Introduction to 3D Printing

About the Program

This course prepares nontechnical individuals in the basics of rapid prototyping by utilizing common computer aided design (CAD) techniques as well as prototype manufacturing techniques. The curriculum will provide participants with the tools and understanding necessary to materialize ideas into physical products via additive manufacturing which is commonly referred to as "3D printing".

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to take an idea, analyze the potential to use CAD and 3D printing to produce a desired component, and ultimately fabricate functional prototypes.

Career Potential

We have a few manufacturing companies in the Reading, PA area who are looking into additive manufacturing. They are looking for applicants with experience in 3D Printing as well as those that can consider the advantages or disadvantages for the company.
Source: Burning Glass Technologies’ Labor Insight™ Real-time Labor Market Information tool.

Course Outline

Overview of the difference between subtractive and additive manufacturing.
Current methods of additive manufacturing and state of the industry
Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD) Methodology for Additive Manufacturing
Introduction to Fusion Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printers and subsequent operations
Safety overview and ethical concerns regarding additive manufacturing
Review of CAD
Practice component design for additive manufacturing
Review of 3D Printer operations
Fabrication of practice component by individual participants
Participants leave with their component
Review of safety and ethical concerns
Open Lab time for both design and fabrication

Meet the Instructor

Joseph Sinclair is the founder of Solid Dynamics, LLC, a successful rapid prototyping firm in central PA. Joseph has spent years in the trenches of the Additive Manufacturing industry with positions at institutions that include Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratories CIMP-3D Facility and Imperial Machine and Tool Company. While at Solid Dynamics, LLC, he spent most of his time learning the strengths and weaknesses of his fleet of 3D-Printers to better understand where improvements could be made. This led to the creation of Solid Innovations, LLC and the first version of what has now become PerceptEngine, the Additive Manufacturing industry’s first automated monitoring platform. Joseph is currently working towards his Master of Engineering in Additive Manufacturing and Design at Penn State University.

Course Offerings