An Introduction to Digital Manufacturing and 3D Printing (FutureLearn)

This two week digital manufacturing course will give you an introduction into the world of 3D printing, and will also showcase the working relationship between digital manufacturing and industry 4.0, as well as the predicted skills needed to work within these industries.

Discover the relationship between digital manufacturing, 3D printing and industry 4.0

You’ll start out by exploring the history of 3D printing technology, and its subsequent processes. You’ll describe the origins, workings, concept and advent of 3D printing, and will recognise applications of the concept across a range of industries.

You’ll then get an insight into the relationship between digital manufacturing, 3D printing and industry 4.0.

Identify how 3D printing can be used within a career context

You’ll then reflect on the application of how 3D printing can be used within your own personal career context, and will identify critical shifts in the workplace influenced by 3D printing.

You’ll then identify the future skills required to work with 3D printing, and will produce an action plan to adapt your skills for the future.

Learn from digital manufacturing experts at Labdox and 3Dexter

Throughout the course, you’ll be learning from digital manufacturing experts Amit Kothari and Manish Nair, and innovative companies Labdox and 3Dexter.

What topics will you cover?

- Starting concepts of digital manufacturing, industry 4.0, and additive manufacturing

- The history of 3D printing technology and the process of 3D printing

- The interoperability of various industries

- Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Students in 3D printing technology

Learning on this course

You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Explore the world of Digital Manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and 3D Printing

- Assess opportunities across various Industries in 3D Printing

- Classify skills needed to succeed in 3D Printing Industries

- Describe the origins, working, concept, and advent of 3D Printing

- Reflect on the application of 3D Printing to your career context

-Identify critical shifts in the workplace influenced by 3D Printing

- Develop an action plan to adapt your skills for the future
Who is the course for?

This course is for those looking to gain an understanding of and the opportunities in digital manufacturing, additive manufacturing and industry 4.0.

It’s also suited to science and engineering students from civil, mechanical, design, production and architecture streams looking to explore the career opportunities in their sectors.