MM4RPD-E1

MM4RPD-E1

The University of Nottingham
Malaysia Campus

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL, MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

A LEVEL 4 MODULE, SPRING SEMESTER 2012-2013

RAPID PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Time allowed ONE Hour and THIRTY Minutes




Candidates may complete the front cover of their answer book and sign their desk card but
must NOT write anything else until the start of the examination period is announced

Answer Question 1 in Section A and ONE question in Section B

Only silent, self contained calculators with a Single-Line Display are permitted in this
examination.

Dictionaries are not allowed with one exception. Those whose first language is not English
may use a standard translation dictionary to translate between that language and English
provided that neither language is the subject of this examination. Subject specific translation
dictionaries are not permitted.

No electronic devices capable of storing and retrieving text, including electronic dictionaries,
may be used.

DO NOT turn examination paper over until instructed to do so



ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: None



INFORMATION FOR INVIGILATORS:

Question papers should be collected in at the end of the exam do not allow candidates to
take copies from the exam room.










Turn over
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2

SECTION A

(worth 60% of the total marks)


1. (a) Product Development involves several key stages, describe the potential use of
Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies at each stage and evaluate their
potential impact on the product development cycle overall.
[20 marks]


(b) A manufacturer of sunglasses has recognised a market for bespoke (custom
made) sunglass frames. They have heard of 3D printing in the media and have
approached you, as an expert, for advice.

Propose an appropriate AM technology for the company to invest in.

i) Describe, with the aid of a labelled diagram, how the process works.
[15 marks]


ii) Critically evaluate the advantages and limitations of both the chosen
process and the materials used for the companys new bespoke product.
[15 marks]


iii) Suggest areas for future process improvement that the company should
plan for.
[10 marks]
























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SECTION B

(Only answer ONE question worth 40% of the total marks)


2. (a) Virtual prototyping (VP) techniques can be a valuable part of the Rapid Product
Development toolbox. Using a specific example of a VP technique, demonstrate
the significance of VP in product development.
[20 marks]


(b) Analyse the need for prototyping activities in the context of new product
development and identify the limitations of traditional prototyping approaches
compared with rapid prototyping.
[20 marks]



3. (a) Critically analyse the similarities and differences between the Stereolithography
(SLA) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) processes.
[20 marks]


(b) How does the more extensive use of Additive Manufacturing processes impact
the design of new products? Give an example of a new product that could be
achieved as a result of the use of AM.
[20 marks]

























End