MECH 3045 - Principles of Additive Manufacturing

This course will introduce students to additive manufacturing (AM) techniques and design for additive manufacturing (DfAM). Additive manufacturing is no longer thought of as simply “rapid prototyping,” but is influencing the way manufacturing is performed at almost every level of the product lifecycle. It will influence practically every manufacturing system of the future. This course will cover the fundamentals, applications, and implications of AM such that students will understand why and when to use AM, as well as challenge their traditional thinking of design and what is possible. At the end of this course, students should be able to: (1) Describe the 7 processes of AM, and understand their advantages and limitations. (2) Have hands-on experience in using several different AM processes, including building, modifying, and repairing their own AM machine. (3) Understand the wide variety of AM applications beyond prototyping. This includes tooling, production, performance improvement, customization, art, and more. (4) Understand how AM can be used in a product’s lifecycle from beginning to end. (5) Use “generative design software” and “topology optimization” to unlock complex designs to be created with AM. (6) Assess the cost and value of AM processes. Prereq: MECH 1045 and MECH 2024 with a grade of C- or higher. Max hours: 3 Credits. Semester Hours: 3 to 3