3D Printing II

Course Description

ETD2372C — 3D Printing II is a combined lecture and laboratory course within the Engineering Technologies > Engineering Design Drafting (ETD) taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). Building upon the foundations established in ETD2371C (3D Printing I), this course advances student competency in additive manufacturing through complex project applications, simulation, and design analysis of rapid prototyping workflows. Students examine the relationship between physical prototyping and professional design practice through applied projects and industry case studies. The course is classified at the sophomore (second-year) level and carries 3 credit hours with a combined lecture/laboratory format.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Apply advanced parametric and solid modeling techniques using CAD software to design complex, multi-component parts suitable for additive manufacturing.
• Analyze and optimize 3D print parameters — including layer height, infill density, support structures, orientation, and material selection — for functional prototypes.
• Operate, calibrate, and perform preventive maintenance on FFF/FDM, SLA, and/or SLS 3D printing systems used in engineering and design environments.
• Use slicing software (e.g., Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, or equivalent) to prepare and validate print files, troubleshoot errors, and optimize print quality.
• Apply simulation and design analysis tools to evaluate rapid prototyping results and predict real-world part performance before fabrication.
• Perform post-processing operations on printed parts, including support removal, surface finishing, and dimensional inspection using measurement tools.
• Relate physical prototyping outputs to industry design workflows by analyzing professional case studies and project scenarios.
• Produce and present a design portfolio documenting the iterative development, testing, and refinement of advanced 3D printed projects.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional resources and program focus, students may also:

• Explore multi-material and multi-color printing techniques using advanced printer configurations.
• Perform reverse engineering using 3D scanning technology to capture and reproduce physical objects as digital models.
• Investigate alternative additive manufacturing processes such as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), PolyJet, or Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and their industrial applications.
• Apply Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles to maximize the geometric freedom and structural efficiency unique to 3D printing.
• Integrate IoT and smart manufacturing concepts into additive manufacturing workflows, including remote print monitoring.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are common across Florida college offerings of ETD2372C:

• Review and Extension of 3D Printing Fundamentals — recap of ETD2371C concepts; transition to advanced workflows and professional standards
• Advanced CAD Modeling for Additive Manufacturing — complex geometries, assemblies, tolerancing, and file formats (STL, OBJ, 3MF, STEP)
• Print Parameter Optimization — layer resolution, infill patterns, wall thickness, bridging, thermal management, and material-specific settings
• Advanced Slicing and G-Code Fundamentals — slicer configuration, custom support strategies, print time/material estimation, and basic G-code interpretation
• Materials Science for 3D Printing — mechanical and thermal properties of PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Nylon, resin, and composite filaments; material selection criteria
• Simulation and Design Analysis of Rapid Prototypes — structural, thermal, and fit analysis; comparison of simulated vs. fabricated results
• Post-Processing and Quality Control — support removal, sanding, priming, painting, epoxy coating, dimensional inspection, and tolerance verification
• Industry Case Studies and Design Relationships — examination of how prototyping integrates with product development cycles in engineering, medical, architectural, and consumer industries
• Advanced Project Development — multi-stage projects requiring iterative design, fabrication, testing, and documentation
• Portfolio and Technical Communication — professional documentation of design intent, process decisions, revisions, and final outcomes

Optional Topics

Topics that may be covered depending on equipment availability and program emphasis:

• 3D Scanning and Reverse Engineering — structured-light or photogrammetric scanning; point cloud processing; mesh repair workflows
• Resin and SLA/MSLA Printing — photopolymer chemistry, UV curing, resin handling safety, and wash/cure procedures
• Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) — topology optimization, lattice structures, part consolidation, and generative design concepts
• Metal and Industrial Additive Manufacturing Overview — DMLS, EBM, binder jetting; applications in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical sectors
• Multi-Material and Color Printing — dual-extrusion setups, soluble support materials, and color management
• Regulatory and Safety Standards — OSHA standards relevant to additive manufacturing environments; material safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS); ventilation requirements
• Entrepreneurship and Rapid Prototyping Business Models — on-demand manufacturing, print farms, and service bureau operations

Resources & Tools

• CAD Software: Autodesk Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Tinkercad (introductory), or Onshape — used for part design and assembly modeling
• Slicing Software: Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, Chitubox (resin), or equivalent open-source slicers
• 3D Printers: FFF/FDM desktop printers (e.g., Ultimaker, Prusa, Creality); SLA/MSLA resin printers (e.g., Elegoo, Formlabs) as available
• Simulation Tools: Autodesk Fusion 360 Simulation, SolidWorks Simulation, or equivalent FEA/analysis modules
• Measurement Tools: Digital calipers, micrometers, and surface comparators for dimensional inspection
• Post-Processing Equipment: Deburring tools, sandpaper, spray primer, UV curing stations (for resin), and finishing materials
• Reference Texts: Fabricated: The New World of 3D Printing (Lipson & Kurman); manufacturer technical documentation; ASTM F42 additive manufacturing standards
• Online Platforms: Thingiverse, Printables, GrabCAD — for model repositories and community reference

Career Pathways

Completion of ETD2372C prepares students for roles in engineering design, manufacturing, and product development. Relevant career pathways include:

• Prototype Technician / Model Maker — fabricating and testing engineering models in R&D or manufacturing environments
• CAD/CAM Technician — applying digital design and fabrication skills in engineering support roles
• Additive Manufacturing Specialist — operating and maintaining industrial 3D printing systems in production or service bureau settings
• Product Design Technician — supporting industrial designers and engineers in consumer product development
• Biomedical Device Technician — producing custom medical devices, prosthetics, or surgical models (with additional certification)
• Engineering Drafting Technician — creating technical drawings and prototypes in support of mechanical or civil engineering projects

This course contributes to pathways toward the Associate in Science (A.S.) in Engineering Technology and related technical certificates at Florida state colleges. Graduates may pursue employment immediately or continue toward a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (B.S.E.T.) at a Florida university.

Special Information

Lab Format: ETD2372C carries the SCNS C (combined lecture/laboratory) designation, meaning lecture instruction and hands-on lab activities occur together in a single class session. Students should expect significant time operating 3D printing equipment, handling materials, and completing fabrication projects each week.

Certification Preparation: Course content aligns with foundational competencies recognized by the SME Additive Manufacturing Certification (AM) and supports preparation for the Autodesk Certified Professional: Fusion 360 credential. Students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing may also benefit from review of ASTM F42 Committee standards on additive manufacturing technologies.

Safety Requirements: Students must follow all laboratory safety protocols related to heated extrusion equipment, UV resin handling, and chemical post-processing materials. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required during all lab sessions. Safety orientation is typically completed within the first week of instruction.

Software Access: Autodesk Fusion 360 is available at no cost to enrolled students through Autodesk's Education license program. Students should confirm software requirements with their instructor prior to the start of the term.