Training activity information
Details
Produce and test a mechanical component
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Tensile/mechanical testing
- Integration into a larger device
- Manufacturing methods
- Functional testing
- Validation of CAD modeling
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the specifications and tolerances for the mechanical component you will produce?
- What testing will be performed to assess its functionality and accuracy?
- What materials and manufacturing techniques will you use?
- Do you have experience with the chosen manufacturing method?
- What measuring tools will you use for testing? Are there any relevant design standards or guidelines?
- What insights do you hope to gain about the practical aspects of producing a mechanical component to a given specification, and the challenges of ensuring accuracy and functionality through testing?
- What do you already know about mechanical design and manufacturing?
- Will you review the design drawings and specifications?
- Will you gather the necessary materials and tools?
- Have you discussed your production and testing plan with your training officer?
In action
- As you produce the mechanical component, what manufacturing techniques are you employing and why are they suitable for the design and materials?
- When testing the component, what performance characteristics are you focusing on evaluating? How are you conducting these tests?
- If the component fails to meet the required specifications during testing, what immediate adjustments or further investigations are you considering?
On action
- Summarise the mechanical component you produced and the tests you performed.
- What did you learn about the process of producing a mechanical component?
- What manufacturing techniques did you use?
- How did you test the component to evaluate its performance or functionality?
- Were there any challenges in the production or testing process?
- What did you learn from these?
- How does the ability to produce and test mechanical components relate to healthcare technology innovation?
- What aspects of your mechanical component production and testing skills could be enhanced?
- How will you approach future mechanical engineering tasks?
- What are your next steps in learning more about materials science and manufacturing processes?
- What resources (e.g., engineering handbooks, CAD/CAM software) would be helpful?
Beyond action
- Have you produced and tested other mechanical components since this DTA?
- Have you compared the physical properties and performance of your component with any design specifications or simulations?
- Have you considered the manufacturing processes and material properties involved in producing the component?
- How has this experience influenced your understanding of mechanical design, manufacturing, and testing?
- Have you applied the skills of producing and testing components in other technical activities?
- Has your appreciation for the practical aspects of mechanical engineering in healthcare technology grown?
- What practical mechanical engineering skills did you develop?
- How has this experience informed your approach to understanding and working with mechanical components in medical devices?
- What actions will you take to further develop your skills in mechanical design and testing?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 6 |
Outcome
Produce basic hardware and software for mechanical and electrical systems. |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Use suitable tools for measurement and analysis. |
| # 8 |
Outcome
Plan and perform verification and validation of solutions. |