Integration of manufacturing into mechanical engineering education curricula

This paper focuses on enhancing the integration of manufacturing principles and concepts within curricula in mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology education programs. The field of manufacturing engineering covers the broad spectrum of topics derived from the definition, "Manufacturing requires that a modification of the shape, form, or properties of a material that takes place in a way that adds value"1. The ASME's Vision 2030 surveys of industry engineering supervisors and early career mechanical engineers have illustrated that the curricula of mechanical engineering and related programs have an urgent need to enhance students' comprehension of 'how things are made and work,' e.g., the knowledge and skills needed to design and efficiently produce products via high-performance systems.2 This paper focuses primarily on a model for the manufacturing field called The Four Pillars of Manufacturing Knowledge, developed by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and how it can inform and guide mechanical engineering education.3 Broader issues and resources related to enhancing manufacturing education are also presented.