Students: Design for manufacturing (detail design and lean thinking)

Mentors: Design leadership development (management experience)

University: Design infrastructure development (equipment and proposals)

Principles of lean manufacturing are introduced that provide a systematic process for identifying and eliminating non-value activities (waste) in production processes. Students learn these principles through a series of mini-projects in the mechanical engineering shop, an all-day factory simulation workshop, and tours to local industry.

This course introduces students to lean principles and their application in manufacturing. Despite its successful application in select industries for many years, lean manufacturing remains an emerging and growing methodology. Students that develop a fundamental understanding of lean principles and machining operations will be able to apply their knowledge directly in the senior design course and will be positioned to market these desirable abilities to potential employers in the future.

This course also provides opportunities to interact with local industry and lean manufacturing experts through a hands-on factory simulation workshop, facility tours at regional manufacturing facilities, and guest presentations.