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Animation & VFX · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

3D Printing

This course empowers students to turn digital bits into physical atoms. Focusing on “Additive Manufacturing,” students will learn the science and art of 3D printing. The curriculum covers the two main technologies: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling - plastic filament) and SLA (Stereolithography - liquid resin). Students will master “Slicing” software, printer maintenance, and “Design for Additive Manufacturing” (DfAM).

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Differentiate between FDM (Filament) and SLA (Resin) printing technologies
  2. Master "Slicing" software (Cura/PrusaSlicer): Infill, Supports, and Layer Height
  3. Understand Material Science: PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, and Resin properties
  4. Troubleshoot common failures: Warping, Stringing, and Clogged Nozzles
  5. Execute post-processing techniques: Sanding, priming, and painting prints
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01History of Additive Manufacturing
  2. 02Anatomy of an FDM Printer
  3. 03Slicing 101: Layer Height & Shells
  4. 04Slicing 102: Supports & Adhesion (Rafts/Brims)
  5. 05Bed Leveling & First Layer Calibration
  6. 06Material Science: PLA vs. PETG
  7. 07Troubleshooting: The "Spaghetti" Monster
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Resin (SLA) Printing: Safety & Workflow
  10. 10Resin Post-Processing: Washing & Curing
  11. 11Material Science: ABS/ASA (Heat Resistance)
  12. 12Flexible Materials: Printing with TPU
  13. 13Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)
  14. 14Maintenance: Nozzles, Belts, & Greasing
  15. 15Cost Calculation & Print Farms
  16. 16Final Project: The Multi-Part Assembly Print

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Multi-Part Assembly Print

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. The 3D Printing Handbook by 3D Hubs
  2. Functional Design for 3D Printing by Clifford T. Smyth
  3. 3D Printing Failures: How to Diagnose and Repair by Sean Aranda
  4. Maintain and Repair Your 3D Printer by Charles Bell
  5. Makers: The New Industrial Revolution by Chris Anderson
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