- Docente: Alfredo Liverani
- Credits: 6
- SSD: IIND-03/B
- Language: Italian
- Moduli: Alfredo Liverani (Modulo 1) Alfredo Liverani (Modulo 2)
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 1); In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 2)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Mechanical Engineering (cod. 6721)
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from Sep 14, 2026 to Dec 17, 2026
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from Sep 17, 2026 to Dec 17, 2026
Learning outcomes
The student will acquire the methodological tools for the systematic design of the industrial product. The study and application of Simultaneous Engineering techniques, supported by the most advanced CAx and PLM systems, are aimed at the development and management of complex products in their life cycle from the planning and conceptual design of the technical solution. The student will then be instructed and will experiment with the most advanced techniques of product development through practical exercises, cultured in the organizational reality of a technical office dedicated to the design of functional groups and articulated mechanical parts.
Course contents
The course deals with the main aspects related to the development and engineering of a complex project, from functional sketches, able to describe the initial concept, to the technical documentation of the finished product. In particular, the following topics are illustrated:
1) The concept of product
a) The industrial product and the types
b) Mass production and the customer-driven product
c) The life cycle of the product
2) Product development and project management
a) Top-down and bottom-up design
b) Definition of project specifications
c) PDM / PLM systems and their use in the project
d) Concurrent Engineering
e) Functional design and management of tree groups
in the DMU
f) Design for X
g) Lean design
h) Lightweight design
3) Representation and production aspects
a) Error control call (roughness and tolerances)
b) Development of the product for the removal of shavings
and product development for production through
additive manufacturing: geometric problems
(latex structures, etc. ...)
c) Hybrid production systems
4) Product engineering problems
a) The bill of materials (BOM)
b) Management of part codes
c) Standard and non-standard components
d) Commercial components
e) Standardization problems
f) Management of variants and product range
g) Design of the range variants and their integration
in PLM systems
h) product modularization
i) product standardization through implementation
of model reusage supported by PLM systems.
5) Methods of optimization of the product and of the geometry
a) Traditional and non-conventional optimization methods
b) TRIZ and QFD
c) Topological optimization
6) Economic aspects of the product
a) Costification of the parties
b) Access costs
7) Technical documentation
a) Exploded representation
b) The assembly manual
c) The use and maintenance manual
Readings/Bibliography
All slides are available at:
Progettazione e sviluppo di prodotto. Karl T. Ulrich, Steven D. Eppinger, Roberto Filippini, McGraw-Hill Education, EAN: 9788838663970
Product Design for Manufacture and Assembly, Third Edition. Geoffrey Boothroyd, Peter Dewhurst, Winston A. Knight. CRC Press, Dec 8, 2010 - Technology & Engineering - 712 pages.Design for Manufacturing Handbook, Second Edition, James G. Bralla, 1986, McGraw Hill.
Product Design and Development, Fifth Edition, Karl T. Ulrich and Steven D. Eppinger, 2012, McGraw-Hill
Product Design for Manufacture and Assembly, Third Edition. Geoffrey Boothroyd, Peter Dewhurst, Winston A. Knight. CRC Press, Dec 8, 2010 - Technology & Engineering - 712 pages.
Design for Manufacturing Handbook, Second Edition, James G. Bralla, 1986, McGraw Hill.
Product Design and Development, Fifth Edition, Karl T. Ulrich and Steven D. Eppinger, 2012, McGraw-Hill
A practical guide to Design for Additive Manufacturing, Olaf Diegel, Axel Nordin, Damien Motte, 2019, Springer, Singapore, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-8281-9
Teaching methods
Lectures in the classroom with the use of transparencies and other digital media useful for contextualization of topics.
The knowledge of constructive "setting up" (manual or CAD) according to European normatives is considered strictly preliminary.
The exercises consist of exercises carried out by the lecturer and exercisers aimed at developing some mechanical components.
During the course exercises can be assigned to deepen the techniques of product development.
Assessment methods
The learning assessment consists of a two-and-a-half-hour written exam (taken individually) carried out using a CAD system. It involves creating a mechanical assembly and the components required to perform the specified function, selecting suitable commercial components, and producing at least one technical drawing.
The oral exam will take place on a different date published on Almaesami. It will cover the theoretical part of the course and will consist of at least two questions on different topics.
The grade, expressed on a 30-point scale, will be assigned overall based on both the written and oral exams.
The procedures for online exams are published on Virtuale (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).
Teaching tools
Teaching material, information notes and other indications on the specific Virtuale section dedicated to the course.
Note. As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 on Health and Safety online.
Links to further information
Office hours
See the website of Alfredo Liverani
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.