3D Printing Applications from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also gives you an overview of the entire course.

Module 1: 3D Printing – A New Way of Making

In this module, we continue the discussion from the first course with Aric Rindfleisch, and explore further the reasons why 3D printing is considered a paradigm shift and a revolutionary change. We will hear from people working in the field, from academics, venture capitalists, and even lawyers. We will focus mostly on accessible desktop 3D printing but will look at applications across a spectrum of 3D printing technologies.

Module 2: 3D Printing – On-Demand Manufacturing

In this module, we will discuss examples of how 3D printing enhances product customization as well as the development of on-demand manufacturing. We will look at how individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses can leverage the ecosystem to turn ideas into objects. Finally, we will consider the importance of intellectual property issues in 3D printing.

Module 3: 3D Printing for Development and Education

In this module, we will consider the role of 3D printing in revolutionizing education and the role it can play in development in underserved communities in both developing and developed countries.

Module 4: From Ideas to Objects

The previous three modules have given you an overview of a wide variety of applications of 3D printing. In addition, if you work through the assessments and participate in the discussions, you will see the immense variety of applications shared by your peers. Before you start developing the skills in software and hardware, let's take a look at the process that will help you convert the problems/needs you see around you into potential ideas and, finally, into objects.

Course Wrap Up

This brief module contains a course summary, and provides you with the opportunity to share your thoughts about your experience in this course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive overview of 3D printing applications in various domains, including design, manufacturing, and education

Involves guest speakers from industry, academia, and venture capital, providing diverse perspectives on 3D printing

Taught by Vishal Sachdev, an experienced instructor in 3D printing and design thinking

Introduces design thinking, a valuable framework for developing innovative solutions

Emphasizes the potential of 3D printing for social impact and development, particularly in underserved communities

Requires no prior knowledge of 3D printing, making it accessible to learners with diverse backgrounds

Does not delve into advanced technical aspects of 3D printing, which may not be suitable for learners seeking in-depth knowledge

Reviews summary

Well-received 3d printing course

Learners largely positive about this 3D printing course that provides engaging assignments and excellent lectures from industry experts. Students appreciate the well organized course content that covers the latest trends in 3D printing. Instructors are described as great and knowledgeable. Overall, learners say that this course is very informative and useful, especially for those who pursue a related career.

Students praise the course for being excellent

"Excellent Course.I enjoyed attending the course.The assignments are interesting."

"Excellent course design and delivery. I enjoyed the each every session of the course."

"Excellent course .... Opens new ways of thinking."

Learners appreciate the interesting and helpful assignments

"Assignments are helpful to understand the application and design criteria."

"This course enhances the concept of 3D Printing Applications and improve the skills"

"The course is really amazing. And, fully meets my needs for what I am looking for."

Some students criticize the course for having outdated material

"Material is already outdated."

"Some material in week 1 is out dated and need update which I have been asked in the quiz to answer."

"This course is horrible. Much of the content is out-of-date."

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 Applications with these activities:

Read '3D Printing: The Next Industrial Revolution' by Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman

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Review this book to gain a broader understanding of the history, current applications, and future potential of 3D printing.

View Fabricated on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Read the book at your own pace.
Take notes and highlight important passages.
Discuss the book with classmates or colleagues.

Participate in a 3D printing study group

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Join a study group to connect with other learners, discuss course content, and collaborate on projects.

Browse courses on 3D Printing

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Find or create a study group.
Meet regularly to discuss course material.
Work together on projects.
Share resources and information.

Follow tutorials on 3D modeling software

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Practice using 3D modeling software through guided tutorials to improve your proficiency in creating 3D models.

Browse courses on 3D Modeling

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Choose a 3D modeling software program.
Find online tutorials for beginners.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
Practice creating your own 3D models.
Share your models with others.

Five other activities

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Volunteer at a 3D printing lab or makerspace

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Volunteer your time to gain hands-on experience with 3D printing and contribute to your community.

Browse courses on 3D Printing

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Find a 3D printing lab or makerspace that needs volunteers.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training.
Assist with 3D printing projects.
Share your knowledge and skills with others.

Create a 3D model of an object

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Design and create a 3D model of an object that solves a specific problem or meets a particular need.

Browse courses on 3D Modeling

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Identify a problem or need.
Brainstorm ideas for a solution.
Sketch and design the object.
Create a 3D model using software.
Test and refine the design.

Solve 3D printing design challenges

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Practice solving design challenges to improve your ability to think critically and come up with creative solutions for 3D printing.

Browse courses on 3D Modeling

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Find online design challenges.
Analyze the problem and constraints.
Brainstorm and develop solutions.
Create 3D models of your solutions.
Submit your solutions and get feedback.

Create a portfolio of your 3D printing work

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Organize and showcase your 3D printing projects to highlight your skills and progress.

Browse courses on 3D Printing

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Gather your 3D models, designs, and prototypes.
Create a portfolio website or online gallery.
Upload your work and include descriptions.
Share your portfolio with potential employers or clients.

Participate in a 3D printing competition

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Challenge yourself and gain experience by participating in a 3D printing competition to showcase your skills and creativity.

Browse courses on 3D Printing

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Find a relevant 3D printing competition.
Develop your idea and design.
Create a 3D model and prototype.
Submit your entry.
Attend the competition and present your work.

Career center

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

Industrial Designer

An Industrial Designer combines art and engineering to develop the concepts and designs of physical products. They consider the materials to be used, the product's intended user base, and whether or not the product can be manufactured inexpensively and reliably. 3D Printing Applications helps build a foundation in the concepts of digital design and the capabilities of 3D printing, which are now an important part of Industrial Design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs a wide variety of machines and engines for energy and power applications. 3D Printing Applications explores the capabilities of 3D printing, including its ability to print complex objects, which can help a Mechanical Engineer to develop designs that are not possible with traditional manufacturing techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Product Designer

A Product Designer conceives and designs functional and aesthetic products used in our daily lives. 3D Printing Applications teaches learners about the role of 3D printing in design, including its ability to customize products and create self-assembling objects, which can be a powerful tool for Product Designers.

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Production Manager

A Production Manager plans and directs the operations of an industrial production plant. 3D Printing Applications can help a Production Manager understand how 3D printing is changing manufacturing, as well as to understand how 3D printing can be integrated into production.

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Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer plans and implements production processes. 3D Printing Applications explores the manufacturing applications of 3D printing, including on-demand manufacturing, which may help a Manufacturing Engineer to integrate 3D printing into a manufacturing process.

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Materials Scientist

A Materials Scientist investigates the structure and properties of materials. 3D Printing Applications delves into the customization of materials made possible through 3D printing, which would be valuable to a Materials Scientist.

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Business Development Manager

A Business Development Manager researches and develops business opportunities. 3D Printing Applications introduces learners to the business applications of 3D printing, including on-demand manufacturing, customized products, and intellectual property concerns, which would be valuable to a Business Development Manager.

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Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur starts and manages a business. 3D Printing Applications explores the role of 3D printing in the development of new products and businesses, which could be valuable to an Entrepreneur.

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Rapid Prototyper

A Rapid Prototyper creates physical models of products quickly and cheaply. 3D Printing Applications explores the role of 3D printing in rapid prototyping, which is the core function of a Rapid Prototyper, so this course would be a great introduction to the field.

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Design Engineer

A Design Engineer combines engineering principles with artistic vision to create and design products. 3D Printing Applications explores the use of 3D printing in design, which would be useful for a Design Engineer.

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Production Supervisor

A Production Supervisor directs and monitors production and manufacturing processes. 3D Printing Applications explores the role of 3D printing in manufacturing, including on-demand manufacturing, which would be useful for a Production Supervisor.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates instructional materials, such as manuals and training guides. 3D Printing Applications offers an overview of 3D printing and its applications, which would be useful for a Technical Writer.

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Quality Control Inspector

A Quality Control Inspector examines products to ensure that they meet quality standards. 3D Printing Applications delves into the use of 3D printing to create complex objects, which may be useful for a Quality Control Inspector who needs to understand the capabilities of 3D printing.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and executes projects. 3D Printing Applications offers an overview of the capabilities of 3D printing, which may be useful for a Project Manager who needs to understand the potential applications of 3D printing.

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Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns. 3D Printing Applications explores the role of 3D printing in product customization and on-demand manufacturing, which may be useful for a Marketing Manager who needs to understand the potential applications of 3D printing.

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