This free online course begins with an overview of the applications of additive manufacturing (AM), including prototyping, tooling, and part repairs. These applications give you an idea of what AM is used for and the categories under such use falls. We then examine different available AM materials and the parameters that define their properties. We analyze the use of metal powder as an AM material and investigate their manufacture, testing techniques, process flow chart and various chemical compositions. We then go over other considerations to bear in mind when selecting AM material.

The course then moves on to laser powder bed fusion, a popular AM method, and we break down its parameters, interactions and impact. We then analyze quality control in 3D printing, identifying all production quality angles and requirements aimed at ensuring customer satisfaction. The course explores other areas like material safety data sheets (MSDS), powder management, powder re-use, mixing rules and certifications by governing bodies (for example, the global National Aerospace and Defense Contractors’ Accreditation Programme).

We then study extrusion-based 3D printing and compare the ‘direct’ and Bowden extrusion methods before discussing the stringing of molten filament, the sectoral spread of extrusion AM interventions and their applications and so on. The course covers the metal powder characterization and manufacturing techniques and explores metal injection moulding, powder properties and requirements, challenges facing the AM industry and some practical case studies of notable companies’ efforts. This course can hone your 3D printing skills and provide a detailed understanding of this important new technology that can put you ahead of the pack and keep you there.