Manufacturing Engineering: Definition and Purpose

Abstract

Manufacturing engineering.is that branch of professional engineering requiring such education and experience as is necessary to understand and apply engineering procedures in manufacturing processes and methods of production of industrial products. It requires the ability to plan the practices of manufacturing ; to research and develop tools, processes, machines, and equipment; and to integrate the facilities and systems for producing quality products with the optimal expenditure of capital. Manufacturing engineering embraces the activities in the planning and selection of the methods of manufacturing, development of the production equipment , and research and development to improve the efficiency of established manufacturing techniques and the development of new ones. These' activities include but are not limited to: 1. Fac1lities planning, including processes, plant layout, and equipment layouts. 2. Tool and equipment selection, design, and development. 3. Value analysis and cost control relating to manufacturing methods and procedures. 4. Feasibility studies for the manufacture of new or different products with respect to the possible integration of new items into existing facilities. 5. Review of product plans and specifications, and the possible changes to provide for more efficient production.