Materials and Processes 1

Course Description

ETI1830C — Materials and Processes 1 is a combined lecture and laboratory course (indicated by the "C" suffix) within the Engineering Technologies > Industrial Systems Technology taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). This course provides coverage of the characteristics, fundamentals, and manufacturing properties of materials, including metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Students examine the interrelationships of structure, property, performance, and material selection as applied to real-world industrial and manufacturing contexts. Metal-casting, shaping, and forming processes are studied alongside the machines and tooling used in modern manufacturing environments. Both chip-producing and non-chip-producing manufacturing processes are covered. Laboratory activities reinforce lecture concepts through hands-on application using standard industrial equipment and measurement tools.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe the fundamental characteristics and properties of major engineering material categories: metals/alloys, polymers, ceramics, and composites.
• Explain the interrelationships among material structure, properties, performance, and processing (the materials tetrahedron).
• Differentiate between chip-producing (subtractive) and non-chip-producing (forming/casting) manufacturing processes and identify appropriate applications for each.
• Select appropriate engineering materials for specified industrial applications based on mechanical, physical, and chemical properties.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using standard laboratory tools, instruments, and testing devices relevant to materials evaluation.
• Apply safe laboratory practices consistent with OSHA standards and industrial safety requirements in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Describe metal-casting, shaping, and forming processes and identify the machinery and tooling associated with each.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, the following outcomes may also be addressed:

• Evaluate materials from the perspective of sustainable manufacturing and environmental impact.
• Apply basic quality control concepts to material inspection and process evaluation.
• Interpret engineering drawings and material specifications used in manufacturing documentation.
• Discuss emerging and advanced materials (e.g., smart materials, nanomaterials) and their potential industrial applications.
• Analyze the economic factors involved in material selection and process planning.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are commonly covered across Florida college offerings of this course:

• Introduction to Engineering Materials — Classification of materials; atomic structure and bonding; structure-property-performance relationships.
• Ferrous Metals and Alloys — Carbon steels, alloy steels, cast irons; heat treatment effects; mechanical properties (hardness, tensile strength, ductility).
• Non-Ferrous Metals and Alloys — Aluminum, copper, titanium, magnesium alloys; applications and selection criteria.
• Polymers and Plastics — Thermoplastics vs. thermosets; elastomers; polymer processing methods (injection molding, extrusion, blow molding).
• Ceramics and Glass — Properties, types, and industrial uses; forming and firing processes.
• Composite Materials — Fiber-reinforced composites; matrix materials; fabrication methods and industrial applications.
• Non-Chip-Producing Processes — Casting (sand, die, investment); forging; rolling; extrusion; drawing; sheet metal forming.
• Chip-Producing (Machining) Processes — Turning, milling, drilling, grinding; cutting tool materials and geometry; machine tool operation and safety.
• Material Testing and Inspection — Hardness testing (Rockwell, Brinell); tensile testing; non-destructive testing (NDT) overview; surface finish measurement.
• Laboratory Safety and Shop Practices — Personal protective equipment (PPE); OSHA regulations applicable to manufacturing labs; hazardous materials handling.

Optional Topics

The following topics may be covered based on program focus and available laboratory resources:

• Sustainable and Green Manufacturing — Material lifecycle, recyclability, and environmental considerations in material selection.
• Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) — Introduction to additive processes; comparison with traditional subtractive methods; materials used in additive manufacturing.
• Quality Control Fundamentals — Statistical process control (SPC) basics; inspection methods; tolerance and fit.
• Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Overview — Introduction to CNC machining and programming concepts.
• Welding and Joining Processes — Overview of welding types (MIG, TIG, resistance); adhesive bonding; mechanical fastening.
• Emerging and Advanced Materials — Smart materials, shape-memory alloys, nanomaterials; brief survey of current industrial R&D.

Resources & Tools

• Textbook (Typical): Manufacturing Engineering and Technology by Kalpakjian & Schmid, or Fundamentals of Modern Manufacturing by Groover — both are widely adopted for this level of coursework.
• Laboratory Equipment: Hardness testers (Rockwell/Brinell), tensile testing machines, metallographic microscopes, metal lathe, milling machine, drill press, and hand tools.
• Safety Standards: OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry) standards; campus-specific laboratory safety manuals.
• Standards References: ASTM International material standards; ASM Handbooks (Metals Handbook series) for reference.
• Software (Optional): CAD/CAM software (e.g., Autodesk Fusion 360) for process planning exercises; materials selection software (e.g., CES EduPack).
• Canvas LMS: Used at most Florida colleges for course delivery, assignments, and assessments.

Career Pathways

Completion of ETI1830C supports entry-level and advancement opportunities in Florida's high-growth advanced manufacturing and industrial technology sectors. Relevant career pathways include:

• Manufacturing Technician — Applying knowledge of materials and processes on the production floor.
• CNC Machinist / Operator — Setting up and operating computer-controlled machine tools.
• Quality Control / Quality Assurance Technician — Inspecting materials and finished parts for conformance to specifications.
• Process/Production Technician — Supporting and optimizing manufacturing workflows and material handling.
• Materials Testing Technician — Performing mechanical and physical property tests in industrial or laboratory settings.
• Engineering Technology (A.S.) Program — This course is a core component of the A.S. in Engineering Technology at multiple Florida colleges, supporting transfer pathways to B.S. or B.A.S. programs in Engineering Technology or Applied Science.

Special Information

Industry Certification Preparation: Course content aligns with standards established by the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC). Successful completion of this and related ETI courses may make students eligible to sit for the MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) credential, a nationally recognized manufacturing certification. Students should consult their program advisor for the specific course sequence required for CPT eligibility at their institution.

Laboratory Fee: A lab fee is typically required for this course to cover consumable materials and equipment maintenance. Confirm the current fee schedule with the institution's business office prior to enrollment.

"C" Course Designation: The "C" suffix in ETI1830C indicates a combined lecture and laboratory course that meets in the same location at the same time, integrating theory and hands-on practice in a single instructional block, per Florida SCNS guidelines.