WSU NIAR’s Expert-Level Additive Manufacturing (AM) Certificate Program is an in-person, 3-day training that incorporates hands-on exercises and lectures.

Course Learning Objectives:

  • Provides advanced-level CAD training on wireframe and surface design.
  • Learn the importance of performing topology optimization on legacy parts.
  • Acquaint yourself with parameter optimization, quality (ASTM-driven procedures), and the business and economics aspects of AM.
  • Primarily focuses on metal AM using directed energy deposition (DED) / powder bed fusion (PBF) technologies to produce parts.

Course Topics:

  • Module 1 – AM Business & Economics
    Impact of AM on the global supply chain, influence of cost-effective AM systems, future of AM, the economics of AM, AM business case development, AM example parts, case studies- Traditional Manufacturing Vs Additive Manufacturing.
  • Module 2 – Topology Optimization (TO)
    What is Topology Optimization?, advantages of TO, Topology Optimization process, applications of TO, TO software, traditional TO VS modern TO, TO on 3DEXPERIENCE, TO design exercise.
  • Module 3 – Advanced CAD
    Surface design process, generative shape design workbench, wireframe tools summary, surface tools, operations on surface and wireframe geometry, advanced surface tools, advanced operations on surface geometry.
  • Module 4 – Metal AM
    Metal AM essentials (DED & PBF), directed energy deposition (DED) / powder bed fusion (PBF) demo, slicer software demo, machine setup, build, post-processing, lab tour.
  • Module 5 – Parameter Optimization
    Metal AM slicer software settings, metal AM process parameters/3D printing parameters.
  • Module 6 – Quality
    Introduction to quality, quality standards, quality control methods in AM, ASTM testing procedures.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the business and economic aspects of additive manufacturing and propose a business model.
  • Generate a topology-optimized structure by modifying the design of a legacy part.
  • Apply advanced wireframe and surface design tools and operations to develop a complex CAD part.
  • Determine the appropriate print parameters to carry out a successful DED / PBF print.
  • Produce a 3D-printed part using a DED / PBF machine.
  • Analyze the quality of AM components by gaining a comprehensive understanding of testing methods standardized by ASTM.