Rationale
3D Additive Manufacturing is an innovation in manufacturing parts of complex shape. With 3D technologies, the shape complexity does not increase additional costs and the use of material is relatively reduced. The key to unlock the user benefits of multifunctional and multi-technologies inspired to 3D lies in the design freedoms that the 3D approach stimulates. This huge degree of design flexibility gives the potential of design and manufacturing of hybrid and multifunctional components and structures. Such structures combine sensorics, actuators, slots for controllers and power supply, conveniently fitted and enclosed. Lots of industries are benefiting from an acceleration of innovation by exploiting the freedom of design where the personalisation principle is widely adopted, also in industries far from consumer goods manufacturing such as mechatronics in automotive sectors. The next generation of machines and systems for 3D manufacturing will be easily transferrable to different applications. In particular, they will be required to integrate multiple subtractive and additive technologies in hybrid solutions and operating by persistently monitoring and adapting the deposition or subtraction processes.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this unit students will:
understand the basic terms and definitions of additive manufacturing;
understand the additive manufacturing process chain;
be able to summarise the additive manufacturing processes;
understand the role of materials in additive manufacturing;
understand multiprocess additive manufacturing;
understand the principles of 3D printer operations based on different manufacturing materials and technology;
understand model design and the additive manufacturing process.
Academic Calendar
https://moodle.mcast.edu.mt/mod/resource/view.php?id=75066
Unit Lecturer
Dr Ing. Jeremy Scerri
