3D Printing Capstone

The capstone will integrate the learning acquired from the four courses in the 3D Printing Specialization through a hands-on project. This project will enable you to turn an idea into an object using the knowledge and skills acquired through the other courses. Specifically, you will be guided through a step-by-step process in which you imagine, design, make, and share a 3D printed object. Thus, through this capstone, you will be able to put course concepts into action and utilize the skills that you have acquired throughout the Specialization. In addition, you will be able to obtain an actual 3D print of the object you design at a discounted price through our corporate partners, 3D Hubs and Shapeways. If you enjoy this business course and are interested in an MBA, consider applying to the iMBA, a flexible, fully-accredited online MBA at an incredibly competitive price offered by the University of Illinois. For more information, please see the Resource page in this course and onlinemba.illinois.edu.

• Module 1 Origins of Desktop 3D Printing
• Throughout the 3D printing sequence, you have learned about the value that 3D printing adds to the world within education, the maker movement, manufacturing, business, and more. This module will reflect upon some of those pieces and build upon them with examples of disruption, and how 3D printing is changing the world of manufacturing and product development..
• Module 2 Problem Solving with 3D Printing
• The world is full of challenges and problems that need to be solved. Oftentimes, many issues get completely overlooked due to the market size being relatively small in comparison to the rest of the world. These marginalized issues are left without solutions, but with the advent of 3D printing, we have an opportunity to solve many of these issues.
• Module 3 Design and Development
• Creating an idea that is designed for 3D printing is often more difficult than it may seem. There are many considerations to be made, and this module is an opportunity for you to explore those ideas further though DFAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing).
• Module 4 Process and Production
• To finish out the capstone course, let's look back a bit at the hardware course and consider some implications of your design and printing process. Even the best designs may be difficult to implement if print speeds are not appropriate for the throughput needed, or if material properties are not able to match the requirements of the application. Let's look closer at assessing these options in 3D printing.