Course Content: 3D Printing

^{Last Updated on 9 June 2024}

What follows is a list of topics relevant to courses I instruct at Michigan Tech (EE4777, EE5777, OSHE, and EE2180). This course covers additive manufacturing both from a broad approach (applications, history, etc.) to very specific (mathematics, algorithms, hardware).

Topics:

1. Introduction to Additive Manufacturing
   • Manufacturing Methods
   • 3D Printing Introduced
2. History of Additive Manufacturing
   • Key Events of Closed-Source Additive Manufacturing
   • Key Events in Open-Source Additive Manufacturing
3. Computer Aided Design
   • Getting Started with OpenSCAD
   • FreeCAD Resources
4. Design Considerations
   • General design procedure for free and open-source hardware for scientific equipment
   • FDM Considerations
5. Calibration & Setup
6. 3D Printer Technology
   • Common 3D Printer Electronics
   • 3D Printing Mechanisms
   • G-Code Basics
7. Mathematics of 3D Printing
8. Sciences of Additive Manufacturing
9. Materials of Additive Manufacturing
10. “Hacking” your printer
11. Novel 3D Printing
12. Futures of 3D Printing
13. Economics and Impacts of Additive Manufacturing