Course Offerings

This course offers a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to 3D printing (additive manufacturing) with a strong emphasis on safe and efficient operation of a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) system. You'll delve into computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) for 3D printing and 3D CAD software to create and prepare models. The curriculum covers additive manufacturing processes and materials, safe printer operation, design for 3D printing, model preparation and repair, print simulation and support, replicating and optimizing prints, meeting specifications, post-processing techniques, and troubleshooting common print issues.

Course Objectives

1. Be able to setup and operate a Polylactic Acid (PLA) 3D printer safely using 100% biodegradable (plant based) plastic filament.
2. Learn how to generate 3D Solid Models using 3D CAD software.
3. Learn how to download and modify preexisting models for 3D Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Printer.
4. Know how to optimize models for successful printing with CAM software.
5. Learn post-processing of printed parts
6. Troubleshoot common printer and slicing issues.

Outline of instruction

1. Holistic view of the Additive Manufacturing process.
2. Basic Operation and Safety Rules of a LulzBot TAZ FDM Printer.
3. Materials used in FDM Printing.
4. Introduction to CAD & CAM software.
5. Download programs of preexisting models to a 3D (FDM) Printer.
6. Creating 3D Solid parts from specifications.
7. Slicing and printing.
8. Troubleshooting printer and slicing issues.
9. Cumulative project and evaluation.

Contact Hours

120

CEUs

No

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Manufacturing Production Technician Certification

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

High School Graduate or GED; at least 18 years of age; reading level of 10th grade or higher.

Text and Supplies Needed

Make: Getting Started with 3D Printing (2nd Edition) by Kloski & Kloski (2021); student guides, 3D Printers and associated tools and equipment, laptops provided by students to use Tinkercad.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

3D printers and associated materials/supplies.

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance"Completion of all assigned objectives and successful completion of a final printing project. "

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

This course is intended for personnel who wish to be employed in an industry position that utilizes 3D Printer Operator/Technicians, Post-processing Technicians, Model Maker, Additive Manufacturing Technologist/Engineer, Manufacturing Production Technician, and Industrial Maintenance Technician.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

3D Printer Operator/Technicians, Post-Processing Technicians, Model Maker, Additive Manufacturing Technologist/Engineer, Manufacturing Production Technician, Industrial Maintenance Technician

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

This is a skill gap area for the light manufacturing in Wake County that is dependent on Manufacturing and Production skilled technicians to keep manufacturing systems operating.

Industry or Job Titles Related to training Outcomes for Employment

3D Printer Operator/Technicians

Post-processing Technicians

Model Maker

Additive Manufacturing Technologist/Engineer

Manufacturing Production Technician

Industrial Maintenance Technician

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Grayson Halstead
919-747-0109
[email protected]