Course Details

Exam Registration565
Course StatusOngoing
Course TypeCore
LanguageEnglish
Duration4 weeks
CategoriesMechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Processes and Technology
Credit Points1
LevelUndergraduate/Postgraduate
Start Date16 Feb 2026
End Date13 Mar 2026
Enrollment Ends16 Feb 2026
Exam Registration Ends27 Feb 2026
Exam Date25 Apr 2026 IST
NCrF Level4.5 — 8.0

Master the Fundamentals of Manufacturing: A Guide to the Metal Cutting & Machine Tools Course

In the world of mechanical and manufacturing engineering, a deep understanding of metal cutting and machine tools is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a postgraduate student, or a professional looking to solidify your core knowledge, finding a comprehensive, authoritative, and structured resource is key. The NPTEL course "Metal Cutting and Machine Tools" by Prof. Asimava Roy Choudhury of IIT Kharagpur is precisely that resource.

This meticulously designed 4-week program condenses essential principles and advanced concepts into an accessible 10-hour format, making it perfect for intensive learning. Let's explore what makes this course an invaluable asset for anyone in the manufacturing sector.

About the Instructor: Learn from an IIT Kharagpur Expert

The course is led by Prof. Asimava Roy Choudhury, a distinguished professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at IIT Kharagpur. With a robust academic background including a B.E. from Jadavpur University, an M.Tech. and Ph.D. from IIT Kharagpur, Prof. Choudhury brings decades of expertise to the table.

His research interests are directly aligned with modern manufacturing challenges:

  • Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
  • Direct Slicing in Rapid Prototyping
  • Non-Traditional Manufacturing Processes
  • Laser Coating of Surfaces

Learning from an instructor with such profound industry-relevant experience ensures that the course content is both theoretically sound and practically applicable.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is intentionally designed to cater to a wide audience, bridging the gap between academic theory and industrial practice.

  • Intended Audience: Undergraduate and Postgraduate students in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Industrial Engineering.
  • Industry Support: The course is highly relevant for professionals across all metal cutting and manufacturing industries, providing foundational knowledge crucial for roles in production, process planning, and machine tool operation.

Course Overview: What You Will Learn in 4 Weeks

The course is structured to build your knowledge from the ground up, starting with the theory of metal cutting and progressing to advanced machine tools and automation.

Detailed Course Layout

WeekTopics Covered
Week 1
  • Introduction to Metal Cutting
  • Geometry of Single Point Turning Tools (Part A & B)
  • Different Types of Cutting Tools
  • MCQ Discussion for Reinforcement
Week 2
  • Mechanism of Chip Formation
  • Calculation of Cutting Forces
  • Measurement of Cutting Forces
  • Tool Wear and Tool Life
  • MCQ Discussion
Week 3
  • General Purpose Machine Tools: Lathe
  • Milling Machine and Grinding Machine
  • Drilling and Shaping Machines
  • Alignment Tests for Radial Drilling Machine
  • MCQ Discussions
Week 4
  • Gear Cutting Machines
  • Fixed Automation
  • Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machines
  • Non-Traditional Machine Tools & Rapid Prototyping
  • Final MCQ Discussions

Key Learning Outcomes and Benefits

By the end of this 4-week journey, you will gain a holistic understanding of:

  • The Science of Cutting: Master tool geometry, chip formation mechanics, and the factors influencing cutting forces, tool wear, and tool life.
  • Machine Tool Proficiency: Gain descriptive and operational knowledge of essential machine tools like lathes, milling machines, grinders, and drills.
  • Modern Manufacturing Exposure: Dive into the world of automation with modules on Fixed Automation and CNC machines. Explore advanced processes like Gear Cutting, Non-Traditional Machining (e.g., EDM, Laser), and Rapid Prototyping.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: The course emphasizes numerical problem-solving, ensuring you can apply theoretical concepts to practical calculations relevant in industry settings.
  • Concept Reinforcement: Weekly MCQ discussions help test your understanding, clarify doubts, and solidify key concepts.

Essential Reference Materials

To complement the video lectures, Prof. Choudhury recommends several authoritative texts, allowing for deeper dives into specific topics:

  • Metal Cutting – Theory and Practice by A. Bhattacharya
  • Machining and Machine Tools by A. B. Chattopadhyay
  • Manufacturing Science by A. Ghosh and A. K. Mallik
  • NPTEL lectures on metal cutting - http://nptel.ac.in/downloads/112105127/

Why Enroll in This Course?

This course is more than just a series of lectures; it's a structured pathway to mastering the core of manufacturing engineering. Offered for free through the NPTEL platform by one of India's premier institutes, it represents an exceptional opportunity to learn from the best. Whether you are preparing for exams, kickstarting your career, or seeking to upskill, the knowledge gained here in tool design, machining processes, and modern CNC technology will be directly applicable and highly valued in the global manufacturing industry.

Take the next step in your engineering education. Enroll in "Metal Cutting and Machine Tools" today and build a strong, future-ready foundation in manufacturing technology.

Enroll Now →

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