Diploma in Tooling, Processes and Production Launch
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in tooling, processes and launch to production: 8 modules covering industrialisation planning with APQP, tooling and moulds, manufacturing processes, process validation, PPAP and supplier approval, production start-up and ramp-up, and lessons learned, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Plan the industrialisation of a product using APQP.
Specify and track the development of tooling and moulds.
Design manufacturing processes supported by simulation.
Validate processes with capability studies and run at rate.
Manage part and supplier approval through PPAP and VDA 6.3.
Lead production start-up and ramp-up with safe launch strategies.
Capture lessons learned for future launches.
Who it's for
- Industrialisation engineers taking products from design to the plant.
- Process engineers designing and validating manufacturing lines.
- Launch managers coordinating pilot series and ramp-up.
- Tooling engineers following moulds, dies and fixtures through try-out.
- Supplier quality engineers handling PPAP and VDA 6.3 audits.
- Production planners preparing capacity and launch schedules.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the automotive sector.
What you'll work with
- IATF 16949 (automotive quality management system)
- AIAG APQP (advanced product quality planning)
- AIAG PPAP (production part approval process)
- VDA 6.3 (process audit)
- AIAG-VDA FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis handbook)
- VDA RGA (maturity level assurance for new parts)
- AIAG MSA (measurement systems analysis)
- ISO 22514-2 (process capability and performance)
- Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation
- Siemens Process Simulate
- AutoForm
- Autodesk Moldflow
- Minitab
8 modules
1.1Phases of a new product launch1.2Advanced product quality planning (APQP)1.3Supplier maturity (VDA RGA)1.4Tooling and process schedule1.5Plant resources and capacities1.6Launch risks1.7Cross-functional teams1.8Communication between engineering and the plant1.9Launch indicators1.10Case study: master launch plan for a model
2.1Types of tooling: moulds, dies and fixtures2.2Tooling specification2.3Injection mould design2.4Progressive stamping dies2.5Welding and clamping fixtures2.6Simulation of forming processes2.7Mould trials and try-out2.8Tooling corrections and adjustments2.9Ownership and maintenance management2.10Lab: try-out analysis of a mould
3.1Stamping and presses3.2Body-in-white welding3.3Painting and surface treatments3.4Injection moulding and plastics processes3.5Final assembly3.6Battery and electric motor lines3.7Automation and robotics3.8Plant layout and flows3.9Process simulation with a digital twin3.10Practical exercise: simulation of an assembly station
4.1Machine and process capability4.2Preliminary capability studies4.3Measurement system analysis4.4Run at rate and cycle-time validation4.5Validation of special processes4.6Control plan4.7Process FMEA (AIAG-VDA)4.8Work instructions4.9Operator training4.10Practical exercise: run at rate validation plan
5.1PPAP and submission levels5.2VDA production process and product approval5.3Process audit to VDA 6.35.4Initial samples and their evaluation5.5Supplier monitoring during launch5.6Non-conformity management5.7Escalation and containment5.8Customer-specific requirements5.9Change communication5.10Case study: review of a PPAP file
6.1Prototypes, pre-series and pilot series6.2Ramp-up curve and targets6.3Problem management at start-up6.4Containment and safe launch6.5Quality indicators during ramp-up6.6Launch logistics6.7Managing variant complexity6.8Process stabilisation6.9Handover to series production6.10Practical exercise: safe launch plan for an assembly line
7.1Analysis of launch problems7.28D problem solving7.3Lessons learned and knowledge bases7.4Continuous improvement and kaizen7.5Lean manufacturing at start-up7.6Launch cost management7.7IATF 16949 requirements7.8Post-launch audits7.9Preparing the next project7.10Case study: analysis of a delayed launch
8.1Product definition8.2Industrialisation plan8.3Tooling plan8.4Process design8.5Validation plan8.6Supplier approval plan8.7Ramp-up plan8.8Risk analysis8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Delivered 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, Siemens Process Simulate, AutoForm, Autodesk Moldflow and Minitab, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: simulation of processes and assembly stations, run at rate validation on a pilot line and review of PPAP files. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final capstone project.
Standards covered: IATF 16949, AIAG APQP, AIAG PPAP, VDA 6.3, AIAG-VDA FMEA, VDA RGA, AIAG MSA, ISO 22514-2.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, Siemens Process Simulate, AutoForm, Autodesk Moldflow and Minitab, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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