BSIE, Furniture Manufacturing Focused Courses
[ IE 330 | IE 331 | IE 430 | IE 431 ]

This four-course sequence in the BSIE,FMO curriculum offers a cohesive set of classes that build upon one another to provide students with practical, detailed knowledge of furniture manufacturing operations. ------

IE 330 - Furniture Product Engineering
Students examine the techniques of product engineering and its role in determining product quality and manufacturability. Students learn to translate a furniture design into a set of engineering specifications that support efficient manufacturing of the product. The application of computer-aided design and engineering systems is emphasized in the computer-based product development, specification, and evaluation activities. IE 330 replaces Materials 201 in the standard BSIE.

IE 331 - Furniture Manufacturing Processes I
This course provides students with an understanding of the principles of wood machining processes and the capabilities of modern production woodworking equipment. Students learn to develop efficient process plans (machining sequences) based on product characteristics such as part geometry, material composition, and production volume. Students are introduced to computer-controlled machining and integrated manufacturing systems. These fundamentals are the foundation for the next two courses in the sequence. IE 331 replaces IE 316 in the standard BSIE.

IE 430 - Furniture Manufacturing Processes II
Students undertake an intensive design project that involves the analysis and specification of the manufacturing systems required to operate a furniture manufacturing plant profitably. Based on a set of actual product drawings and estimated annual volume, a detailed quantitative analysis determines the proper floor space, machinery and manpower requirements, support systems, and operational policies for these systems. Machinery selection and specification issues are discussed in the context of product requirements, materials content, manufacturing lot sizes, and desired customer service levels. IE 430 is taken instead IE 401 in the standard BSIE.

IE 431 - Furniture Manufacturing Facilities Design
Students complete the design of an integrated furniture manufacturing facility by developing a highly detailed plant layout using the quantitative specifications for the factory developed in IE-430. They develop, via computer graphics, a physical arrangement of the production departments as well as manufacturing support and auxiliary systems. Equipment selection/arrangement, materials handling systems, storage systems, and space utilization techniques are discussed. IE 431 replaces IE 453 in the standard BSIE.