An introduction to 3D printing

With this free online course, you get a 360-degree introduction to 3D printing where you learn about the technical, design and economic benefits of the technology – and much more. The course provides an overview of widespread technologies and materials and also looks at sustainability.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) - or 3D printing - is increasingly used as a production resource and thus no longer only for prototypes. Several independent analyses point to 3D printing as one of the manufacturing technologies that Danish industry can use to improve competitiveness and maintain Danish production jobs.

In this course, you get a 360-degree introduction to 3D printing as a manufacturing method, so you’ll get a better understanding of the technology. Thus, you are better equipped to assess when and how 3D printing could make sense to you. With the Danish Technological Institute as a course provider, you are also sure to get an independent and objective review of the technology.

Benefits

• Insight into the history of 3D printing as a manufacturing technology

• Overview of the advantages and limitations of using the individual 3D printing technologies

• Basic knowledge of materials and process steps

• An understanding of design for 3D printing - and what you should be aware of when designing for the technology.

• Knowledge of 3D printing in a sustainability context

• Insight into cost calculations as well as value chain considerations and impacts

Content

• History of 3D printing
  A historical look at how the technology started and how it has evolved over the years to the present day

• 3D printing technologies
  An overview of the various 3D printing technologies, including how they work, what materials they can use, advantages and disadvantages, and machine manufacturers

• 3D printing workflow
  A walkthrough of the entire 3D printing process - from digital model and preparation to printing and post processing

• Add value with design
  How can you add value by designing for 3D printing? We illustrate this with several different examples

• Design guide
  A look at why and how we design for 3D printing - based on a 10-step design guide

• 3D printing and sustainability
  Is 3D printing a sustainable technology - and how? We take a closer look at that here

• Economic perspectives
  An introduction to how you assess the economic perspectives of 3D printing - including cost calculations and value chain considerations

Duration

The course consists of 7 modules and can be completed in just under 2 hours.