3D Printing I

Course Description

ETD2371C — 3D Printing I is a combined lecture and laboratory course (denoted by the "C" lab indicator) within the Engineering Design Drafting (ETD) taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course provides a foundational introduction to the world of additive manufacturing and 3D scanning. Students apply knowledge of CADD software to create and export print-ready files, then bring their digital designs to physical reality using a variety of 3D printers. Problem-solving projects test creativity, design ability, and printing skills in a collaborative design-community environment that emphasizes peer feedback and critique. The course is part of Florida's Engineering Technologies program pathway at multiple state colleges, including Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) and Gulf Coast State College (GCSC).

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the history, principles, and terminology of additive manufacturing / 3D printing technology.
• Identify and distinguish between common 3D printing processes, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).
• Use CADD software to design or modify 3D models suitable for printing.
• Export and prepare digital models as STL files for use with 3D printing workflows.
• Operate slicing software to configure print parameters including layer height, infill density, supports, and build orientation.
• Set up, operate, and safely maintain desktop FDM 3D printers.
• Select appropriate print materials (e.g., PLA, ABS, PETG) based on part requirements and printer capabilities.
• Perform basic post-processing techniques including support removal, sanding, and surface finishing.
• Apply printer safety protocols and material handling procedures in a lab environment.
• Complete design-and-print projects demonstrating problem-solving skills and design intent.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be covered depending on institutional resources and program emphasis:

• Operate 3D scanning equipment and process scan data for use in reverse engineering workflows.
• Troubleshoot common print failures (layer adhesion, warping, stringing, under-extrusion) and apply corrective measures.
• Use resin-based (SLA/MSLA) 3D printers and associated post-curing processes.
• Apply parametric design principles to create parts optimized for additive manufacturing.
• Demonstrate basic G-code interpretation and manual machine control commands.
• Evaluate print quality against engineering tolerances and dimensional accuracy standards.
• Explore real-world industry applications such as rapid prototyping, medical modeling, and custom part fabrication.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Introduction to Additive Manufacturing — History of 3D printing, overview of rapid prototyping, comparison to subtractive manufacturing, and industry applications.
• 3D Printing Technologies — Principles of FDM, SLA, SLS, and other common processes; hardware components (extruder, hotend, build plate, nozzle); printer types and selection criteria.
• CADD Model Preparation — Creating and modifying 3D solid models in CADD software (e.g., Autodesk Fusion 360, Tinkercad, or SolidWorks) for additive manufacturing; design-for-print considerations.
• STL File Generation and Management — Exporting models to STL format; understanding mesh geometry; checking for and repairing STL errors; alternative file formats (OBJ, 3MF).
• Slicing Software and Print Parameters — Introduction to slicing applications (e.g., Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer); configuring layer height, infill, supports, print speed, temperature, and build plate adhesion.
• Print Materials — Properties and applications of common FDM filaments (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU); material storage and handling; environmental and safety considerations.
• Printer Operation and Safety — Printer setup, bed leveling and calibration, loading/unloading filament, initiating and monitoring prints; lab safety rules and material safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS).
• Post-Processing Techniques — Support removal, surface sanding, priming and painting, acetone smoothing (ABS); evaluating finished part quality.
• Design Projects — Iterative design-and-print exercises; peer critique and feedback sessions; documentation of design process.

Optional Topics

• 3D Scanning and Reverse Engineering — Operating handheld or desktop 3D scanners; processing and cleaning scan data; converting scans to printable models.
• Resin (SLA/MSLA) Printing — Resin printer operation, UV curing stations, resin safety and disposal, post-cure procedures.
• G-Code Fundamentals — Reading and interpreting G-code; understanding how slicers generate toolpaths; basic manual G-code commands.
• Advanced Slicer Settings — Variable layer height, ironing, custom support structures, modifier meshes, multi-material printing.
• Tolerances and Dimensional Accuracy — Measuring printed parts with calipers; comparing to design dimensions; understanding shrinkage and calibration correction.
• Parametric and Generative Design — Using parametric CAD tools to build print-ready designs; introduction to design optimization for additive manufacturing.
• Industry Case Studies — Applications of 3D printing in aerospace, automotive, medical, architecture, and consumer products.

Resources & Tools

• CADD Software: Autodesk Fusion 360 (free for students), Tinkercad (browser-based, free), SolidWorks (education license), or equivalent solid modeling platform.
• Slicing Software: Ultimaker Cura (free), PrusaSlicer (free), Bambu Studio / Orca Slicer (free), or Simplify3D.
• 3D Printers: Desktop FDM printers (e.g., Prusa i3 MK series, Ultimaker, Bambu Lab, Creality Ender series); resin printers as available (e.g., Elegoo Mars series).
• 3D Scanner (optional): Handheld or turntable-based structured-light scanners as available in the lab.
• Filament Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG available in lab; students may be required to purchase supplemental material.
• Measurement Tools: Digital calipers for dimensional verification of printed parts.
• Online Resources: Thingiverse (thingiverse.com), Printables (printables.com), and GrabCAD for print-ready model files and community resources.
• Florida SCNS Reference: flscns.fldoe.org — Florida Department of Education Statewide Course Numbering System.

Career Pathways

Completion of ETD2371C supports entry into and advancement along the following career pathways in Florida's Engineering Technologies sector:

• Additive Manufacturing Technician — Operates and maintains 3D printers in production or prototyping environments in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing industries prevalent in Florida (e.g., along the Space Coast and in Central Florida's manufacturing corridor).
• Engineering Design Drafter / CAD Technician — Produces print-ready models and technical drawings for engineering and product development teams.
• Prototype Fabricator — Supports product design cycles by building physical prototypes for testing, review, and iteration.
• Reverse Engineering Technician — Uses scanning and CAD tools to reproduce or improve existing parts and assemblies.
• Maker / Fabrication Lab Specialist — Operates institutional or commercial makerspaces, fab labs, and innovation centers.
• Further Education: ETD2371C typically stacks toward an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Engineering Technology / Design Drafting at Florida state colleges, and may articulate into B.S. programs in Manufacturing Engineering Technology or Industrial Engineering.

Special Information

Lab Component: The "C" suffix in ETD2371C designates a combined lecture/laboratory course. Students will spend significant scheduled time in a hands-on printer lab. Lab safety training, including review of material Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for filaments and resins, is typically required before hands-on work begins.

Program Context: This course is commonly offered as part of certificate and A.S. degree programs in Engineering Design Drafting and Engineering Technology at Florida state colleges. It is designed as a second-year course building on foundational CADD skills.

Industry Alignment: The curriculum aligns with knowledge areas recognized by the SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) and supports awareness of the Certified Additive Manufacturing Technician (CAMT) credential pathway offered through SME, which validates competency in additive manufacturing processes and equipment operation.