Prototyping and Production using Additive Methods

Course Number:
MFG 241
Transcript Title:
Prototyping and Production using Additive Methods
Created:
May 01, 2026
Updated:
May 01, 2026
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Hours:
0
Lecture / Lab Hours:
66
Lab Hours:
0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
No
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0

Course Description

Teaches prototyping and documentation processes: how to make prototyping more efficient in material use and time, and how to accurately and objectively assess the quality of additively manufactured parts, and identify areas to be improved upon via the iterative process. Creates skillsets to identify design priorities and needs, such as finding the best process modality, and determining jobs better suited to other methods of manufacture. Requires the application of a specific design process that is chosen and applied throughout the design and production process. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Create and document scientific processes for quality evaluation of AM components.

  2. Analyze and categorize geometric compatibility of AM modalities.

  3. Compare processes and identify key differences in multiple AM modalities.

  4. Develop strategies for applied design using modular prototypes recording data that informs subsequent iterations.

  5. Determine most appropriate process for creation of different part geometries, densities and utilizations.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Department recommended assessment strategies:

  • Lecture and in-lab coaching and direct instruction.

  • Full class demonstration of skills.

  • Written exams

  • Student proficiency through demonstration of learned strategies and skills in industry standard environments.

  • Job readiness based on performance

  • In class lab experiments and testing using the scientific process with written result reporting.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Department required activities: Cooperative learning, lecture-lab based experiential learning, guided learning pathways, peer review, hands-on lab, simulation, simulation scenarios, oral presentations.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Create and document scientific processes for quality evaluation of AM components.

  • Data collection points for consumables quality
  • Data collection points for build quality
  • Data collection for post processing
  • Data Analyzation
  • Track information over time as it relates to additive processes
  • Hypothesize solutions from data
  • Make changes based on data driven decision making

Outcome #2: Analyze and categorize geometric compatibility of AM modalities.

  • Geometric capability testing of FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM
  • Process limitations of FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM
  • Test parts in similar materials with different processes
  • Result validation or data analyzation for change

Outcome #3: Compare processes and identify key differences in multiple AM modalities.

  • Material deposition in FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM
  • Mechanical properties of parts in FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM
  • Advantages of FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM
  • Disadvantages of FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM

Outcome #4: Develop strategies for applied design using modular prototypes recording data that informs subsequent iterations

  • Iterative process of similar / same geometry testing in FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM
  • Modeling change process for FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM
  • Downstream workflow effects on changes in FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM
  • Data collection for prototyping
  • Creation of engineered process for additive

Outcome #5: Determine most appropriate process for creation of different part geometries, densities and utilizations

  • Creation process for less than dense parts in FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM
  • Creation process for dense parts in FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM
  • End use utilization and its effect on process selection
  • Test printed parts in FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM in varying densities
  • Test printed parts in FDM, SLA, SLS and Metal AM in varying geometrical orientations

Suggested Texts and Materials

Use of listed Texts/Materials is not required unless so noted.

Department Notes

Safety glasses are required at all times in the manufacturing lab, and are provided for students. Students may also purchase their own safety glasses from a local supplier. Long pants and closed toed shoes are required in the manufacturing labs at all times. Appropriate clothing must be worn to work in the lab (no synthetic materials, ect.). Safety requirements are covered prior to work in the lab.