About Precision Engineering – Beng in Limerick Institute of Technology

What is the programme about?

Precision engineering is involved with the design, manufacturing and measurement of highly specified parts for the medical, aerospace, automotive, oil and gas exploration and related industry. This Level 7 degree in Precision Engineering has been designed with industry to respond efficiently and effectively to the needs of the Precision Engineering industry. 

Students learn how to work effectively with both manual and CNC machines to produce parts from an initial design to a final product. Parts are designed using CAD systems to develop solutions to engineering problems and when completed the accuracy will measured specialised measurement equipment such as co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM). Learners will work as individuals and in groups on a variety of industrial standard engineering projects.

This Degree programme, developed with industry, is an active learning programme with the application of theory in workshop/labs with hands-on experience on state-of-the-art CNC machines, CAM software and metrology equipment. Students some of the newest CNC technology such as Fanuc Robodrill (3 axis milling machine) Spinner 5-axis milling machine, Mazak twin spindle lathe with milling capability. 

This three-year programme can be completed as a full time programme. Alternatively, students can take second year and third year on a part time basis. Student can work three days per week and attend two days per week. Students taking the programme on a part-time basis take two years to complete one academic year. It is recommended that first year be taken on a full-time basis.

Programme graduates will work as precision engineers in world class manufacturing and production environments and will be highly skilled in areas of CNC machining, CAD/CAM, metrology and material selection methods. 

Features of the programme

• Students will work on work class equipment, software and projects.
• Industry sending staff onto this programme on a part-time basis to develop knowledge.
• Build your knowledge from the basics to complex processes through high practical content in manual and CNC Machining.
• Metrology and Six Sigma content aligned to the ASQ Yellow and Green belt qualifications.
• Allows for maximum learning and self-development; work offline and develop skills, knowledge and competence.
• Develops a deep knowledge of materials, design and manufacture through the utilisation of modern technology.
• Developed in conjunction with world class companies in response to a shortage in highly skilled qualified engineers.
• Uses industrial equipment to solve real industrial problems; 5 axis machining, Twin spindle lathe work with driven tooling, high speed machining strategies.
• Facilitates progression to Level 8 programmes within LIT and other colleges/universities.

Programme Aims:

A person who has completed this programme will be able to:

• Design & develop complex CNC programmes using CAD/CAM technology to produces complex 3-dimensional components.
• Determine the required properties of components and select the correct materials to meet the design needs.
• Interpret engineering drawings and carry out model based inspection of components using CMM and VMM technology.
• Utilise manual and industrial CNC machines to produce complex parts to produce these parts.
• Drive process improvements/capacity increases through new technology / equipment selection and specification.
• Validate requirements on new equipment introductions / processes / process changes.
• Preparation and maintenance of all relevant manufacturing specifications.
• Support manufacturing process development to meet project milestones and to allow operations to meet their targets.
• Work on projects that involve individual skills and groups work to solve engineering problems.
• Support key business metrics with ongoing process improvements and introduction of new manufacturing processes and technologies.

Jobs Include

Graduates will typically be employed in one of the following roles:

• Precision engineer in a world class machining environment
• Applications engineer utilising CAD/CAM to maximise utilisation of machines tools
• Design Engineer and Development of Complex components
• Manufacturing engineer
• Production engineer
• CNC machinist and programmer
• Materials engineer
• Process control engineer
• Equipment test engineer/technician
• Engineer in the medical device, human implant, and Life Sciences Industries

Entry Requirement

Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 5 Passes in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English/Irish. 
Candidates applying as mature applicants will be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

Advanced Entry 
Level 6 Craft Certificate (trade) or equivalent such as Fitting or Toolmaking Candidates who hold a Senior Trade Certificate and/or National Craft Certificate with appropriate endorsements or examination attainments in a cognate area will also be considered for advanced entry into Year 2 or 3, subject to a satisfactory interview.

CAO

Please visit www.cao.ie for further information on how to apply to this course.

IELTS score for entry to undergraduate courses a minimum score of 5.5