Level 2 Engineering Manufacture Cambridge National

This subject is broken down into 32 topics in 4 modules:

  1. Developments in Engineering Processes 8 topics
  2. Engineering Processes and their Application 9 topics
  3. Impact of Modern Technologies on Engineering Production 7 topics
  4. Properties and Uses of Engineering Materials 8 topics
Study this subject in the Adapt App →
  • 4
    modules
  • 32
    topics
  • 12,227
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

A preview of Level 2 Engineering Manufacture Cambridge National in the Adapt app

Adapt is a revision planning app with full content coverage and unlimited past paper questions for 1,200+ GCSE and A Level subjects.

Study this subject in the Adapt app →

Engineering Manufacture

Developments in Engineering Processes

3D Printing

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

3D Printing

Introduction to 3D Printing

  • 3D Printing, also known as additive manufacturing, refers to the process of creating a three-dimensional object from a digital file.
  • It involves constructing an object by laying down successive layers of a given material until the complete object is formed.
  • 3D printing enables the production of complex geometries and structures that are impossible with traditional manufacturing methods.

Components & Operation of 3D Printers

  • A typical 3D printer consists of several key components, including the printing head or extruder, the building platform and 3D printer software.
  • The extruder is responsible for heating the printing material (often a type of plastic, resin or metal) to a semi-liquid state and depositing it in precise amounts.
  • The building platform, usually movable, allows for the object to be constructed layer by layer.
  • 3D printer software or slicer software cuts the 3D model into horizontal slices (layers), generates toolpaths to fill these layers and calculates the amount of material to be extruded.

Types of 3D Printing Technologies

  • There are several types of 3D printing technologies, of which the most common are Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).
  • FDM builds parts by melting and extruding thermoplastic filament, which is then laid down layer by layer in cross-sectional slices.
  • SLA uses an ultraviolet laser to selectively cure a photosensitive resin.
  • SLS uses a high-power laser to fuse small particles of polymer, metal, ceramic, or glass powders into a solid structure.

Applications of 3D Printing

  • 3D Printing is used across a wide range of industries, including aerospace, medicine, automotive, construction and even fashion.
  • In the medical field, 3D printing is used to produce custom prosthetics, dental implants and even bioprint human tissues.
  • In the aerospace and automotive industries, 3D printing is used for producing prototypes, parts and tools, often resulting in lighter and more efficient designs.
  • In the construction industry, 3D printing is emerging as a practical method for building structures, including houses and bridges.

Benefits and Limitations of 3D Printing

  • 3D printing has numerous benefits, including rapid prototyping, customisable products and reduced waste.
  • Rapid prototyping allows designs to be tested and modified more quickly and cheaply compared to traditional methods.
  • 3D printing facilitates personalised or customised production without significantly increasing manufacturing costs.
  • This technology is beneficial for sustainable manufacturing since it produces less waste materials compared to subtractive manufacturing methods.
  • Limitations of 3D printing include printing speed, material limitations and legal and safety concerns associated with creating 3D products.

Course material for Engineering Manufacture, module Developments in Engineering Processes, topic 3D Printing

Engineering Manufacture

Engineering Processes and their Application

Basic Engineering Processes: Surface Finishing

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Basic Engineering Processes: Surface Finishing

Surface Finishing: An Overview

  • Surface finishing is an essential engineering process used to improve the appearance, adhesion or wettability, solderability, corrosion resistance, tarnish resistance, chemical resistance, wear resistance, hardness, modify electrical conductivity, remove burrs and other surface flaws, and control the surface friction of a manufactured product.
  • The process involves the alteration or application of a layer to the surface of a product.
  • These techniques can help to improve the functionality and longevity of a product.

Types of Surface Finishing

  • There are a range of surface finishing techniques, including polishing, sanding, plating, and painting.
  • Polishing is used to create a smooth, reflective surface by rubbing it or using a chemical action.
  • Sanding is used to smooth or clean surfaces by abrasion with sandpaper.
  • Plating involves coating a surface with a thin layer of metal.
  • Painting is a common technique used to apply liquid paint to a surface for decorative or protective purposes.

Tools and Equipment used in Surface Finishing

  • Various tools can be used in surface finishing, including polishing machines, sandpaper, paintbrushes, spray guns, and plating tanks.
  • Polishing machines and sandpaper are used to smooth surfaces.
  • Paintbrushes and spray guns are used for painting processes.
  • Plating tanks are used to submerge and coat items with a layer of metal during a plating process.

Safety Considerations in Surface Finishing

  • Safety in surface finishing is vital. Accidents can occur if the processes are not carried out correctly.
  • Protective clothing, including gloves, aprons, and face masks, should be worn to prevent contact with harmful chemicals or materials.
  • Respiratory devices may be necessary to protect against dust and fumes.
  • Fire safety is important when dealing with flammable materials like paint or solvents.
  • Always abide by proper handling and disposal methods for chemical waste.

Advantages of Surface Finishing

  • Increases the durability and longevity of a product by providing resistance to wear, corrosion, and tarnish.
  • Enhances aesthetic appeal of a product by improving smoothness, sheen, colour, and overall visual appearance.
  • Facilitates better electrical conductivity or insulation depending on the process used.
  • Increases adhesion of certain materials, which can be particularly useful in bonding or soldering applications.

Limitations of Surface Finishing

  • Surface finishing processes can be time-consuming, adding to overall manufacturing time.
  • Some processes like plating and painting may involve the use of hazardous chemicals, requiring stringent safety measures and waste disposal protocols.
  • Extra costs are associated with the necessary equipment and materials for surface finishing.
  • It may not be necessary or cost-effective to apply surface finishing for internal components or parts that are not exposed to external environments.

Course material for Engineering Manufacture, module Engineering Processes and their Application, topic Basic Engineering Processes: Surface Finishing

Can I trust Adapt’s expertise?

Adapt is already used by over 600,000 students and trusted by over 3,000 schools. Our exam-specific content and assessments are meticulously crafted by expert teachers and examiners.

Find out more about the Adapt app →

Planner

An always up-to-date revision timetable.

A personalised, flexible revision timetable that stays up-to-date automatically.

Content

All the exam resources, in one place.

Over 20,000 topics broken down into manageable lessons with teacher-written, exam-specific lessons.

Assessment

Past-paper questions, with instant feedback.

Unlimited past paper questions with instant examiner feedback on how to improve.

Progress

Track progress, together.

Progress tracking to stay motivated, with real-time updates to the Parent Portal.

Download the app today to start revising for free.