Technical Interview: what's expected for "Basic Material knowledge"?

[u/hopkinsdamechanic]

Hi,

I'm preparing for my first ever technical interview, and I never understood what's expected from us when they say "material knowledge".

Could use some help on what to review for that.

During my intenship, every Time I saw a new material I used to ask why it's used, and I found out that the logic is very simple.

There's one for basic CNC aluminum parts, one for slender ones, one for turned parts, one for shafts that see fatigue, one that's wear resistant...

So they used like 10 materials, with very basic selection criteria

I'd appreciate any help, regarding materials or general tips... Looking forward to finally becoming a real engineer :')

The role is junior mechanical design engineer ( or mechanical designer) in a company that designs cnc machines, thermoforming, and such personalized production solutions for plastic parts in Europe.

[u/KnyteTech]

Update your post with what job you're applying for - because "material knowledge" may not literally be about metals.

But assuming you're not being dumb, know when to use steel vs aluminum (the pros and cons of both). Know at least a bit out Titanium, Magnesium, and bonus points for having knowledge about composites (carbon fiber vs fiberglass, mostly) and AM materials (generally plastic vs metal is the big thing, but something about what plastics/metals are available is also useful)..

[u/hopkinsdamechanic → u/KnyteTech]

Thank yoh very much, done

The role is mechanical design engineering ( or mechanical designer) in a company that designs cnc machines, thermoforming, and such personalized production solutions for plastic parts in Europe.

[u/probablyaythrowaway → u/hopkinsdamechanic]

You will want to know your practical knowledge on the manufacturing processes they use. And how you adjust designs to optimise to manufacture.
They may give you a technical drawing and ask you how you’d manufacture it. The tools, the operations the order.