Manufacturing requires integrating several engineering disciplines with design, science, technology, economics, metrology, communication, and research components. No single engineering discipline can supply the type of engineer needed for such systems integration; this needs to be accomplished by a team of specialists speaking a common language, that of manufacturing systems.

Rensselaer’s programs in manufacturing are based on the premise that all phases of the product life cycle should be integrated into a single design/manufacturing/service disposal or recycle system. Since designing a system that functionally integrates product design, quality, manufacturing, and marketing requires a multidisciplinary team of manufacturing specialists, structured programs of study that are built on one of the nation’s most extensive assortment of manufacturing-related courses frequently involve participation in projects with one of the Rensselaer research centers involved in manufacturing. These include the Center for Integrated Electronics, Electronics Manufacturing, and Electronic Media, the Center for Automation Technologies, and the Electronic Agile Manufacturing Research Institute. These centers offer challenging and industrially-relevant projects for students, unique laboratory and software facilities, and internship or co-op programs that provide excellent opportunities to practice manufacturing engineering. These, together with research projects in the academic departments, ensure a dimension to manufacturing engineering education that extends beyond the classroom experience.

Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory

Undergraduate students in mechanical engineering, industrial and management engineering, materials engineering, nuclear engineering and engineering physics, electrical engineering, and computer and systems engineering can participate in a two-course concentration in advanced manufacturing laboratory. The first course teaches technologies and methodologies by giving students hands-on experience with modern manufacturing equipment. This course exposes students to four primary technology and processing areas: robotics and automation, computerized numerical control, machining, metal working, and plastic injection molding. Secondary topics include: abrasive water-jet machining, thermoforming, and rapid prototyping.

The second laboratory course leads the student through the development of an actual minimanufacturing plant and the production, testing, pricing, etc. of a finished product. The course requires an integrated project approach to planning and producing a product using the skills developed in the first course. Students are split into groups of up to 15; structured as an industrial project team, each group is required to design and manufacture a product that uses the equipment from each of the laboratory’s four areas. Students are responsible for organizing work teams, designing the product (along with appropriate molds, dies, and fixtures), contacting vendors, and completing the project within a semester and within budget. While the students interact with faculty consultants and industrial partners, it is their responsibility to carry the project through to the manufacturing of their finished product.

Microelectronics Manufacturing

Graduate students in electrical engineering, computer and systems engineering, materials engineering, chemical engineering, and physics can specialize in microelectronics manufacturing through a program funded by a consortium of U.S. semiconductor manufacturers. A VLSI fabrication laboratory course allows these students to participate in the individual phases of the semiconductor manufacturing process in the clean room facilities of the Center for Integrated Electronics, Electronics Manufacturing, and Electronic Media. Specialized courses in VLSI design, semiconductor materials, electronic devices, and statistical process control are also part of the curriculum. Students receive the master’s degree in their respective departments and certification in microelectronics manufacturing.

Manufacturing Systems Engineering Degree Program

Rensselaer’s Department of Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems offers a unique Master of Science or Master of Engineering program in manufacturing systems engineering that was developed to educate students in the modeling, management, technological, and information systems aspects of the manufacturing function. The program stresses development of critical communications, practice, and research skills needed to function in the modern manufacturing environment. It teaches students to be resourceful in selecting modeling tools appropriate for specific problems, including the need to enhance this knowledge through lifelong learning. The program also develops the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain a systems perspective in problem solving that is consistent with the underlying strategic focus of a manufacturing system and teaches students to make full and effective use of information resources. The program supports concentrations in manufacturing information systems, manufacturing systems management, manufacturing systems modeling, manufacturing processes and technology, and manufacturing systems quality. For a detailed description of this program, see the Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems section of this catalog.

Manufacturing Programs via Distributed Learning

Rensselaer offers specially designed master’s degree and graduate-level certificate programs in manufacturing to working professionals who are unable to attend classes on campus though the Office of Professional and Distance Education. Courses are provided to industrial participants, alumni and individuals through the Internet, interactive videoconferencing, satellite broadcasts, and mailed videotapes. Distributed students adhere to the same admission procedures, course expectations, and graduation requirements as on-campus students.

Programs in manufacturing systems engineering and microelectronics manufacturing engineering lead to the Master of Science degree in Engineering Science. Programs in manufacturing management lead to the Master of Science in Management degree. All degree programs may be completed entirely through distributed learning. For those students who do not wish to pursue a full master’s program, certificates are awarded for the completion of four-course sequences in designated areas. Distributed students are also encouraged to accelerate their programs and expand the number of course options by coming to campus for one semester as a full-time student. This provides them with the full range of manufacturing courses and research opportunities described in other sections. For further information, please visit http://www.pde.rpi.edu.