OVERVIEW

This teaching provides foundational knowledge in Mechanical Technology, with a particular focus on metallic materials and the main transformation processes. It explores the properties of metals, how they can be modified to meet specific application requirements, and their use in manufacturing components or finished products. A key topic is the relationship between material microstructure and mechanical properties, as well as the processes used to alter those properties. Standardized mechanical and technological tests are covered in detail, as they are essential for material classification and performance evaluation. Significant attention is devoted to plastic deformation and foundry processes, including sustainability-related aspects. The aim is to foster technical awareness oriented toward the responsible use of resources in industrial production contexts.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide the basic knowledge regarding the behavior of metallic materials, starting from the understanding of the influence of chemical composition and heat treatments on their physical-mechanical characteristics. An integral part of the course is also the study of the different types of processing for plastic deformation and foundry.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Regular attendance and active participation in the proposed educational activities, along with individual study, will enable students to:

• Classify and select materials based on their chemical-mechanical characteristics.
• Understand the main metallic alloys used in manufacturing processes.
• Familiarize with key testing methodologies to determine and compare material properties.
• Comprehend the characteristics of major plastic deformation and foundry processes, including key computational elements.
• Utilize simple theoretical models to evaluate forces and deformation work under appropriate simplifying assumptions.

Moreover, students will develop the ability to choose suitable production solutions for a given product, assess potential production issues, and gain general knowledge of manufacturing processes and production system management.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of chemistry and industrial drawing is required to effectively tackle the course content.

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching is delivered exclusively through class lectures.

Students with valid certification for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are encouraged to contact both the instructor and the Disability Representative of the Polytechnic School, Prof. Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it), preferably at the beginning of the teaching period. Alternative teaching and assessment arrangements can be agreed upon, in line with the learning objectives, to accommodate individual needs.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

After introducing the general concepts of material selection, phase diagrams are presented, with particular emphasis on the Fe-C phase diagram, and the influence of major alloying elements in metallic materials is analyzed.

It is explained how the mechanical properties of materials can be altered through appropriate heat treatments. The discussion concludes with an overview of standardized tests, which define the mechanical and technological characteristics of materials.

Next, the principles underlying plastic deformation and foundry processes are outlined.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the learning material is available on aulaweb

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/11438/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test with 3 questions: one on alloys, phase diagrams, and heat treatments; one on mechanical and technological tests; and one on manufacturing processes.

There will be 2 exams available during the winter session (mid-January to February) and 4 exams during the summer session (June, July, and September). Extraordinary exam sessions outside the specified periods in the Course regulations will not be granted, except for part-time students.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on exam preparation methods and the depth of each topic will be provided during the lectures. The oral exam will focus primarily on the subjects covered in class and aims to evaluate not only if the student has achieved an adequate level of knowledge but also if they have acquired the ability to critically assess the properties of major industrial metallic materials. Additionally, students will be asked to compare different types of processing methods for these materials from an economic and productivity standpoint. The exam will also assess the student's ability to articulate concepts clearly and with correct terminology.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please contact the teacher for any additional information not included in the course description.