Design for Additive Manufacturing Curriculum: A Problem- and Project-Based Approach

Abstract

Additive manufacturing education is of key importance because unfamiliarity with AM technologies is one of the barriers to its widespread adoption. In this paper, the authors describe their efforts to address this need via an undergraduate/graduate course in Additive Manufacturing. Their courses, offered at the University of Texas at Austin and Virginia Tech, cover the science of AM as well as principles of “design for additive manufacturing.” The courses use both problem-based and project-based pedagogies to present students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience with the technologies of AM. Examples of project activities are presented along with student feedback.