Additive Manufacturing 1

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.

Course Dates TBD

Categories: Manufacturing Innovations, Additive Manufacturing

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