CAD/CAM and Additive Manufacturing (MSK550)

The course aims to provide advamced understanding in principles and applications of computer-assisted technologies in the mechanical engineering discipline. It starts with the mathematical description of geometric modelling techniques and covers the important activities and processes in a product's life cycle such as CAD/CAM software, optimization, additive manufacturing technologies, principles of flexible manufacturing systems, concepts of concurrent engineering, reverse engineering and virtual manufacturing, process control, Computer numerical control (CNC), part programming, introduction to automation in manufacturing systems


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

See course description and exam/assesment information for this semester (2024-2025)
Facts

Course code

MSK550

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

NB! This is an elective course and may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled by August 20th for the autumn semester.

Introduction to computer-aided technologies in engineering field, principles of geometric modeling, mathematical basics for product models, examples in using advanced CAD/CAM software, generating 3D-CAD (volume) models for free-form objects, rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing (layer manufacturing) technology, design for additive manufacturing and topology optimization. exchange of design data. Reverse engineering and virtual manufacturing. Design optimization, automation and control of industrial processes. Computer numerical control (CNC) machines programming (MAZATROL),  computer aided process planning (CAPP), group technology (GT) and cellular manufacturing. Introduction to Coordinate measuring machine (CMM).

NB! This is an elective course and may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled by August 20th for the autumn semester.

Learning outcome

Upon attending this course, the student is expected to have

  • the overview of main computer-aided tools in mechanical engineering
  • knowledge about the mathematical basics of different geometric modeling techniques
  • advanced understanding of concepts within design, manufacturing, optimization, automation, mechanical system modelling and additive manufacturing
  • general understanding of the interaction between CAE tools in design and manufacturing
  • sufficient skills in using 3D modeling tools, exchange of design and manufacturing data and rapid prototyping tools
  • general understanding about the additive manufacturing technology
  • knowledge about CAPP and related algorithms
  • general understanding about CNC systems and different programming techniques
  • knowledge about application of CAE concepts within the context of discrete type manufacturing (e.g. car) and continuous type production (e.g. Oil and Gas)
  • knowledge about design optimization and competence in using optimization tool boxes for example, in MATLAB. 

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

Basic knowledge in machine design, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), production and manufacturing engineering and applied mathematics. Competence in MATLAB programming is an advantage.

Exam

Report and written exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written exam 7/10 4 Hours Letter grades Valid calculator
Report 3/10 6 Weeks Letter grades All

Coursework requirements

Presentation of projectwork, Mandatory assignments

To take the written exam for this course, the student should must get the following approved:

  • 4 out of 6 theory/computational assignments
  • 2 practical exercises 

In addition, the student must present the project work. The presentation must be conducted in advance of submission of the report and it must be approved to pass the report. 

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Hirpa Gelgele Lemu

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Johan Andreas Håland Thorkaas

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Emil Mannes Surnevik

Head of Department:

Mona Wetrhus Minde

Method of work

Lectures (4 hrs/week), exercises (2 hrs/week) and project work. Most of the exercises and the project work are conducted using a CAE tools.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Computer-aided Engineering (MOM380_1) 10

Open for

For students with background in Mechanical Engineering.

Admission requirements

Must meet the admission requirements of one of the study programmes the course is open for.

Course assessment

The faculty decides whether early dialogue should be conducted in all or selected groups of courses offered by the faculty. The purpose is to gather feedback from students for making changes and adjustments to the course during the current semester. In addition, a digital evaluation, students’ course evaluation, must be conducted at least once every three years. Its purpose is to collect students` experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto