Contact ALIC: alic@allegheny.edu

Additive Manufacturing 1

$625.00

This course explores the principles and practical applications of additive manufacturing (3D printing) within industrial settings. Students will learn about common additive processes (FDM, SLA, SLS), material selection, design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), and post-processing techniques. Emphasis is placed on how additive technologies integrate with traditional manufacturing workflows to support rapid prototyping, tooling, and low-volume production.

March 10 – April 2, 2026
Tuesdays and Thursdays
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Course Content:

  • Overview of 3D printing processes and applications
  • Understanding materials used in additive manufacturing
  • Key considerations for designing printable parts
  • Setting up and calibrating 3D printers
  • Using slicing software to prepare models for printing
  • Printing and troubleshooting simple parts
  • Diagnosing and resolving common printing issues
  • Cleaning, assembling, and finishing printed parts
  • Exploring real-world applications of 3D printing
  • Introduction to advanced 3D printing technologies
  • Assessing the environmental and economic impact of 3D printing
  • Designing, printing, and presenting a 3D printed part

 

Applications and Hands-On:

  • Exploring 3D printed sample parts
  • Material property comparison for different applications
  • Creating a basic part using CAD software
  • Calibrating a printer and printing a test model
  • Slicing a model and adjusting print settings
  • Producing a functional prototype
  • Fixing print errors on live projects
  • Post-processing a printed model
  • Analyzing successful case studies
  • Overview of advanced printed parts
  • Cost-benefit analysis of 3D printed vs. traditional parts
  • Group presentations of final projects

 

Resources Provided:

  • 3D printers
  • Slicing software
  • Sample print files