It is essential to specify standard procedure in material selection during engineering design. Like almost anything in science, there is first a clear definition of the problem. Then, designers conduct background research to determine material suitability for the product.
Then, we proceed to clarify requirements, putting everything is as clear terms as possible. Then there is brainstorming to evaluate and decide on which material will be a viable solution considering the objectives of this product. Only then can a prototype follow.
The next logical step is to test the solution against requirements. If the solution holds up against the conditions, or if it meets most requirements or not, a communication pipeline collects the results.
Sometimes, there is the fulfillment of only some or even none of the requirements. Depending on the results and data, the design will incorporate changes. New prototypes will emerge for testing. The latest data also undergoes review, and this process repeats if necessary.
Flexible electronics have shown us that the materials that make things up to drive today’s product innovations. Selecting proper materials for different components is one of the most challenging tasks in engineering activity. The way to select materials is traditionally by wading through literature and materials datasheets.
The development of information technology is the driving force behind the change in engineering work. Engineering work is no longer the mere arduous task of browsing catalogs and guides. It is also about defining queries in database applications.
This approach has dramatically advanced the material selection process. However, it did not eliminate issues with obtaining information from large data sets, as designers often encounter.
Material selection is the pinnacle of the engineering design process. The evolution of engineering materials is the result of the need to elevate the structural and non-structural properties of a material.
More than eighty thousand materials exist on the market. Each of these has descriptions based on several properties. These properties may be mechanical, physical, chemical, economic, and so forth.
Design engineers have the task to conduct several tests and material analysis. These tests are physical and virtual (using 3D solid modeling and simulation in CAD). Their goal is to identify the best material alternative.
A virtual test through simulation of a 3D prototype of the actual design will assess how suitable the materials are for the design. They will also evaluate design features for the intended operational conditions on the component.
These factors that are essential to select a material for engineering include:
- The ease of manufacture.
- Prevalent environmental factors
- Cost of the material
- Physical properties
- Chemical properties
- Mechanical properties
On the other hand, significant mechanical attributes include:
- Tensile strength
- Yield strength
- Impact strength
- Compressive strength
- Shear strength
- Fatigue limit
- Ductility
- Roughness and friction coefficient
- Fracture toughness
- Plasticity
- Resilience
Design engineers often employ a variety of approaches for material selection, such as conducting screening based on class to fulfill design requirements. After meeting these requirements, the search continues until finding a suitable variation that suits the design.
A divergent approach to material selection is finishing the manufacturing process first and then choosing a material that complies with the selected process while meeting the design requirements.
One could never know the full scope of material selection in product design. Thus, engineers must embrace the challenge of material selection in the design of a new product.
Certified Manufacturing Technologist Certificate (CMfgT):
Recognizes competence in the fundamentals of manufacturing. This certification is offered by SME administers qualifications specifically for the manufacturing industry. Qualified candidates for the Certified Manufacturing Technologist Certificate (CMfgT) must pass a three-hour, 130-question multiple-choice exam. The exam covers math, manufacturing processes, manufacturing management, automation, and related subjects. Additionally, a candidate must have at least four years of combined education and manufacturing-related work experience. This is also offered as a web course and exam is 2-hour sessions conducted on the Internet with projected visuals and interactive audio.
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE):
Recognizes a more comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing processes and practices. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) is an engineering qualification administered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Dearborn, Michigan, USA. Candidates qualifying for a Certified Manufacturing Engineer credential must pass a four-hour, 180 question multiple-choice exam which covers more in-depth topics than does the CMfgT exam. CMfgE candidates must also have eight years of combined education and manufacturing-related work experience, with a minimum of four years of work experience. This course is being offered as web course as well. The exam is 2-hour sessions conducted on the Internet with projected visuals and interactive audio.
Certified Engineering Manager (CEM):
Recognizes leadership of technical activities. The Certified Engineering Manager Certificate is also designed for engineers with eight years of combined education and manufacturing experience. The test is four hours long and has 160 multiple-choice questions. The CEM certification exam covers business processes, teamwork, responsibility, and other management-related categories. This certification by SME grants advance placement for select courses at Wales college in this Degree Programs.
- Master of Science in Managing
- Manufacturing Operations (MMO)
- Master of Science in Management (MSM)
Lean Bronze Certification (LBC):
This certification exam has two parts or phase. The Phase one is Exam and second phase is portfolio. Exam content is linked to the Lean Bronze Body of Knowledge. Candidates are expected to successfully pass the 172-question, 3-hour exam before moving to the portfolio phase. Lean Certification candidates continually exercise their Lean knowledge by participating in activities in which they apply Lean principles and tools. At the Bronze-Level, practitioners demonstrate their experience through the development of their Lean portfolio. 80 hours of education/training, five tactical projects, and portfolio reflection within a three-year timeframe after the exam.
Professional Engineering Manager (PEM)
This Two-Day course is expected to prepare candidates for the Professional Engineering Manager (PEM) Exam. The following Body of Knowledge topics will be presented and discussed: change management, produce, service, and process development, engineering projects, process management, financial resource management, marketing, sales, communications management, leadership, organizational management, professional responsibilities, ethics, and legal issues.
PRT Certification:
PRT (Parts Fabrication) Certification is a program that allows fabricating parts without design responsibility under ASME, BPV certificate holders. ASME recognizes that not all parts manufacturers are involved in fabrication activities that requires them to design (including developing stress calculations and analysis required by the BPV Code), and therefore PRT certification created a time and resource- saving alternative for the suppliers. PRT certification would be a benefit as the number of qualified parts suppliers in the marketplace would increase — and provide with more quality choices. Elevating supply chain to the quality and safety standards that would be optimal for competing at the highest levels – both domestically and internationally. Open New Doors of Opportunity as ASME BPV Certification is recognized throughout the world. In fact, over 7000 organizations in 95 different countries are ASME BPV Certification holders.
