flagship course
3D Printing
Learn to design, slice, print, finish and cost 3D-printed parts safely and sell them honestly.
about this course
What you will be able to do
- Understand Explain printer types and materials.
- Apply Prepare a model and slice it.
- Analyse Fix common failures.
- Evaluate Judge strength, safety and cost.
- Create Print and finish a useful part.
Task, condition and standard
Task
Design or select a part, print it, finish it, test it against a requirement and cost it for sale.
Condition
Access to a printer (own, makerspace or partner), a computer, free software, two peers and a mentor.
Standard
Part meets the dimensions within 0.3 mm; print log shows settings; failure analysis written; safety rules followed; cost per part shown; peers rate Meets or better.
Who it is for: Makers, students, product designers, small manufacturers. Requirements: none. Materials: lesson text, worked examples, templates, rubric, quiz, tracker.
lesson by lesson
8 modules with worked examples
Module 1 Printers, materials and what suits what 3 hUnderstand
The printer and material decide strength, detail, cost and safety. Choose from the need of the part.
- Filament printers melt plastic and lay it in layers; resin printers cure liquid with light and give fine detail.
- PLA is easy and stiff but softens in heat; PETG is tougher and handles moisture; ABS resists heat but gives off fumes and needs ventilation; flexible filaments make gaskets and grips.
- Resins need gloves, washing and curing; waste resin is hazardous.
- Check the maker's data sheet. Do not assume a printed part is food safe or load safe.
Activity. Compare four materials in a table for strength, heat, ease, cost and safety.
Standard to meet. Check that the table is accurate and cite data sheets.
Module 2 Designing parts for printing 4 hApply
A model designed for printing prints well; a model copied from a metal part may not.
- Wall thickness of at least two nozzle widths; avoid thin spikes.
- Avoid overhangs steeper than about 45 degrees or add supports.
- Layers pull apart most easily, so orient the part so loads run along the layer lines, not across them.
- Add 0.2 to 0.4 mm clearance for moving or fitted parts.
Activity. Design or choose a part, list dimensions, orientation and clearances.
Standard to meet. Justify dimensions and orientation in writing.
Module 3 Slicing and settings 4 hApply
The slicer turns the model into printer instructions.
- Layer height (0.1 to 0.3 mm), infill (10 to 40 per cent), walls, speed, temperature and supports.
- Preview the tool path layer by layer before printing.
- Save profiles for each material.
- Check the first layer closely; most failures start there.
Activity. Slice your part and record all settings.
Standard to meet. Record settings and check that the preview shows no gaps.
Module 4 Printing safely 4 hApply
Printers are hot, moving and sometimes unattended.
- Place on a stable surface with good ventilation; keep flammable items away.
- Do not touch the nozzle or bed when hot; tie back hair and loose clothes.
- Do not leave long prints unattended without safeguards such as a smoke alarm.
- Resin: wear gloves and eye protection and dispose of waste properly.
Activity. Print your part and keep a log of start, end, issues and temperatures.
Standard to meet. Log is complete and safety kit is in place.
Module 5 Troubleshooting failures 3 hAnalyse
Failures teach. Change one setting at a time and write down what happens.
- Warping: use a heated bed, brim or enclosure.
- Stringing: lower temperature or tune retraction.
- Poor adhesion: clean the bed and level it.
- Clogs: clean the nozzle and check filament moisture.
Activity. Fix two issues and record the cause, change and result.
Standard to meet. Note one change at a time.
Module 6 Post-processing and finishing 3 hApply
Finishing makes a part usable and professional.
- Remove supports, sand in steps, prime and paint where needed.
- Resin parts: wash and cure fully before handling.
- Check fit and trim.
- Use a mask when sanding and spraying.
Activity. Finish your part and photograph before and after.
Standard to meet. Check that the surface is smooth and fits.
Module 7 Testing the part 3 hEvaluate
A part is good only if it meets a requirement.
- Measure with calipers and compare to the design.
- Load test within safe limits; start low.
- Test three copies to see variation.
- Document the results.
Activity. Test three copies and report average and spread.
Standard to meet. Record results with units.
Module 8 Costing and selling honestly 3 hCreate
Price covers material, time and risk of failures.
- Material cost, power, machine wear, labour and failed prints.
- Add 10 to 20 per cent for waste.
- Disclose limits and intended use; do not sell safety-critical parts without testing.
- Respect designs and licences; do not copy protected products.
Activity. Cost one part and write a short product note with limits.
Standard to meet. Cost sheet is correct and the note states intended use.
assessment
How you are checked
Your evidence: model, slicer settings, print log, test record, cost sheet. Two peers and one mentor mark it with this rubric. Pass: no criterion at 'Not yet'.
| Criterion | Not yet | Meets | Exceeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print quality | Poor | Good | Excellent and repeatable |
| Safety | Gaps | Followed | Followed and logged |
| Cost | No costs | Costs | Costs with failure margin |
| Test record | Parts judged by eye | Dimensions and load test results logged | Test repeated on a second print and spread recorded |
| Product safety and IP | Safety and IP not checked | Safety limits, food-contact rule and design rights are written down | Rules checked and a risky use refused in writing |
Ten-question check, with model answers
Q1. Easy filament?
Model answer: PLA. (Covered in module 1: Printers, materials and what suits what. To pass that module: Check that the table is accurate and cite data sheets.)
Q2. Overhang fix?
Model answer: Supports. (Covered in module 2: Designing parts for printing. To pass that module: Justify dimensions and orientation in writing.)
Q3. Resin safety?
Model answer: Gloves and eye protection. (Covered in module 4: Printing safely. To pass that module: Log is complete and safety kit is in place.)
Q4. Why ventilate?
Model answer: Fumes. (Covered in module 1: Printers, materials and what suits what. To pass that module: Check that the table is accurate and cite data sheets.)
Q5. Warping fix?
Model answer: Heated bed. (Covered in module 5: Troubleshooting failures. To pass that module: Note one change at a time.)
Q6. Measuring tool?
Model answer: Calipers. (Covered in module 7: Testing the part. To pass that module: Record results with units.)
Q7. Costs?
Model answer: Material, power, time, labour, failures. (Covered in module 8: Costing and selling honestly. To pass that module: Cost sheet is correct and the note states intended use.)
Q8. Orientation effect?
Model answer: Strength. (Covered in module 2: Designing parts for printing. To pass that module: Justify dimensions and orientation in writing.)
Q9. Why log?
Model answer: Repeat results. (Covered in module 4: Printing safely. To pass that module: Log is complete and safety kit is in place.)
Q10. Disclose?
Model answer: Limits. (Covered in module 8: Costing and selling honestly. To pass that module: Cost sheet is correct and the note states intended use.)
levels L1 to L7
The ladder, slide by slide
Seven slides, one per level. Open each for the slide text and the speaker notes.
Slide 1 L1 Basic: Printers, materials and what suits what
L1: learner can name printer types. Focus module: Printers, materials and what suits what (Understand, 3 h). The printer and material decide strength, detail, cost and safety. Choose from the need of the part. Key points: Filament printers melt plastic and lay it in layers; resin printers cure liquid with light and give fine detail. PLA is easy and stiff but softens in heat; PETG is tougher and handles moisture; ABS resists heat but gives off fumes and needs ventilation; flexible filaments make gaskets and grips. Resins need gloves, washing and curing; waste resin is hazardous. Check the maker's data sheet. Do not assume a printed part is food safe or load safe.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A shelf bracket is printed in PETG for toughness. A jewellery prototype is printed in resin for detail. A phone stand is printed in PLA because strength is not critical. Then set the activity: Compare four materials in a table for strength, heat, ease, cost and safety. Mark against the standard: Table is accurate and cites data sheets. Check at this level: Easy filament? Model answer: PLA.
Slide 2 L2 Awareness: Designing parts for printing
L2: learner knows safety. Focus module: Designing parts for printing (Apply, 4 h). A model designed for printing prints well; a model copied from a metal part may not. Key points: Wall thickness of at least two nozzle widths; avoid thin spikes. Avoid overhangs steeper than about 45 degrees or add supports. Layers are weakest in tension, so orient the part so loads run along layers. Add 0.2 to 0.4 mm clearance for moving or fitted parts.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A bracket printed on its side is much stronger than one printed upright because layer lines run along the load. Then set the activity: Design or choose a part, list dimensions, orientation and clearances. Mark against the standard: Justify dimensions and orientation in writing. Check at this level: Overhang fix? Model answer: Supports.
Slide 3 L3 Foundation: Slicing and settings
L3: learner can slice. Focus module: Slicing and settings (Apply, 4 h). The slicer turns the model into printer instructions. Key points: Layer height (0.1 to 0.3 mm), infill (10 to 40 per cent), walls, speed, temperature and supports. Preview the tool path layer by layer before printing. Save profiles for each material. Check the first layer closely; most failures start there.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A part is sliced at 0.2 mm layers, 20 per cent infill and 3 walls. Print time is 2.5 hours and mass 38 g. Then set the activity: Slice your part and record all settings. Mark against the standard: Record settings and check that the preview shows no gaps. Check at this level: Layer height range? Model answer: 0.1 to 0.3 mm.
Slide 4 L4 Practitioner: Printing safely
L4: learner can print. Focus module: Printing safely (Apply, 4 h). Printers are hot, moving and sometimes unattended. Key points: Place on a stable surface with good ventilation; keep flammable items away. Do not touch the nozzle or bed when hot; tie back hair and loose clothes. Do not leave long prints unattended without safeguards such as a smoke alarm. Resin: wear gloves and eye protection and dispose of waste properly.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A smoke alarm and a fire blanket are kept near the printer; the print room has a window for airflow. Then set the activity: Print your part and keep a log of start, end, issues and temperatures. Mark against the standard: Log is complete and safety kit is in place. Check at this level: Unattended print safeguard? Model answer: Smoke alarm.
Slide 5 L5 Specialist: Troubleshooting failures
L5: learner can fix and cost. Focus module: Troubleshooting failures (Analyse, 3 h). Failures teach. Change one setting at a time and write down what happens. Key points: Warping: use a heated bed, brim or enclosure. Stringing: lower temperature or tune retraction. Poor adhesion: clean the bed and level it. Clogs: clean the nozzle and check filament moisture.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A large flat part warps at the corners. A heated bed at 60 degrees Celsius and a brim fix it on the next print. Then set the activity: Fix two issues and record the cause, change and result. Mark against the standard: Notes show one change at a time. Check at this level: Warping fix? Model answer: Heated bed.
Slide 6 L6 Advanced: Testing the part
L6: learner can lead a lab. Focus module: Testing the part (Evaluate, 3 h). A part is good only if it meets a requirement. Key points: Measure with calipers and compare to the design. Load test within safe limits; start low. Test three copies to see variation. Document the results.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. Three bracket copies hold 4.8, 5.1 and 5.0 kg for 10 minutes without deflection. Then set the activity: Test three copies and report average and spread. Mark against the standard: Results are recorded with units. Check at this level: Measuring tool? Model answer: Calipers.
Slide 7 L7 Super expert: Costing and selling honestly
L7: learner can audit. Focus module: Costing and selling honestly (Create, 3 h). Price covers material, time and risk of failures. Key points: Material cost, power, machine wear, labour and failed prints. Add 10 to 20 per cent for waste. Disclose limits and intended use; do not sell safety-critical parts without testing. Respect designs and licences; do not copy protected products.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. Cost 62 INR for material and power plus 40 INR labour is 102 INR; adding 10 per cent for waste gives about 112 INR. The part sells for 150 INR. Then set the activity: Cost one part and write a short product note with limits. Mark against the standard: Cost sheet is correct and the note states intended use. Check at this level: Costs? Model answer: Material, power, time, labour, failures.
jobs this leads to
Where this takes you
- 3D print technician. Runs printers.
- Product prototyper. Builds models.
- Makerspace assistant. Supports users.
- Small-batch manufacturer. Sells parts.
- Design assistant. Prepares models.
Next courses: 3D home building, smart apparel, product design.
ten locations and global
Your place
Product-safety and IP rules differ by place; do not copy protected designs.
India (Bengaluru)
Language: English, Hindi, Kannada. Write numbers in INR. Personal data rule: Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023. Skills frame to name in your evidence: National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and the national credit framework. Consumer rule: Consumer Protection Act 2019.
Netherlands (Eindhoven area)
Language: Dutch, English. Write numbers in EUR. Personal data rule: EU GDPR (Dutch: AVG), supervised by the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the Dutch qualification framework (NLQF) linked to the European Qualifications Framework. Consumer rule: EU and Dutch consumer rules (14-day cooling-off for online sales).
UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
Language: Arabic, English. Write numbers in AED. Personal data rule: Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (personal data protection). Skills frame to name in your evidence: the emirate education and training regulators (for example KHDA in Dubai) and the national qualifications framework. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Brazil (Sao Paulo)
Language: Portuguese (Spanish and English support). Write numbers in BRL. Personal data rule: LGPD (Lei Geral de Protecao de Dados). Skills frame to name in your evidence: the national technical-education catalogue and the national S-system training bodies. Consumer rule: the Consumer Defence Code (CDC).
Canada (Toronto)
Language: English, French. Write numbers in CAD. Personal data rule: PIPEDA, with provincial rules where they apply. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the provincial colleges framework and the national credential-recognition guidance. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
United States
Language: English, Spanish. Write numbers in USD. Personal data rule: state privacy laws (for example California), and COPPA for children under 13. Skills frame to name in your evidence: state and community-college credit systems. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Singapore
Language: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil. Write numbers in SGD. Personal data rule: Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Skills frame to name in your evidence: the Singapore national skills frameworks and the national credit system. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Australia
Language: English. Write numbers in AUD. Personal data rule: the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Hong Kong (Eastern Asia)
Language: Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin), English. Write numbers in HKD. Personal data rule: the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Georgia and Israel (Western Asia)
Language: Georgian, Hebrew, Arabic, English. Write numbers in GEL or ILS. Personal data rule: the personal data law of the country where the learner lives. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the national qualifications framework of that country. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Cayman Islands (Caribbean)
Language: English. Write numbers in KYD. Personal data rule: the Data Protection Act. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the local education and training framework. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Mexico
Language: Spanish, English. Write numbers in MXN. Personal data rule: the federal law on personal data held by private parties. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the national competency certification system and the education ministry levels. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Global
The global version uses plain English, metric units, and your own currency. Machine translation is available in every language; the English text is the official text. Before you act for real, check your local rules with an adviser. Currency: USD (or your own currency, written next to every number).
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Draft
Draft flagship. Written in our own words. Not live. Check local rules with an adviser before you act for real.