IO-3 - Quality Control and Part Validation

Content developed by UNIVERZA V LJUBLJANI Slovenia

This module considers the quality assurance needed to validate AM manufactured components for specific engineering sectors such as aerospace, medical and automotive etc.

This module looks at the full process control sequence needed from goods-in/raw material checks to post validation methodologies, necessary to ensure parts are "fit for purpose". A cause and effect approach is favored, and analysis of the potential consequences of non-conformance.

Methods and approaches

This module aims to develop knowledge in:

• Investigating, detecting and proposing solutions associated with unfamiliar complex problems associated with quality defects within ALM based engineered components;
• The relevant scientific principles to solve complex problems. In this instance be able to apply and justify the methodology to be adopted in order to quality assure raw material and finished product when applied to the manufacture of machined and AM parts for specific market sectors such as the automotive, aerospace and medical sectors;
• The ethical, social, legal, environmental and commercial issues associated with the importance of quality and reliability of components.

Competences to be developed by students

The module will present students with the available analysis tools associated with part measurement and validation such as but not exclusively:

• Use of destructive and non destructive testing;
• The measurement of quality and reliability associated with ALM manufacturing technologies;
• The mastering of the use of key equipment such as the particle size analyser, CT scanning, 3D scanning, touch trigger probing and grey scale analysis;
• The demonstration of their ability to synthesise knowledge, experiences and understanding in order propose and justify solutions to open ended problems and defect resolution;
• The quality systems architecture and associated reporting and monitoring required.

Innovation

Project work will be the central pillar of the module. Industrially relevant case study material will be used to emulate real life quality issues and consequences of poor organisational control of quality associated with ALM processes. Innovative delivery methods are used for the case study project where the virtual learning platform can be exploited and investigation can be on going in multiple locations with the results shared and disseminated.

Impact

Open educational practice available for replication potentially in all engineering HE institutions in Europe.

Transferability potential

The intention is that this module and its content will be used for the Masters award and in addition can be used as a standalone module for CPD, upskilling and platform for industry to develop new management skills associated with ALM process adoption.