welding
is difficult or even impossible. Self-piercing riveting involves driving a pipe
shaped steel rivet with plane solid head into the two layers of the
materials using a pneumatic gun. The rivet makes its own hole and joins
the parts together in one moment.

Self-Piercing Riveting: features

Materials & shapes: self-piercing riveting is a simple; one-step joining technique that relies on the
mechanical interlock to join sheet materials together up to a maximum of 10mm in total thickness. The
nature of the process means that only ductile non-brittle sheets can be joined using this technique. The
pipe shaped steel rivet is forced through the surface of the two materials joining them together. It offers
a good fatigue performance, often better than spot welds and can be used for many different
combinations of materials. Joining of more than two sheets is possible.
Economics: it is a fast process which can readily be automated for large batch production. Unlike
welding there are no fumes or heat produced and little noise emission. There is little or no damage
caused to pre-finished materials and the tooling has a long life (20,000 joints are possible without
maintenance).
Typical products: ductile sheet metal and polymer components such as automotive, heating,
ventilation and building industries, for pre-painted steels for white goods, and for joining aluminium
used for road signs.

A robotic arm with a self-

piercing riveter used for
high volume production

A cut through a self-piercing rivet showing

clearly how it joins the sheets together

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 28

Assembly Processes: Mechanical Fastenings & Knock-down fittings

Bolts, screws and patent fixings are a semi-permanent way to assemble

a range of different material components. These are bought ‘off-the-
shelf’ from specialised manufactures and come in a variety of different
forms. They allow products to be assembled on a semi-permanent
basis using simple tools like a screwdriver or spanner. Some form of
mechanical joining needs to be used where products need to dismantled
during their normal life, e.g. where repair or maintenance is likely. With A selection of just some mechanical
the move towards efficient recycling, there is likely to be increased use fastenings available
of mechanical fastening.

Most modern furniture comes flat-packed for ease of transport and to keep costs down. Knock-down
(KD) fitting have been developed to allow furniture to be assembled at home with just a few simple
tools.
There are hundreds of different types of KD
fittings produced by specialist manufactures, for
example a carcass could be formed with nylon
corner blocks or bloc-joint fittings. Much furniture
is sold in flat packs. This makes it easy to
transport and store. The customer then has to
assemble it at home. Box joints are formed with
corner blocks or bloc-joint fittings. Usually these
are made from a plastic (often nylon).

Mechanical Fastenings: features

Materials & shapes: virtually any material in any shape can be joined by mechanical fastening - given
enough ingenuity! Practical limitations come from being able to form holes - this limits the options for
ceramics and composites. Snap-fit joints are especially suitable for low stiffness materials like
polymers. Especially good for joining different materials (e.g. composite to metal). Joint quality is
reliable and readily determined, given sufficient operator skill. However, mechanical joining usually
reduces fatigue life. Essential where two parts will move relative to each other (e.g. hinges for doors).
The non-permanence of many fasteners is useful for products that may need repair/maintenance or
need access to the interior.

Economics: can be economic for any batch size from one-offs to mass production (with or without
automation). Ease of mechanical joining (especially with snap fits) means low skilled workers can be
used. For fasteners, there can be a significant stock cost in ordering and keeping track of so many
components! By far the dominant means of joining parts. Competes with welding for thick metallic
sections where a permanent joint is needed. Competes with adhesives for polymers and woods where
a permanent joint is needed.

Cam KD fitting allowing flat-packed

furniture to be easily assembled at home
by the purchaser using just a A nut and bolts allowing a semi-permanent
screwdriver. joining of a wide range of materials. Bought
inexpensively off-the-shelf from specialised
manufacturers

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 29

Finishing Processes: Aqua Transfer Printing

Aqua transfer printing (cubic printing) is a decorative finish which is ideal

for complex 3D shaped polymers, metals and other materials. The finish
uses a printed film to cover the product which can have a range of
natural and abstract patterns including wood grain, marbling, leather,
textures and abstract designs.
Aqua transfer printing used to
apply the decorative finish to the
body panels of the Smart car

Aqua transfer printing is an immersion process used to provide the product with an eye-popping finish.
During the manufacturing process, a printed water-soluble film is set on the surface of water. The film
dissolves in the water, leaving the decorative inks floating on the surface, similar to a film of grease. As
the product is immersed, the ink film is evenly applied to the piece by the static water pressure. After
drying, the parts are coated with a clear protective lacquer. Aqua transfer printing is used in the
automotive industry to create mock-timber dashboards and mobile phone fashion covers are also
printed the same way.

Finishing Processes: Powder Coating

Powder coating is a finishing process suitable for metal, wood and polymers. It
is a dry finishing process which has the advantage that unlike paint it contains
no solvents and as a result it is environmentally friendly with up to 98% of the
material used due to the recoverable and reusable capabilities of the powder.
In addition, powder coatings provide excellent wrap-around coverage and are
easily applied. Compared with liquid sprayed coatings, powder coatings can
result in a thicker, single coat film build. Finally, the cured coating has an
extremely durable finish that adheres well to the component and provides a
Smeg mild steel fridge
superior coating hardness along with increased resistance to scratching, powder finished in a
impact damage, stains, and chemicals. range of colours

The process is usually set up as part of a line production where the components are attached to a
moving overhead conveyor where an electrostatic charge is applied. The powder is charged with
opposite polarity and is sprayed onto the components. The charged powder particles are attracted to
and stick on the surface of the components. The components then move into an Ultraviolet (UV) oven
where the powder completely melts and flows out within 2 minutes and finally cures under UV exposure
within seconds.

Electrostatically charged The cured powder

powder attracted to the coated component move
oppositely charged out of the UV oven on
component. the overhead conveyor

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 30

Finishing Processes: Varnish & Lacquering
Varnish is a clear or coloured finish applied to timber and manufactured board
products to protect and improve appearance while lacquering is a clear finish
applied to metals and polymers to prevent tarnishing and scratching.
Varnishing is made up of a combination of oils and resins in any number of
variations. Varnishes are typically classified as either oil, synthetic or spirit varnish.

Vacuum cleaner casing

spray lacquered on by a
robotic arm as it moves
along a conveyor belt

Oil varnish can further broken down into three groupings based on the amount of oil in their make-up:
short-oil, medium-oil, and long-oil varnishes. Short-oil varnish dries to a high hardness and can be
rubbed to a high gloss sheen, making it a good choice for the fine finisher. Long-oil varnishes resist
wear-and-tear best, so they are good for outdoor work and boats. Medium-oil varnishes have a
combination of the short-oil and long-oil qualities.
Synthetic varnish is a man-made finish that is the most versatile of the varnishes. Polyurethane varnish
is the most common used today. It dries reasonably fast and very tough (it is the most scratch-resistant
of the varnishes).
Spirit varnish is made of a solution of natural gum resin. Shellac is the most common gum resin and
this comes from shell of the Lac beetle in India.
The application of the varnish depends upon the size and batch volume of the product or component.
Small volume production can be finished by manually with the wood sanded by hand with power tools
and two or three coats of varnish applied by brush or spray. For volume production the components
may be pre-finished by the material supplier using a fully automated system. Here rotating spraying
gun technique is used to produce perfectly uniform finish. The process is completed with a water
suction unit and mat conveyors for the recovery and the re-use of the varnish before the components
are passes through an in-line ultraviolet (UV) oven which rapidly cure the varnish.

Line production and finishing of kitchen doors. This automated process

involves the sanding, spraying and drying of the wooden components

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 31

Finishing Processes: Painting
Paint is a decorative and protective finish suitable for wood, metals and polymers. Paint can be applied
manually by brush or roller; however, these are usually unsuitable for anything other than one-off
production. Batch production usually involves applying the paint by spraying. Here the aim is for high
transfer efficiency. That is to ensure that a high percentage of paint actually ends up on the product
and not lost in overspray. The higher the efficiency, the less coating that is wasted. Factors affecting
transfer efficiency include spray equipment type, size and shape of the component, coating type, skill
level of the spray operator, air velocity, atomisation air pressure, fluid flow rate and fan size.
Paint is not a particularly environmentally friendly process with the amount of waste material, the nature
of certain solvents used to carry the paint pigments and the fine paint spry which is dangerous when
inhaled. Depending on the application the paint finish may have to be re-applied every few years and
hence it is not always the maintenance free option.
If the entire product is not to be painted then the unfinished areas have to be thoroughly masked.

Industrial finishing of
components using
spray painting

Finishing Processes: Anodising

The anodising process, performed on aluminium and titanium usually for
protection and cosmetic purposes, builds up both on the surface as well as
into the metal. The finishing layers are durable and abrasion resistant and
can be made in different colours (silver, brass, gold, red, violet, green, blue
and black) depending on the chemicals used. The anodised parts are quite
durable and do not tarnish and maintain their cosmetic appearance for a long
period of time.
Anodised titanium motorbike
exhausts
The aluminium or titanium component being anodised is placed in an electrolyte (commonly of
sulphuric acid) solution and used as the anode. When an electrical current is passed through the
solution, oxidation takes place and a protective scratch resistant oxide layer forms on the surface.

A selection of aluminium products Anodised aluminium pipes being

finished by colour anodising removed from the electrolytic tank

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 32

Finishing Processes: Galvanizing

Galvanizing is a surface finish applied to steel products by immersing them in

molten zinc. The zinc coating protects the surface against corrosion by shielding
the steel from the moisture in the atmosphere and if the surface is damaged the
zinc provides sacrificial protection and prevents rusting.

Small steel components like nails

are galvanised by dipping into zinc
held in a wire basket
No other protective coating for steel provides the long life, durability and predictable performance of
galvanizing. The hot dip galvanizing process is adaptable to coating nearly all types of fabricated and
non-fabricated products such as wire, tanks, crash barriers, hand rails, sheets, strip, pipes and tubes,
fittings, hardware, wire cloth, hollow-ware, and structural
assemblies.

Galvanised steel
crash barriers
require no
further finish for
years of rust free
service

Galvanised steel bins being

removed from the liquid zinc

Finishing Process: Summary Table

Finish Type Application Typical Material Uses
Hand brushed for small batches or Most timber and certain Interior and exterior
Varnish sprayed for the best quality finish. manufactured boards. woodwork, furniture, boats
Hand applied with a cloth rubber used on Beech and other close Wooden spoons, bread and
Vegetable Oil timber which is used with food stuffs gained timber. chopping boards
This exterior finish is brushed or sprayed Soft or hardwood used for Garden sheds and fences
Creosote on. rough exterior work
Appling a colour finish to timber sprayed Hard and softwoods. Timber toys, furniture
Stain or brushed onto the surface
Covering with a layer of paint. Protection Inexpensive softwoods, Interior and exterior wood,
Paint lost when scratched man-made boards & steel large steel structures - ships
Polymer coating used to protect metal Generally used on mild Wire fridge and dishwasher
Dip Coating component. steel products shelves. Insulation on tools
Coating with a layer of tin. Protection lost Mild steel sheet covered Food and drinks cans
Tinplating when scratched with tin on both sides
Coating with a layer of zinc. Protects even Mild steel Bins, crash barriers, step hand
Galvanising when scratched rails, car body panels.
A protective and decorative colour finish Aluminium and titanium Pots and cooking utensils,
Anodising produced by electrolysis. bike components.
Coating with a layer of chromium. Steel, brass, copper Pipes and decorative work.
Chrome plating Protection lost when scratched Cheap alternative to stainless
steel.
Aqua transfer Paint film is dissolved in water and the Mainly metal and polymers Telephone cases, wood effect
printing product is immersed taking the pattern. dashboards.
Covering with a layer of plastic to produce Wood (mainly MDF), metal Electrical and office
Powder coating a tough scratch resistant finish and polymers. equipment

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 33

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES: SUMMARY TABLE

Production
Process Unit Cost Typical Materials Typical Products Identifying Features
Wood Processes
Volume
Wood Turning Low - medium Medium Hard & softwoods Furniture, stair parts Cylindrical symmetrical timber products
Routing Low - medium Low MDF, hard & softwoods furniture Wood goods with circular machine marks
Skirting boards, picture & dado Wooden lengths with uniform cross section with no
Spindle moulding Low - medium Low Timbers & MDF
rails internal detail possible
Thick wood beams (some bent) made up of a series of
Laminating Low - medium Medium Softwoods Glulam roof beams
timber strips glued together
Knock Down Joints Low - medium Low Manufactured boards Flat-pack furniture Pre-drilled holes on board
Most wood & metal products and Clear or coloured surface that protects and enhances
Finishing Low - high Medium All materials
some polymer goods the product
Metal Turning Low - medium Low Any, but mainly steel Engineering parts Cylindrical symmetrical metal parts
Crisp metal parts with square internal corners and
Milling Low - medium Medium Metal and polymers Engineering parts
circular machine marks
Aluminium, brass, cast Metal engine parts, plumbing Metal parts with rounded internal corners and a grainy
Sand Casting Low - medium Medium
iron fittings finish with webs and bosses around holes
Aluminium, zinc & DVD chassis, model toys, engine Small fine detailed metal castings with split lines, flash
Die Casting Medium - high Low
Metal Processes

magnesium alloys parts and ejector pin marks.

Hand: low Hand: med Most metals but mainly Wrought iron furniture, railings, Metal goods with a poor finish: split lines, & flash (drop
Forging
Drop: med Drop: med steel alloys engine parts, tools forged) and hammer marks
Aluminium, copper, steel, Metal lengths with uniform cross section requiring no
Extrusion (metal) Medium - high Low Tubing, window frames, channels
stainless steel further finishing
Sheet metal with shear marks at the edges and holes,
Piercing & Blanking Medium - high Low Sheet metal mainly steel Metal cans, electrical casings
thinning of the metal at bends.
Steel (aluminium, stainless
Permanently joining steel products
Arc Welding (MMA) Low - medium Low steel & titanium with Rippled mound running along the joined pieces.
– buildings etc
MIG/TIG)
Spot Welding Low - medium Low Sheet steel Car body panels Sheet steel goods with circular marks
Riveting Low - medium Low /med Sheet material White goods Round (some hollow) heads at the join
Bolting & Threading Low - medium Low Most materials Items that require maintenance Hexagonal or slotted head
Little but dissimilar materials joined possible indicates
Adhesives Low - high Medium Most materials Permanently joining materials
the use of glue
Thermoplastics some Electrical casings, containers, Small, precise, polymer components with fine detailing,
Injection moulding Medium - high Low
thermosets & elastomers plumbing items thin walls including injector sprue and ejector pin marks
Polymer Processes

Thermoplastics (mainly All large polymer goods - wheely Large polymers items with no injection marks but with
Rotational moulding Low - medium Medium
PE) and some thermosets bins, tanks, buoys join lines and flash
Thermoplastics – PVC, PE Lengths of polymer with uniform cross section requiring
Extrusion (plastic) Medium - high Low Pipes, cables, window frames
and PP no further finishing
Thermoplastics – ABS, Fridge liners, baths, food Thermoplastic sheet with tapered sides, no fine
Vacuum forming Low - medium Low
PA, PC, PS packaging detailing and trimmed outer edge
Thermoplastics – PE, PP,
Blow moulding Medium - high Low Hollow bottles and containers Hollow polymer goods with join lines and flash
PET
One smooth side (next to mould) and one rough side
Laminating Low - medium High Carbon or glass fibre Sports goods, cars, boats
with the fibre visible
Compression Electrical fittings, pot handles and Thermoset goods with no injection sprue but may have
Medium - high Medium Thermoset & elastomers
moulding dishes split lines with flash and ejector pin marks

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 34

SECTION B: RAPID DESIGN & MANUFACTURE

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Over the last 20 years the computer has replaced the drawing board as the means of producing
detailed 2D working drawing.

Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) offers many advantages to the designer:

• Drawing mistakes can be easily corrected.
• Library of standard components or details can be created and then used again and again.
• Commands like mirror image and copy, allow components to be rapidly drawn.
• Dimensioning and scaling can be added.
• The size and shape of all or part of a drawing can be altered.
• Drawings held electronically can be stored, retrieved, displayed, E-mailed and printed as and
when required.

Recently with the advent of more powerful computer systems, industry has moved away from 2D CAD
to use 3D CAD modelling software.

3D Modelling software offers all the benefits of 2D CAD but has additional advantages to the designer:
• 3D images can be rotated and rendered to appear lifelike. These images can be used for
advertising and to allow the client and/or customer to comment on aesthetics.
• 3D models can automatically generate 2D orthographic views.
• Individual 3D components can be assembled on screen to check if the product will actually fit
together.
• 3D computer models can be automatically converted into physical models using a Rapid
Prototyping (RP) process.
• Products can be tested more quickly.
• Costly mistakes in design or production can be avoided
• Reduce the lead time for new product introduction.

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 35

CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture)
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) allows complicated products or components to be manufactured
very accurately and at speed using Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines. These machines
often perform many different operations and allow components to be cut, shaped, turned, drilled and
milled, while all the operator has to do is to change the material and maintain the tools. The
introduction of CAM systems has greatly reduced the lead-time; that is the time between design and
selling of the product.

CNC (Computer Numerical Control)

Almost all manufacturing companies have changed over from manual to Computer Numerical
Controlled (CNC) versions of lathes and milling machines etc. This enables components to be design
on a Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) system and then automatically converted into a Computer Aided
Manufacture (CAM) program for the control of the CNC machine. This software program will control the
entire process and allow the machine to produce identical components quickly and accurately:

CNC laser cutting sheet steel CNC router cutting a shape CNC milling machine forming CNC lathe forming a
plate for a ships hull on a timber board an aluminium part steel part

Numerical controlled machines such as lathes, mills, drills and punch presses, have their movements
and functions controlled by a programmed set of numbers. Once the computer has been programmed
automatically from the CAD file, the machine tool will perform the set of functions over and over again
to produce many identical components.

Advantages of CNC Disadvantages of CNC

Consistent accuracy Initial machine cost
Increased productivity Maintenance and servicing costs
Less operator involvement Installation costs
Complex shapes easy to machine Operator training
Tooling costs reduced
Component rejection reduced
Uniformity of product
Can operate unattended

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 36

Rapid Prototyping (RP)
Traditional engineering relies on removing material to manufacture a component; it is a subtractive
process. For example, a Computer Numerically Control (CNC) milling machine will cut a component
out from a solid block of metal. Rapid Prototyping (RP), by contrast, adds material layer after layer until
a engineering prototype model of the component has been produced. This layering enables complex
forms to be generated in one piece that would otherwise be impossible to model.

Why Rapid Prototyping (RP)?

• Product designers prefer to have a physical model to see, feel and test rather than just a line
drawing or computer image;
• Complex forms can be manufactured in one piece which may be impossible to make otherwise;
• RP enables exceptionally accurate models to be made from Computer Aided Drawing (CAD)
files in a much shorter time than conventional methods would permit;
• The process itself reduces waste, as unused materials can be recycled;
• Certain RP methods allow the model to be used as a master for production of injection moulding
dies.

How much does RP cost?

The prices listed below allow the alternatives to RP to be compared:
• RP machines £15,000 to £350,000
• Laser cutters £9,000 to £17,000
• CNC milling machines/routers £1,600 to £15,000
• 3D scanners £900 to £6,000

The cost to produce a RP model depends on size and complexity, but is in the range of £150 to £400
and is limited to components / products that fit within the standard envelope (A4 box). It is predicted
however, that within the next five years that certain RP equipment will cost less than £10,000.
There are a range of different Rapid Prototyping (RP) machines but each is computer controlled and
produces an engineering prototype out of a series of layers in minimum lead time, hours rather than
days or weeks, based on a CAD model of the component/product.

Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA)

This was the first RP process developed and is currently the most popular
although it is very expensive to buy and run.

The engineering component shape is etched by a laser in the tank of photo-

sensitive resin layer by layer as the supporting table is lowered after each
layer is formed.

Material: Cured photo-polymer resin

Envelope: 500 x 500 x 550 mm SLA equipment
Speed: Relatively slow.
Surface finish and accuracy: Usually very good (+/-0.1mm), allowing parts
to be used as masters for forming dies etc.
Injection moulding die
design modelled on SLA Practicality and durability of model: Good, but brittle.
Uses: Detailed models well down the design process, which may then be
used to manufacture patterns.
Costs: High purchasing and running costs makes this process very
expensive and hence is becoming less popular.

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 37

 Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

A layer of polymer coated metal powder is spread onto a table. The

laser etches out the component’s shape and bonds the powder
together to form the layer. The table is lowered and another layer of
powder is added and the process repeats until the finished
component is produced. The end product can be porous and may
require infiltration to give strength and improve surface finish.

Material: metal, polymers and ceramics SLS equipment

Envelope: 380 x 330 x 450 mm
Speed: Medium level of performance.
Surface finish and accuracy: Surface finish is rough, but accuracy is
good.
Injection moulding die which is Uses: Models made in metal are realistic and may be strong enough to be
impregnated before being used for evaluative tests.
used for to produce the part

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

This process is likened to icing a cake with the piping bag squeezed and
extruding a line of icing. In FDM the machine’s nozzle is heated and it
extrudes a fine filament of ABS, which then sets after it has bonded on to
the layer beneath. The nozzle moves in the X–Y axis and the table which
the model is built on moves down in the Z axis.

Material: ABS
Envelope: 250 x 250 x 400 mm
Speed: Slow, common to take 24 to 48 hours.
Surface finish and accuracy: very good, accurate
0.2mm.
Practicality and durability of model: Strength is good. ABS is a commonly used
An ABS prototype of a plastic, which is chosen for its impact and scratch resistant properties.
component modelled Uses: Models are functional and can be tested fully for evaluation purposes.
with FDM
Possible to use it for one-offs as end product is made in a suitable material.
Costs: Machines: £80,000 to £120,000. Models, per item: commonly £450.

3D Printing
This is now the most popular form of RP due to it low cost. Here a
layer of powder is spread over a table and a printer-type inkjet then
passes over the powder spraying a water-based adhesive. This
bonds the powder together into the desired shape. The table lowers
slightly, another layer of powder is deposited and the process
repeats itself until the 3D model is built up. Overhangs are
supported by the unbonded powder beneath. Upon completion the
unused powder is removed by vacuum cleaning, leaving the model.
The models are porous at this stage, and must be infiltrated to give
them more strength.

Material: plaster or corn-starch treated to stiffen it.

Envelope: 210 x 210 x 300 mm.
Speed: The world’s fastest method, with the capability of building layers
at 50 mm vertical per hour.
Surface finish and accuracy: Accurate to 0.5mm with Corn-starch
produces a rough surface finish.
Practicality and durability of model: Models tend to be weak
compared to FDM.
Human skulls copied on a MRI Uses: Good for concept models, and development work, but unsuitable
scanner and modelled on a 3D printer for pre-production work.
Costs: Machine: £25,000 for the machine. Model costs about £150.
Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 38
Rapid Tooling
One of the greatest challenge facing manufacturers is how to transfer a fully working RP model into
something which can be manufactured in quantity. This usually involves a large scale investment in
tooling and can create long delays to the lead time. The term Rapid Tooling (RT) refers to the use of
the RP model to produce a moulding tool suitable for mass production. There are a number of RT
techniques which can be used with RP models:

LaserForm Rapid Tooling

This rapid tooling techniques uses Selective Laser Sintering

(SLS) with the base material which is a mix of steel and
polymer powder particles. The laser fuses the polymer and
the metal particles together layer on top of layer. The
finished component, called the green part, is then placed in
an oven and infiltrated with bronze. This burns out the
polymer binder and completes the sintering of the steel
powder particles. The resultant mould can then be
machined to cater for channels, ejector pins, gates etc for
injection moulding. The end result is a very strong mould
which can be used to produce up to 100,000 copies.

Laser formed die mould

Vacuum Casting Rapid Tooling

This is the most common RT process because of its simplicity and low
cost. A master is formed in an RP system, normally Sterolithography
(SLA). This master is then suspended in a mould box and liquid
silicone rubber is poured over it under zero pressure in a vacuum. The
solidified rubber mould is cut open, the master is removed and gates
and runners are carved out. The mould is reassembled and placed in
the vacuum chamber. Once the air has been removed a polyurethane
resin is poured into the mould. This produces a copy which closely
represents the final product. The main drawbacks with Vacuum
Casting of Rapid Tooling is that the moulds have a short life, normally
30 copies, before the silicone degrades and that the silicone itself is
relatively expensive to buy and is not reusable.

Rapid Design & Manufacture: Summary

These processes include:
• Computer Aided Design (CAD);
• Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) with Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines
used to removing material;
• Rapid Prototyping (RP) where accurate and complicated 3D models are created by adding
material;
• Rapid Tooling (RT) where moulds and dies are produced from RP models.

These processes are used by industry to:

• Reduce the lead time between design and manufacture
• Ensure that components and products are thoroughly tested before going forward for final
manufacture
• Reduce costly mistakes and ensure that the design is “right first time”
• Allow products to be visualised and evaluated early in the design process.
Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 39
SECTION C: MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

Introduction
Product designers must know about the characteristics of a range materials and manufacturing
processes before they can recommend what is best for a particular product. As part of this
consideration a Product Designer must also think about the volume of production, equipment and
expertise available and how the manufacturer will organise:
• the movement of material and resources;
• the production process;
• the assembly of the product.

Production Planning
Production planning deals with the task of defining how a product is made. There are a number of
different techniques used to assist in the planning for the production of a new product. Each of these
techniques has different advantages but their purpose is the same, to allow a project to be planned and
analysed in order to ensure that the production is as fast and efficient as possible:

Flowchart: graphically showing the stages in the

production:

Dist. Time Chart

metre (Mins) Symbols Process Description
- Meat Patty in Storage
Ⅾ
1.5 .05 Transfer to Broiler
Ⅾ
2.50 Broiler
Ⅾ
.05 Visual Inspection
Process chart: the scientific analysis of the production Ⅾ
1.0 .05 Ⅾ Transfer to Rack
looking at the processes, movement, storage and quality .15 Ⅾ Temporary Storage
assurance of the production: .5 .10 Ⅾ Obtain Buns, Lettuce, etc.
.20 Ⅾ Assemble Order
.5 .05 Ⅾ Place in Finish Rack
Ⅾ
3.5 3.15 2 4 1 - 2 TOTALS
 = Operation;  = Transport;  = Inspect; D = Delay;  = Storage

Order Receive
Customer Product product

Process
Sales Order
Order

Production Wait
Gantt chart: a time line based approach where key control
Order

Product

personnel and / or processes are outlined: Plant A Print

WIP

Product

Warehouse Wait Wait Wait

WIP

Product

Plant B Extrude
WIP
WIP

Transport Move Move

12 days 13 days 1 day 4 days 1 day 10 days 1 day 9 days 1 day

52 days

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 40

Concurrent Engineering
One of the major goals of manufacturing industry is to reduce the lead-time, that is, the time between
the decision to build the product to its actual manufacture. If this time can be kept as short as possible
the company will be able to quickly respond to changes in the marketplace and maximise its sales.
Traditionally consecutive or over-the-wall engineering was used:

This process was very slow and often meant that an original design became degraded as it passed
through a series of separate departments. It either arrived too late or unsuited to the target market.
In order to reduce the lead time most companies now use concurrent or simultaneous engineering.
This brings together all the different specialists (marketing, design, production, quality assurance, sales,
accountants etc) in a team to work at the same time on the same project. Concurrent engineering
requires departments to work closely together, overlapping the steps in the development and
manufacturing which saves time and increases efficiency:
Research Design Manufacture Quality Distribution Sales
Control
Product Planning

Survey Research

Idea development

Planning for Manufacture

Testing

Advertising & promotions Planning

Consumer trials

Time

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 41

Just In Time (JIT) Production
Just In Time (JIT) or lean production was developed in Japan during the 1980s. Its aim is to reduce the
amount of stock kept and to ensure that the product is made in the exact quantity to satisfy the demand
at any given time.
Firms using the JIT have less capital tied up in raw materials, carry less stock and require less storage
space. The manufacturer need only start production once they have received an order and so they
have no stockpiles of finished goods waiting to be sold.
JIT requires a good relationship between the manufacturer and their suppliers. Suppliers have to be
flexible and able to respond immediately to manufacturers’ demands.

For example, the computer manufacturer Dell, because of its market share
can insist that all component suppliers will guarantee delivery within 2 hours
of a customer placing an order.
The goal of any JIT production system is to achieve the five zeros:
• Zero stock
• Zero lead time
• Zero defects
• Zero breakdowns
• Zero paperwork
These five zeros are almost impossible to achieve but they are targets to aim at. In practice,
companies carry a small amount of stock usually enough for a few days production. However, they rely
on fast, frequent and flexible delivery systems which can respond to their changing order books.

Quality Assurance (QA) & Quality Control (QC)

With the increased use of JIT production, with its emphasis on zero defects, many companies are
adopting quality assurance (QA) in place of the traditional quality control (QC).
Many people are confused about the difference between quality assurance and quality control. They
are closely related, but they are different concepts.
• Quality assurance: an ongoing set of activities designed to ensure that the production process
meets its objectives;
• Quality control: a set of activities that test and evaluate the product with the intention to find
defects.
The difference is that QA is process oriented and focuses on building in quality....and hence preventing
defects. While QC is product oriented and focuses on testing for quality....and hence detecting
defects.
So quality assurance makes sure you are doing the right things, the right way; while quality control
makes sure the results of what you have done are what you expected. If a company gets the QA
correct then, unlike QC, there will be no waste as faults will be rectified before defective products are
produced.

Quality Control (QC) it is

too late the product has
already been made!

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 42

One-Off Production
One-off production is a time consuming and expensive way to produce a product. It is most suited to
large, complex, one-off products such as found in civil engineering, aerospace, ship-building or original
hand crafted items.

The one-off reception desk for the Scottish

Parliament designed by David Colwell and
made out of sycamore and oak cost £88000
in 2004

One-off production does have the advantage that the product can be designed and made to suit the
exact needs of the client because each product will have its own particular specification.
In one-off production:
• the product is sold and paid for as soon, or even during, its manufacture;
• all design and development costs have to be covered by the income from the
single sale;
• a highly skilled workforce is required;
• the low production rate result in very high unit costs.

Mass Production
Mass-production is used to produce standardised products extremely quickly and very cheaply using
dedicated machines and moving assembly lines with an unskilled and semi-skilled workforce in large
factories.
Despite mass production being cost effective and a good way to make things in bulk, it has the
disadvantage that it can take a very long time to stop the process and alter the product. Mass
production thrived in the early half of the 20th century where there was stable demand and little product
variety.
At its peak, Henry Fords "any-color-as-long-as-it’s-black" Model T
car, which was the first mass produced consumer item, had a
57% market share. However, despite its very low price of $245,
it eventually lost its market position when competitors offered
colour paint and other options. Ford was slow to respond (mostly
because mass production’s key to success, hard tooling, labour
specialisation, and economies of scale) prevented it from offering
variety or adapting quickly to emerging trends.

The mass production of Ford’s model

T car kept costs very low but the
system is very inflexible and cannot
alter quickly to respond to changes in
the market place

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 43

Batch Production
Batch production is used to manufacture a number of identical products or components as a group in a
set period of time.
Batch production allows the manufacturer to quickly respond to market demand by changing the
product being made. For example, a car manufacturer may make a batch of 8,000 convertibles in the
early spring to meet the summer demand. Here all 8,000 chassis will be spot welded in the jig for
convertibles, then painted before finally going on to assemble line where the engine and interior are
added. Once this batch has been manufactured the company may go on to assemble another
specialised batch or return to producing their normal salon car.

Batch production where the one operation is completed on a

number of units, before they are then passed on to the next stage,
has the advantage that it allows for flexibility in the workforce and
a quick response to changes in the market place.

A bakery using batch production to

produce morning rolls for the
market place each day

Line Production
Line production is used to manufacture the product through a continuous process. Raw material enters
the production line and operations are performed on it in sequence until it goes out as a finished
product.
Individual work stations are arranged according to the sequence of operations necessary to complete
the product. The equipment and work force are dedicated to a particular process on the product line.
Line production is suitable for mass production and it has the advantage
of a very high production rate. The disadvantage of line production is that
there is a very high initial investment cost in the specialised tools and
machines. It tends to be inflexible and while it can be used for batch
production it may be difficult to produce great variations on the original
product without redesigning the line. Line balancing can also be difficult
in order to ensure that each stage or process takes an equal length of
time and help ensure the smooth movement of the product along the
production line.
Line production of generators

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Flow (Continuous) Production
Flow or continuous production is used in large-scale volume output where the degree of standardisation
is great and the demand for the product is consistent and long lasting. Flow production tends to be
highly capital-intensive and the process is often continuous often over 24 hours and 7 days a week.
On these production or assembly lines the very high cost of
specialised equipment, including automated control systems, keep
production rates extremely high and brings unit cost down to a very
low level.
Flow production is dedicated to a single product and no batch
production is possible. This system is used extensively by the food
industry.
Flow production used by bottling
plants

Cell Production
Cell or lean production is a relatively new approach to organising a manufacturing system. It is closely
associated with Just-In-Time (JIT) production.
The system groups the manufacturing and assembly processes into a number of cells. Each cell has a
team of workers who will carryout a range of different tasks involving multi-machine working and who
take responsibility for efficiency and quality assurance within their cell. Typically the cell layout is U-
shaped which keeps all the different operations compact with no unnecessary movement of materials
or personnel.
Cell production involves concurrent engineering where each
different cell is working on a separate process at the same time.
The output from each cell is brought together at the assembly cell
where the different parts are combined to form the finished
product.

Cell production provides a fast, flexible and efficient manufacturing

system which is suitable for small and large volume batches. If
planned correctly it will optimise resources and yield the best
products, with zero defects, in the fastest manner and at the Cell production with its typical
lowest cost. U-shaped design

Sub-contracting & Outsourcing

A sub-contractor is a person or company which provides goods or services to the manufacturer. Unlike
an employee, an independent contractor does not work regularly for the company. Some of the
advantages of using sub-contractors include;
• they have specialised knowledge and skills that the manufacturer does not have;
• they are brought in only when they are need at key stages in the development of a product;
• they are only paid when they are working on the project and receive no holiday or sick pay;
• if time is critical then more sub-contractors may be employed to finish the task quickly;
• they can free up the manufacturers workforce to do other tasks.
Outsourcing, such as purchasing off-the-shelf standard components, involves transferring control of the
manufacture of components, to another supplier. This transfer of control means that the specialised
supplier decides how the part will be manufactured and the company which buys this service/product
just specifies what the part has to do. Outsourcing is popular for two main reasons:
• the economies of scale that bring down unit costs dramatically when
very high volumes of production and sales are achieved;
• companies tend to concentrate on specialised fields where they have
the expertise, equipment and personnel to produce the product.

Duncanrig Secondary School - Manufacturing Processes 45