Digital Manufacturing & Design from Coursera

This course will expose you to the transformation taking place, throughout the world, in the way that products are being designed and manufactured. The transformation is happening through digital manufacturing and design (DM&D) – a shift from paper-based processes to digital processes in the manufacturing industry. By the end of this course, you’ll understand what DMD is and how it is impacting careers, practices and processes in companies both large and small.

You will gain an understanding of and appreciation for the role that technology is playing in this transition. The technology we use every day – whether it is communicating with friends and family, purchasing products or streaming entertainment – can benefit design and manufacturing, making companies and workers more competitive, agile and productive. Discover how this new approach to making products makes companies more responsive, and employees more involved and engaged, as new career paths in advanced manufacturing evolve.

Main concepts of this course will be delivered through lectures, readings, discussions and various videos.

This is the first course in the Digital Manufacturing & Design Technology specialization that explores the many facets of manufacturing’s “Fourth Revolution,” aka Industry 4.0, and features a culminating project involving creation of a roadmap to achieve a self-established DMD-related professional goal. To learn more about the Digital Manufacturing and Design Technology specialization, please watch the overview video by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser: https://youtu.be/wETK1O9c-CA

What's inside

Syllabus

The Big Picture

The purpose of this module is to introduce learners to the factors and trends motivating the transition from the current state of manufacturing to a DMD model. Details of individual lessons in this module are provided below.

Components of the Paradigm

The purpose of this module is to introduce learners to the multiple components that integrate to create a future manufacturing enterprise (i.e., a digital link between design and production, leveraging data analytics to identify opportunities for increased quality and efficiency, interconnected and transparent machines, production facilities, and supply chains). Details of individual lessons in this module are provided below.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Ken English, who is an expert in manufacturing technology

Introduces learners to the transition from traditional manufacturing to digital manufacturing and design (DM&D)

Covers the components of a future manufacturing enterprise, including the integration of design and production, data analytics, and interconnected machines and supply chains

Develops an understanding of the role of technology in the transition to DM&D

Provides insights into how DM&D is impacting careers, practices, and processes in various industries

Designed for individuals who are interested in understanding the transformation of manufacturing through digital technologies

Reviews summary

Digital manufacturing & design: revolutionizing the industry

According to students, this well received course explores the impact of digital manufacturing and design (DMD) on industries. Learners say it largely focuses on intelligent machining, advanced analysis, cybersecurity, and the benefits of DMD for manufacturing enterprises. Through lectures, readings, and assignments, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how DMD is transforming the industry and creating new opportunities for careers.

Understand the role of advanced analysis in improving manufacturing processes.

"The course helps us to learn about the present manufacturing and design with intelligent machining. And also learned how the manufacturing companies are producing products."

"Learned a lot about Digital Manufacturing and its significance in the modern world."

Learn about the new career paths and opportunities created by DMD.

"This course helped to understand the transformation taking place, throughout the world, in the way that products are being designed and manufactured."

"Discover how this new approach to making products makes companies more responsive, and employees more involved and engaged, as new career paths in advanced manufacturing evolve."

Gain knowledge about the digital thread and its importance in manufacturing.

"Course gives a very good introduction to digital manufacturing focusing on Intelligent machining,advanced analysis,cyber security and advanced manufacturing enterprise."

"The course was really useful and gave information on digital thread, components of digital thread, Intelligent machining, advanced manufacturing systems, information security, how to prevent information hacking etc.."

Explore the concept of Industry 4.0 and its implications for manufacturing.

"It helped me understand the challenges that manufacturing is going through to meet the requirements of Industry 4.0"

"very helpful course, it was quite an experience and helped me understand what is industry 4.0"

Develop an understanding of intelligent machining and its benefits.

"The course helped me gain key insights into the Digital Manufacturing Paradigm and Foundational ideas of Industry 4.0."

"It really open up my mind about the Digital Manufacturing and design"

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 Digital Manufacturing & Design with these activities:

Practice 3D Modeling

Show steps

Helps learners refine their pre-existing skills by asking them to review their knowledge and practice techniques in 3D modeling. This will help them breeze through the more difficult concepts in the course.

Browse courses on 3D Modeling

Show steps

Review the basics of 3D modeling, including vertices, edges, and faces. Use a book or online resources to refresh your memory.
Download a free 3D modeling software and practice creating simple 3D objects, such as a cube, a sphere, and a cylinder.
Once you're comfortable with the basics, try creating a more complex object, such as a chair or a lamp.

Review basic programming concepts

Show steps

Strengthen foundational programming skills to support understanding of digital manufacturing processes.

Browse courses on Programming Fundamentals

Show steps

Revisit basic programming constructs (e.g., variables, loops, functions).
Practice writing simple programs.

Explore online platform functionalities

Show steps

Helps familiarize you with the Coursera platform to navigate and access course materials effortlessly.

Show steps

Navigate the course dashboard
Explore the discussion forums
Review the course syllabus and schedule

13 other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 16 activities

Review CAD modeling techniques

Show steps

Strengthen basic CAD modeling skills to enhance comprehension of digital design concepts.

Browse courses on Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Show steps

Review foundational concepts of geometric modeling and design principles.
Practice sketching and creating 2D technical drawings.
Explore different CAD software tutorials and resources.

Engage in peer discussions

Show steps

Enhances your understanding of course concepts by discussing them with peers, exchanging ideas, and providing feedback.

Show steps

Join or create a study group
Actively participate in group discussions and ask questions
Provide constructive feedback to peers

Join a study group or online forum for discussion

Show steps

Engage with peers to share knowledge, ask questions, and clarify concepts.

Show steps

Identify or join a relevant online forum or study group.
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share insights.

Gather industry resources

Show steps

Expands your knowledge of the latest trends and advancements in digital manufacturing by compiling relevant articles, reports, and case studies.

Browse courses on Industry Trends

Show steps

Identify reputable industry publications and websites
Search for recent articles on digital manufacturing
Curate and organize the gathered resources

Explore industry-specific software

Show steps

Gain familiarity with industry-standard software tools used in digital manufacturing.

Browse courses on Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)

Show steps

Identify relevant software for a specific industry or application.
Follow tutorials and online courses.

Solve engineering design challenges

Show steps

Develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in the context of engineering design.

Show steps

Identify and analyze real-world engineering design problems.
Research and explore potential solutions.
Apply engineering principles and tools to develop innovative designs.

Attend online workshops

Show steps

Expands your knowledge and skills by attending online workshops focused on specific aspects of digital manufacturing.

Browse courses on Industry 4.0

Show steps

Identify reputable online workshop providers
Search for workshops covering relevant topics
Register and attend the selected workshops

Write a blog post or article on digital manufacturing trends

Show steps

Reinforce understanding by sharing insights on current and future trends in digital manufacturing.

Browse courses on Digital Manufacturing

Show steps

Research and gather information from credible sources.
Organize ideas and outline the article's structure.
Write and edit the content.

Explore advanced manufacturing technologies

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and their applications.

Browse courses on Additive Manufacturing

Show steps

Attend webinars or online workshops on emerging manufacturing techniques.
Follow technology blogs and industry publications.

Apply design principles to case studies

Show steps

Reinforces your understanding of design principles by practicing their application to real-world manufacturing scenarios.

Browse courses on Product Design

Show steps

Review the case studies provided in the course
Identify the design principles applicable to each case
Develop recommendations for improving the designs

Design and prototype a product

Show steps

Apply acquired knowledge to create a tangible product that demonstrates understanding of design and manufacturing principles.

Browse courses on Product Design

Show steps

Identify a problem or opportunity.
Sketch and ideate potential solutions.
Create a functional prototype.
Test and evaluate the prototype.

Contribute to open-source projects

Show steps

Provides hands-on experience with digital manufacturing technologies by contributing to real-world open-source projects.

Browse courses on Software Development

Show steps

Identify open-source projects related to digital manufacturing
Review the project documentation and codebase
Contribute to the project by fixing bugs or adding new features

Volunteer as a mentor to support other students

Show steps

Enhance understanding by explaining concepts to others and answering their questions.

Show steps

Offer support to other students through online forums, study groups, or mentoring programs.
Review course materials and prepare to answer questions.

Career center

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

Product Designer

Product Designers use their knowledge of Digital Manufacturing and Design (DMD) to create products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They work closely with engineers and manufacturers to ensure that products are designed for efficient production. This course provides a solid foundation in DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as a Product Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers use DMD to design and implement new manufacturing systems. They work closely with other engineers and technicians to ensure that manufacturing systems are efficient and productive. This course provides a solid foundation in DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as a Manufacturing Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Process Engineer

Process Engineers use DMD to improve the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing processes. They analyze existing processes and identify areas for improvement. They then design and implement new processes that are more efficient and cost-effective. This course provides a comprehensive overview of DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as a Process Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Process Engineer

Quality Engineer

Quality Engineers use DMD to improve the quality of manufactured products. They develop and implement quality control procedures and monitor the quality of products throughout the manufacturing process. This course provides a comprehensive overview of DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as a Quality Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Engineer

Manufacturing Consultant

Manufacturing Consultants use DMD to help companies improve their manufacturing processes. They analyze existing processes and identify areas for improvement. They then develop and implement new processes that are more efficient and cost-effective. This course provides a comprehensive overview of DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as a Manufacturing Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Consultant

Operations Manager

Operations Managers use DMD to manage the overall operations of a manufacturing facility. They oversee all aspects of the manufacturing process, from product design to production to shipping. This course provides a comprehensive overview of DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as an Operations Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers use DMD to design and improve manufacturing systems and processes. They work with other engineers and technicians to ensure that manufacturing systems are efficient and productive. This course provides a comprehensive overview of DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as an Industrial Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

Production Manager

Production Managers use DMD to manage the production process. They oversee the production of products and ensure that products are produced efficiently and on time. This course provides a comprehensive overview of DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as a Production Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Production Manager

Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers use DMD to manage the flow of materials and products through the supply chain. They develop and implement strategies to ensure that products are delivered to customers on time and at a competitive cost. This course provides a comprehensive overview of DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as a Supply Chain Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Technical Project Manager

Technical Project Managers use DMD to manage the development and implementation of new products and processes. They work with engineers and other technical staff to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. This course provides a comprehensive overview of DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as a Technical Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Project Manager

Maintenance Engineer

Maintenance Engineers use DMD to maintain and repair manufacturing equipment. They identify and troubleshoot problems with equipment and develop and implement maintenance plans. This course provides a solid foundation in DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as a Maintenance Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Maintenance Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use DMD to analyze data and identify trends and patterns. They use this information to make recommendations for improving manufacturing processes and products. This course provides a solid foundation in DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists use DMD to develop new materials and improve the properties of existing materials. They work with engineers and other scientists to develop new products and processes. This course provides a solid foundation in DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as a Materials Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers use DMD to design and develop new products and machines. They work with other engineers and technicians to ensure that products are safe and efficient. This course provides a comprehensive overview of DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as a Mechanical Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers use DMD to design and develop new electrical systems and devices. They work with other engineers and technicians to ensure that systems are safe and efficient. This course provides a comprehensive overview of DMD principles and practices, which can help you succeed as an Electrical Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer