Iterative Production Manufacturing for Additive Manufacturing

Course Number:
MFG 261
Transcript Title:
Iterative Production Manufacturing for Additive Manufacturing
Created:
May 06, 2026
Updated:
May 06, 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

Explores additive technology and develops prototyping techniques to design and efficiently produce parts that take advantage of the strengths of additive manufacturing technology. Compares designs across iterations, with changes intended to increase production efficiency. Analyzes production design and production methods. Analyzes each process and prepares students to perform associated changes at intervals to evaluate efficacy of methods used. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

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

  1. Produce parts of a consistent quality using root cause analysis to develop repeatable programs.

  2. Document production processes, printing time and material usage.

  3. Reproduce parts made from a reductive or casting process to optimize strengths of additive technology.

  4. Calculate strength changes using finite element analysis, and cost offsets impacted by successful additive manufacturing technology adoption.

  5. Develop AM production process engineering iteration and data-chain workflow.

  6. Directly compare different processes, materials and methods for production and determine best-fit workflow.

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: Produce parts of a consistent quality using root cause analysis to develop repeatable programs.

  • Print to tolerance
  • Use print failures to change print profiles
  • Repeatability of profiles
  • Optimize print profiles for cost
  • Failure root cause analysis
  • Corrective actions
  • Print programs multiple times to ensure they are production ready

Outcome #2: Document production processes, printing time and material usage.

  • Data point tracking
  • Time vs. Cost vs. Quantity for SLS, SLA and FDM prints
  • Print time tracking
  • Print volume tracking
  • Optimization of print procedure
  • Automation options for printing
  • Material efficiency optimization for print end-use

Outcome #3: Reproduce parts made from a reductive or casting process to optimize strengths of additive technology.

  • Recreate parts
  • Improve existing parts
  • Reduce weight of existing designs
  • Increase strength of existing designs
  • Improve fit to end use using additive technology
  • Check geometry for challenges in additive processes; such as printed threads

Outcome #4: Calculate cost, strength and finite element analysis changes impacted by successful additive manufacturing technology adoption.

  • Compare additive manufacturing cost to other modalities of production
  • Strength comparisons practical and in software
  • Geometry changes possible in additive and their benefits and challenges
  • Functional testing of printed parts
  • Comparative testing of printed parts, and parts from other modalities
  • Environmental cost offset calculator for different modalities
  • Additive manufacturing trade-offs

Outcome #5: Develop additive manufacturing production process engineering iteration and data-chain workflow.

  • Equipment use and type guidance for manufacturing
  • Design to equipment on hand
  • Make changes in workflow to check results
  • Track results on print process based on changes
  • Downstream data flow to create parts that fit parameters necessary for real-world use

Outcome #6: Directly compare different processes, materials and methods for production and determine best-fit workflow

  • End-use parameters and engineering
  • Material best fit
  • Test in different materials for end-use
  • Real world testing comparisons
  • Production considerations of different materials and cost-benefit analysis
  • Test competing processes for real world comparison prior to production

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.