3D Printing Hardware from Coursera

This course will provide an in-depth exploration of desktop 3D printing hardware. It will examine the history of desktop 3D printing and demonstrate how 3D printers are made and how they work. This course will also provide step-by-step instructions for how to use and repair a 3D printer. It will also explore the different types of materials that can be 3D printed and will demonstrate how you can create various objects using these tools and materials. Learners who complete this course will be able to successfully operate, repair, and upgrade a 3D printer. In addition, learners who enroll in the course certificate will be able to purchase a desktop 3D printer at a discounted price (provided by Ultimaker).

If you enjoy this business course and are interested in an MBA, consider applying to the iMBA, a flexible, fully-accredited online MBA at an incredibly competitive price offered by the University of Illinois. For more information, please see the Resource page in this course and onlinemba.illinois.edu.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation & Module 1 Origins of Desktop 3D Printing

In this welcome module, you will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. In module 1, you will learn about “desktop” 3D printing as opposed to any other sort of 3D printing. You’ll learn this and more by exploring the history behind the creation of desktop 3D printers, overviews of the different types of desktop 3D printers, expose a few of the common misconceptions about them, and explore where you might gain access to them for yourself, including details to help you make an informed decision about the class of desktop 3D printer hardware that suits your specific needs and budget.

Module 2: Exploring Desktop 3D Printing Hardware - Control and Mechanical Systems

From a distance, the process of 3D printing looks like magic. Step closer and see how all of the core systems and components work together to fabricate real physical objects from digital design files. We make our first of two excursions “under the hood“ to look at the core systems and components that together and in parallel bring function to 3D printers.

Module 3: Exploring Desktop 3D Printing Hardware: Materials and Extrusion System

Now that we have an understanding of the controls and motion system. Let’s take a closer look at the extrusion process and what makes 3D printer filament so special. Let’s learn about the materials and processing that they go through when being printed.

Module 4: Preparing Designs and Jobs for Desktop 3D Printing & Printing Services

Now that you have looked closely at the fundamental physical systems and components involved with how desktop 3D printers function, and how they can be operated in “normal” situations, it is time to explore the processes involved with preparing digital objects and creating the job files (G-Code, or variant) that will drive the fabrication process.

Module 5: Operating Desktop 3D Printer Hardware: Preparing to Print

Okay, you’ve taken a broad view of desktop machines in the context of the history of 3D printers, very close view of the specific components and systems underneath the hood, and have crossed back-and-forth across the virtual-physical divide -- now it is time to spend some time seeing what it is like to use them!

Module 6: Operating Desktop 3D Printer Hardware: Printing and What Follows

In the final module we will then wrap up our exploration of operating desktop 3D printing hardware, covering the moment you hit print to fabricate a part, through to the stages that follow. We’ll wrap up the course with a section highlighting approaches to technical support, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance, as long as some recommendations for common tools, mods, and add-ons we hope to help you on your own 3D printer experiences that will follow.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the basics of desktop 3D printing hardware

Teaches the history of desktop 3D printing

Provides step-by-step instructions for how to use a desktop 3D printer

Provides step-by-step instructions for how to repair a desktop 3D printer

Teaches how to create various objects using a desktop 3D printer

Teaches the different types of materials that can be 3D printed

Reviews summary

Informative 3d printer overview

Learners largely agree that this course offers a good overview of 3D printing hardware, but disagree on the course format and quality of lectures. Many report that the course content is helpful and informative, but several criticize the presentation style. They mention that engaging visual material and interactive demonstrations are lacking and that the course is monotonous and dull. Others dislike the absence of practical hands-on activities, such as live examples of software usage, tutorials on how to manage printing problems, and opportunities to build 3D models.

Course content is praised for being informative and helpful.

"Module 1 and 2,6 are interesting and more related to hardware parts."

"A great course to start with 3D printing architecture and be familiar with different types of 3D printers and process parameter before, during and after printing."

"The course gives me good knowledge about 3D printer history and types."

The presentation style is criticized for being monotonous and dull.

"The course was very good. But I think the method of learning could be done by showing on more applications."

"So far the worst course I have experienced on Coursera."

"Only a person talking to a camera does not provide a great experience for modern education platforms about cutting edge technologies."

Course lacks engaging visual material and interactive demonstrations.

"Many of the videos from week 4 on are missing demonstrations of the programs."

"Way too much talking. Very poor presentation, not even a few powerpoint slides."

"Only a person talking to a camera does not provide a great experience for modern education platforms about cutting edge technologies."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in 3D Printing Hardware with these activities:

Organize Course Materials

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Setting up a well-organized system for your notes, assignments, and other materials will help you stay on track and find what you need quickly.

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Gather all of your course materials, including notes, assignments, and handouts.
Decide on a system for organizing your materials, such as by topic, date, or assignment type.
Set up a dedicated workspace where you can keep all of your course materials organized.

Watch 3D Printing Videos

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Watching videos on 3D printing can help you learn about different techniques and applications of 3D printing.

Browse courses on 3D Modeling

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Find some videos on 3D printing that interest you.
Watch the videos and pay attention to the techniques and applications that are being used.
Take notes on any new information or techniques that you learn.

Attend a 3D Printing Workshop

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Attending a 3D printing workshop will give you hands-on experience with 3D printing and allow you to learn from experts in the field.

Browse courses on 3D Modeling

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Find a 3D printing workshop in your area.
Sign up for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.

Two other activities

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Practice 3D Printing Exercises

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Regularly practicing different 3D printing techniques will help you master the skills and techniques needed to successfully operate and repair a 3D printer.

Browse courses on 3D Modeling

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Find a set of 3D printing exercises or tutorials online.
Follow the instructions in the exercises or tutorials to create a variety of 3D printed objects.
Experiment with different materials and settings to see how they affect the quality of your prints.

Create a 3D Printed Project

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Designing and creating your own 3D printed project will give you a deeper understanding of the entire 3D printing process, from design to fabrication.

Browse courses on 3D Design

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Come up with an idea for a 3D printed project.
Design your project using a 3D modeling software.
Slice your design into G-code using a slicing software.
Print your project on a 3D printer.

Career center

Learners who complete 3D Printing Hardware will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

3D Printing Engineer

3D Printing Engineers create, design, and test 3D printers. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace. This course can help 3D Printing Engineers understand the inner workings of desktop 3D printers, which can help them design and test new printers. Additionally, the course can help 3D Printing Engineers troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Printing Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, build, and test a variety of machines, including 3D printers. This course can help Mechanical Engineers understand the mechanical systems of desktop 3D printers, which can help them design and test new printers. Additionally, the course can help Mechanical Engineers troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and test robots. This course can help Robotics Engineers understand the control systems of desktop 3D printers, which can help them design and test new robots. Additionally, the course can help Robotics Engineers troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design and implement manufacturing processes. This course can help Manufacturing Engineers understand the manufacturing process of desktop 3D printers, which can help them improve the efficiency and quality of 3D printing. Additionally, the course can help Manufacturing Engineers troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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Product Designer

Product Designers design and develop products. This course can help Product Designers understand the design of desktop 3D printers, which can help them design new products that can be 3D printed. Additionally, the course can help Product Designers troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers design and develop products. This course can help Industrial Designers understand the design of desktop 3D printers, which can help them design new products that can be 3D printed. Additionally, the course can help Industrial Designers troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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3D Modeler

3D Modelers create 3D models of objects. This course can help 3D Modelers understand the process of 3D printing, which can help them create models that are suitable for 3D printing. Additionally, the course can help 3D Modelers troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course can help Project Managers understand the process of 3D printing, which can help them manage projects that involve 3D printing. Additionally, the course can help Project Managers troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for products and services. This course can help Technical Writers understand the process of 3D printing, which can help them create documentation for 3D printers and 3D printed products. Additionally, the course can help Technical Writers troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test products and services to ensure that they meet quality standards. This course can help Quality Assurance Analysts understand the process of 3D printing, which can help them test 3D printers and 3D printed products. Additionally, the course can help Quality Assurance Analysts troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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Customer Service Representative

Customer Service Representatives provide support to customers. This course can help Customer Service Representatives understand the process of 3D printing, which can help them support customers who are using 3D printers. Additionally, the course can help Customer Service Representatives troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers sell products and services to businesses. This course can help Sales Engineers understand the process of 3D printing, which can help them sell 3D printers and 3D printed products. Additionally, the course can help Sales Engineers troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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Artist

Artists create and sell art. This course can help Artists understand the process of 3D printing, which can help them create art that can be 3D printed. Additionally, the course can help Artists troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. This course can help Entrepreneurs understand the process of 3D printing, which can help them start a business that uses 3D printing. Additionally, the course can help Entrepreneurs troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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Educator

Educators teach students about a variety of subjects. This course can help Educators understand the process of 3D printing, which can help them teach students about 3D printing. Additionally, the course can help Educators troubleshoot and repair 3D printers, which is a valuable skill for those working in the field.

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