In production engineering, raw materials are transformed into finished products in a safe and efficient manner. A production engineer can work in a variety of fields and hold a variety of titles, such as industrial engineer, production manager, or production engineering assistant.
Core Concept I – Math
It is only through advanced mathematics concepts that production engineering can be achieved. Matrix algebra techniques are used by production engineers in practical manufacturing applications. In order to understand common limitations arising from manufacturing-based mathematical modeling, they need an understanding of infinite series and their convergence.
As an example, they may study integral tests and comparison ratios, as well as absolute and conditional convergence. In engineering applications, production engineers learn about improper integrals and error functions. Variables are analyzed using partial derivatives, homogeneous functions, implicit functions, and undetermined multipliers.
Core Concept II – Materials Science
Production engineers are knowledgeable about materials science in relation to industrial manufacturing, aeronautical design, mechanical engineering, and production applications. The science of mechanical properties includes tensile tests, fatigue tests, strain hardening, creep resistance, grain refinement, deformation mechanisms, and critical stress intensity determination.
In phase diagramming, we use single-component and multi-component systems, eutectic and peritectic phase diagrams, as well as level, phase, and tie-line rules. The study of materials also includes ferrous alloys and heat treatment, so production engineers are familiar with phase transformations, hypereutectoid steels, and iron-carbon equilibrium diagrams. Materials used in electronic devices include semiconductors, dielectrics, polarization mechanisms, and superconductors.
Fibres, ceramics, base alloys, metallic glasses, liquid crystals, and reinforced metals and plastics are among the materials and their applications.
Core Concept III – Engineering Chemistry
Most production engineers study engineering chemistry, regardless of their career goals. It covers thermodynamics, such as entropy, free energy, pressure, temperature, and gas processes. It includes advanced concepts such as Clausius-Clapeyron equations and Helmholtz and Gibbs free energy functions.
In polymer chemistry, molecular weights, polymer classifications, polymerisation degrees, and natural and synthetic materials are considered. Reaction velocity, molecular reactions, and reaction order are all concepts in kinetics. Fluorescence, phosphorescence, and internal conversion are photochemical processes, along with radiation absorption, electromagnetic spectrum, and electronic and vibrational transitions.
Sample Job Description
The duties of production engineers will include designing materials, processes, and work flows. These duties are performed using drafting tools and design software such as CAD. In order to make appropriate adjustments to the design, they solicit feedback from colleagues or clients. It is their responsibility to inform management about the progress of the design process and the project.
In the beginning of the project, they estimate the production costs and recommend cost-saving measures. Management must be informed of any mandatory design changes and determine their financial impact. In order to find the right balance between cost, safety, and quality, production engineers must develop efficient design and manufacturing methods.
It may be the responsibility of senior production engineers to schedule production, so they must be able to meet deadlines and targets. Administration duties also include quality control, operations planning, and purchasing related to production.
Those who wish to become production engineers must have a Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering. On the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, you can learn more about engineering careers and their degree requirements.