Production and Manufacturing Engineering
“Production engineering and manufacturing engineering are linked to the creation of products. Typically, a production engineer will focus on the systems used, whilst a manufacturing engineer’s focus is on the processes that allow the systems to work.” Tomorrow’s Engineers: From Idea to Career
What is 3D printing
This video looks at 4 different types of manufacture (subtractive, forming, casting and additive) with a particular focus on additive manufacture (3D printing) and how it could be used in future to make new shapes that were previously not possible.
The video features Professor Tim Minshall, Head of the Institute for Manufacturing at the University of Cambridge. It works as a useful revision video or as an introduction video for manufacturing processes and 3D printing.
Sorting Solutions
This resource explores the need for objects to be sorted during production or in systems such as recycling centres. Students are asked to build a sorting system, using simple materials (e.g disposable cups, netting, tape, string.)
Design at the Intersection of Technology and Biology
This TED talk from designer and architect Neri Oxman explores how digital fabrication technologies can interact with the biological world. Working at the intersection of computational design, additive manufacturing, materials engineering and synthetic biology, her lab is pioneering a new age of symbiosis between microorganisms, our bodies, our products and even our buildings.
STEM Club Activity: the whole package
This group activity involves designing and manufacturing smart packaging which uses thermochromatic pigments to show that the food product is at the correct temperature.
Going loco for cocoa
This video shows Aoibheann Hurley, a project engineer working at Nestle. She works out how to put together or improve a production line to make great chocolate on a large scale.
Project engineer: Nestlé
Aoibheann is a project engineer and she works out how to put together or improve a production line to make great chocolate on a large scale. She tested Toffee Crisps to make sure they were right for consumers when she started at Nestlé before moving on to the coffee-making process, which is where she works now.
Temperature Matters
Inspired by the Born to Engineer video from George Edwards, a young engineer whose understanding of temperature measurement helps him to create a newly engineered product, this resource supports students to increase their understanding of engineering by learning about temperature control and its importance in the manufacturing process.
Manufacturing engineer: Rolls-Royce
Craig manufactures the components that go in Rolls-Royce’s powerful jet engines. He learned his trade on an apprenticeship, which he says was the ideal way to pick up the hands-on skills he uses in his job now.
Designing the future
This interactive online game and series of lessons contextualise computer-aided design (CAD) within current engineering practice and digital technologies, by following the development of a new product. An excellent resource to demonstrate the variety of roles and functions within a factory and how a product goes from an idea to manufacture.
Digital industries
This set of three mini-interactive online games from Siemens explore a variety of digital industries:
- Cybersecurity
- Internet of Things
- Digital Twins
Each module gives a general overview of the subject and interactive activities to engage the pupils in the topic. At the end of each module there is a challenge to take away and complete, a section highlighting careers in the specified digital industry and an interactive quiz.
Engineering Skills Development
This is a CPD tool designed for teachers but some elements might also be suitable for some students to use. It explores a basic understanding of what engineering thinking is and how it links to design thinking.
