Development Of The Laboratory Based Course In Lean Six Sigma Nanomanufacturing

We are developing a laboratoryand project-based Lean Six Sigma Nanomanufacturing course under an NSF Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement Grant, Type 1. The laboratoryand project-based course will teach Applied Engineering Technology (AET) students nanomanufacturing by combining hands-on nanotechnology laboratory experiments and Six Sigma analysis with lectures on Lean manufacturing principles and implementation. AET students will be introduced to nanotechnology principles, projects, and laboratory procedures by working with leading faculty members through classroom instruction, guest lectures, and field trips. During an 11-week term, the following laboratory projects will be implemented to simulate nanomanufacturing processes: production of CdSe quantum dots; electrodeposition of magnetic Ni nanowires; fabrication of organic LEDs; and fabrication of TiO2 nano solar cells. The laboratory experiments will be supported by various analytical techniques, such as fluorescence and electron microscopy; Raman and UV absorption spectroscopy; dynamic light scattering; optical transmission and reflection measurements; and atomic force microscopy, among others. Analysis techniques will generate suitable data sets for quality engineering and statistical process control using Lean Six Sigma methods. The course will be developed in the format of educational modules. Selected modules will become available to community colleges collaborating with Drexe University, as well as middle and high schools through outreach programs supported by the Drexel’s AET faculty and staff. Introduction and Objectives Lean Six Sigma approaches represent the state-of-the-art in manufacturing operations. The combined disciplines of Six Sigma Quality Management and Lean Operations can be applied to a nanotechnology laboratory and project based course to teach modern industrial engineering and quality control principles as applied to nanomanufacturing. The intended audience is Applied Engineering Technology (AET) students, as well as other undergraduate science, engineering, and technology majors. The course is comprised of laboratory tasks and projects to synthesize and characterize nanomaterials, such as quantum dots and nanowires; and to fabricate and evaluate nanoscale devices, such as nanocrystalline solar cells and organic LEDs. Laboratory projects simulate nanomanufacturing operations, and are structured in a Six Sigma framework, wherein methods of Six-Sigma Quality Assurance and Process Optimization are made an integral part of the course. The laboratory and its operation are organized on Lean Principles of production. Our educational objectives are four-fold: 1. To introduce students to nanotechnology, including hands-on experience with synthesizing nanomaterials and fabricating nanodevices; 2. To instruct students in analytical methods to characterize, assess, and qualify these nanomaterials and devices; 3. To teach Six Sigma quality methods as applied to nanomaterials, processes, and devices; P ge 15422.3 4. To expose students to the principles of Lean Manufacturing in a laboratory setting that simulates a small manufacturing enterprise performing low-volume, high-product-mix production.