Additive Manufacturing from Coursera

This course, Additive Manufacturing, is the third course in the Coursera Specialization, Digital Technologies and the Future of Manufacturing.

In this course, learners will be introduced to the concept of Additive Manufacturing, learn how it is applied in manufacturing, and what businesses should consider as they decide to implement this technology. Considerations include the economics of the technology, information technology infrastructure, manufacturing ecosystem partners, the business value of implementing Additive Manufacturing, and what needs to happen across the organization to ensure successful implementation.

Learners will hear from industry experts as they share their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of implementing Additive Manufacturing, how Additive Manufacturing is being implemented in their companies, and insights on the future of this technology within their industry and across manufacturing.

The content presented in this course draws on a number of real-life interviews and case studies, and was created through a partnership with Siemens.

What's inside

Syllabus

What is Additive Manufacturing?

Welcome to Additive Manufacturing! This week, you'll learn the basics behind this technology and will be able to describe the applications and and uses for additive manufacturing within a manufacturing setting.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a broad overview of Additive Manufacturing, including its applications, economics, and future trends

Focuses on the practical application of Additive Manufacturing in manufacturing, making it relevant to industry professionals

Features insights from industry experts, offering real-world perspectives on the implementation and future of Additive Manufacturing

Requires learners to have some prior knowledge of manufacturing concepts, which may limit accessibility for complete beginners

Reviews summary

Strategic business overview of additive manufacturing

According to students, this course provides a largely positive and strategic overview of Additive Manufacturing, focusing on its business implications and implementation within organizations. Learners particularly highlight the incredibly valuable industry expert interviews and real-life case studies, which offer practical insights and real-world context. While widely praised for its comprehensive business focus and relevance for management roles, some learners found the course to be too high-level, desiring more technical depth in the manufacturing processes or specific technologies, indicating it's best suited for those interested in strategy over engineering specifics.

A few mentions of dated aspects, but core content remains valuable.

"Some of the videos felt a bit dated, though the content itself was still mostly relevant."

"The video quality felt a bit inconsistent across different interviews."

The final project provides a good opportunity for application.

"The final case study was a great way to apply what we learned."

"The final project was okay, but could have been more challenging."

"The final assessment was a good challenge."

Content is well-organized and easy to follow.

"The course structure was logical and easy to follow."

"It's well-structured and the lectures are clear."

Real-life interviews provide practical and engaging real-world context.

"The interviews with industry experts were incredibly valuable and provided real-world context that textbooks often miss."

"The real-life interviews were a standout feature, offering practical insights that are hard to come by."

"The quality of the expert interviews is top-notch. It truly equips you with the knowledge to discuss and plan AM adoption."

"The case studies and expert discussions bring the material to life."

Excellent for understanding AM's economic and implementation aspects.

"This course was an excellent overview of Additive Manufacturing, especially from a business and implementation perspective."

"The content on business value and organizational considerations for AM implementation was exactly what I needed for my role."

"I learned so much about the economic drivers and strategic planning involved. A must for business leaders and strategists in manufacturing."

"It's not just about the technology, but how to actually integrate it into an existing company, which is crucial."

Offers broad understanding but lacks deep technical or hands-on details.

"My only minor critique is that some parts felt a bit high-level, and I wished for slightly more technical depth in certain areas."

"If you're looking for detailed technical aspects or hands-on application, this isn't it."

"I felt this course was too high-level and theoretical for my needs. I was expecting more technical details on additive manufacturing processes..."

"I enrolled hoping for more hands-on or detailed technical content. This course is definitely more for managers..."

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 Additive Manufacturing with these activities:

Explore Siemens' resources on additive manufacturing

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Review Siemens' resources to augment the course content on Additive Manufacturing

Browse courses on Additive Manufacturing

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Visit the Siemens website and search for additive manufacturing
View tutorials, case studies, and other resources on additive manufacturing

Create a presentation on the applications of additive manufacturing

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Create a presentation on various applications of additive manufacturing across different industries

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Research specific applications of additive manufacturing
Design slides that showcase these applications
Present your findings

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Additive Manufacturing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Materials Engineer

Additive Manufacturing can make use of different materials. With an understanding of its concepts, a Materials Engineer can understand how to leverage the technology more effectively and to ensure the quality of the end products.

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Mechanical Engineer

Additive Manufacturing is a technology that has many uses in mechanical engineering. A Mechanical Engineer can find success in this burgeoning field by understanding its advantages, challenges, and implementation.

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Manufacturing Engineer

As Additive Manufacturing grows and becomes more central to manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineers will need to understand its implementation and how it can play a role in their processes.

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Process Engineer

The process of implementing and using Additive Manufacturing is complex. A Process Engineer will use the knowledge from this course to implement it and maximize its efficiency.

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Design Engineer

Additive Manufacturing can offer many advantages to the work of a Design Engineer. This course can help one understand how to use the technology in their designs.

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Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers will need to understand Additive Manufacturing to understand how it can be implemented in their systems and in manufacturing more generally.

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Quality Control Manager

Additive Manufacturing products will need to be carefully monitored for quality. A Quality Control Manager can be more effective with a foundational understanding of how the technology works.

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Operations Manager

Additive Manufacturing can play a role in the operations of a manufacturing company. An Operations Manager who understands it can implement it to achieve the best results.

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Plant Manager

A Plant Manager has a general responsibility over the whole functioning of a plant. With an understanding of Additive Manufacturing, one can better understand its implementation and make better decisions about how to use it.

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Production Manager

Additive Manufacturing changes the way that products can be made. A Production Manager who understands the technology can apply it to maximize efficiency.

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Product Development Manager

Additive Manufacturing can dramatically change the product development process. A Product Development Manager who understands the technology can leverage it and accelerate product development.

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Business Analyst

Additive Manufacturing has major business implications. A Business Analyst will be able to make better recommendations if they understand the technology.

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Management Consultant

Additive Manufacturing is a new and growing field. A Management Consultant who understands it can better advise clients on how to implement it and plan for the future.

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Financial Analyst

Additive Manufacturing has major implications for the finances of a manufacturing company. A Financial Analyst who understands the technology can better model and predict outcomes for investors and business leaders.

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Sales Manager

Additive Manufacturing is a new and growing technology. A Sales Manager who understands it can better inform customers about how it can be used to solve their problems and achieve their goals.

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