3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Specialization Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This specialization provides a comprehensive introduction to 3D printing and additive manufacturing, blending technical knowledge with strategic business insights. Designed for beginners with some engineering or design background, the course spans six modules totaling approximately 17 weeks of part-time study (2–3 hours per week). Participants will explore core AM technologies, design principles, industrial applications, and economic considerations, culminating in a final project that applies key concepts to real-world manufacturing challenges.
Module 1: Introduction to Additive Manufacturing
Estimated time: 9 hours
- History and evolution of additive manufacturing
- Basic principles of 3D printing
- Overview of AM process categories
- Case studies in aerospace, automotive, and healthcare
Module 2: Additive Manufacturing Processes and Materials
Estimated time: 9 hours
- Material extrusion techniques
- Powder bed fusion processes
- Photopolymerization methods
- Comparison of materials and process selection
Module 3: Digital Manufacturing and Design
Estimated time: 9 hours
- CAD modeling for 3D printing
- Using slicing software
- Digital design workflows
- Preparing models for print
Module 4: Applications of 3D Printing in Industry
Estimated time: 9 hours
- Use of AM in aerospace
- Medical and healthcare applications
- Automotive industry implementations
- Consumer goods and mass customization
Module 5: Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)
Estimated time: 9 hours
- Topology optimization
- Part consolidation strategies
- Lightweighting techniques
- From concept to prototyping
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Evaluate ROI of an AM solution
- Analyze feasibility for a business case
- Present a DfAM concept with economic justification
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with basic engineering design concepts
- Basic understanding of CAD software
- Interest in manufacturing or product development
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Explain core additive manufacturing technologies and processes
- Design parts optimized for 3D printing
- Apply AM techniques in industrial contexts
- Analyze cost and scalability of 3D printing solutions
- Create and justify a design-for-manufacturing concept