Course Topics
Tolerancing and errors Mechanical components Joints and connections Bearings Assemblies 2D-CAD

Teaching format
Lectures; exercises; explanations supported by the use of a 2D-CAD application (AutoCAD)

Educational objectives
Knowledge and understanding 1) tolerances and errors in mechanical parts 2) functioning of machine elements within mechanical systems 3) representation of main machine elements and assemblies 4) usage of a 2D-CAD system for technical drawings of mechanical systems Applying knowledge and understanding 5) applying drawing standards correctly 6) approaching the design of mechanical structures 7) identification of criticalities and alternatives in mechanical systems Making judgements 8) pointing out pros and cons with respect to the choice of tolerances and surface roughness values in mechanical components 9) evaluating which machine elements are best integrated in complex technical systems, according to constraints and expected performances 10) evaluating which CAD functions are most supportive and pertinent according to the scopes of technical representation Communication skills 11) using the appropriate terms for the illustrated mechanical components and their variants 12) describing the function of the illustrated mechanical components in an effective way Learning skills 13) Ability to autonomously extend the knowledge acquired during the study course also through a project run independently

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
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Assessment
The assessment will be made based on a project of a mechanical assembly, which will be then discussed during an oral examination. The latter might include other questions and exercises related to the presented contents. The project will be proposed by the student and agreed on with the lecturers. The assembly and its parts will be drafted (i.e. represented accordiing to the rules of technical drawing along with dimensions and tolerances) through the used 2D-CAD software and then transformed into pdf files (one file for each assembly and parts requiring drafts). The assessment will take into account the quality of the project, the correctness of the representations made in line with the rules and standards of the technical drawing, the answers to the questions asked during the oral examination. Dates, deadlines, and further project requirements will be communicated during the course. Summative assessment: 70% Project (addressed Learning Outcomes 1-6, 13) 30% Oral exam (addressed Learning Outcomes 7-12)

Evaluation criteria
In line with the addressed Learning Outcomes 1-6, the evaluation criteria of the project include the correctness of the drawing in terms of representation and choice of mechanical components, the accurate indication of tolerances, the effective use of the 2D-CAD system. Students will be encouraged to explore the integration of mechanical components that have been treated in the course (Learning Outcome 13). In line with the addressed Learning Outcomes 7-10, students will be asked, during the oral exam, to justify their choices, indicate alternatives, show their proficiency in the use of the 2D-CAD system. The oral exam will also test communication skills with particular reference to the correctness of the used technical language and the capability of describing the mechanical function of components and assemblies (Learning Outcomes 11, 12). The oral exam will also serve to verify the actual commitment of each student in the presented project.

Required readings

Slides and other materials provided by the lecturers during the course. All materials will be shared in the repository used (MS Teams).

Supplementary readings

To extend the knowledge of mechanical components and assemblies, many handbooks are available.

The most updated one, coping with standards that apply in Italy, is "Vademecum per Disegnatori e Tecnici" (Baldassini, Fiorineschi), 24th edition.

Further information
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