Design for Additive Manufacturing (Coursera)

Design for Additive Manufacturing (Coursera)

Should a part be made with additive manufacturing? If so, what process should one select, and what design choices should one make? This course seeks to answer these questions by providing a framework called the DFAM staircase, and by providing a scorecard for assessing appropriateness for additive manufacturing.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

The necessary elements for each course are lecture videos, knowledge checks, and project completion. For additional information on certain topics, I've included supplemental readings and videos throughout various lessons that might enhance your knowledge. Because all resources are not available to all students, these materials are optional.
In addition, you will note that some of the lectures feature our department’s graduate students. These excellent students are sometimes closer to the material, having learned it recently, so we greatly appreciate their participation in the instructional process.

What You Will Learn
Students will apply the DfAM staircase framework to make additive manufacturing decisions.

Course 5 of 5 in the Additive Manufacturing Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Course Introduction
Should a part be made with additive manufacturing? If so, what process should one select, and what design choices should one make? This course seeks to answer these questions by providing a framework called the DFAM staircase, and by providing a scorecard for assessing appropriateness for additive manufacturing. The necessary elements for each course are lecture videos, knowledge checks, and project completion. For additional information on certain topics, I've included supplemental readings and videos throughout various lessons that might enhance your knowledge. Because all resources are not available to all students, these materials are optional. In addition, you will note that some of the lectures feature our department’s graduate students. These excellent students are sometimes closer to the material, having learned it recently, so we greatly appreciate their participation in the instructional process.

WEEK 2
Module 5.1: Design Constraints in Additive Manufacturing
This module introduces you to process constraints and machining considerations and how they influence design for additive manufacturing.

WEEK 3
Module 5.2: Design Considerations for Additive Manufacturing
This module discusses factors to keep in mind when designing projects for additive manufacturing.

WEEK 4
Module 5.3: Course Project and Wrap-Up
This module summarizes how to assess whether a part is a good candidate for additive manufacturing; how to decide on the optimal additive manufacturing process; and how to make design changes to best fit the process.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Operations Systems Excellence (Coursera) Coursera
University of London

Operations Systems Excellence (Coursera)

The sole task of organisations is to either deliver customers the services that they require, or design, manufacture, and deliver products that customers are after. How do firms and organisations manage the very tasks that they carry out? How can operations themselves give excellence to organisations to enable them to be competitive? Operations management is concerned with the design, planning and control of operating systems for the provision of goods and services. This course will provide an introduction not only into the development of operational systems but more importantly into the how operating methods can help achieve corporate excellence.

Jun 22nd 2026
3 Weeks
Learning Experience Design: Orientation to the Profession (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Learning Experience Design: Orientation to the Profession (Coursera)

In Orientation to the Profession, you’ll be introduced to the “big ideas” of LXD. Begin with the essential aspects of the design process, from ideation to evaluation. During this section, you’ll also take a brief look at learning theories and design frameworks that help LXDs move from an initial concept to a completed course.

Jun 15th 2026
4 Weeks
Urban Ecology Design (edX) EdX
Delft University of Technology,DelftX

Urban Ecology Design (edX)

Learn how to contribute to a more biodiverse, nature-inclusive and sustainable built environment by using nature-based solutions in your designs and policies. As our urban habitats become increasingly complex, the need to address the challenges of accommodating a growing human population becomes ever more pressing. These challenges, intricately intertwined with the built environment and its wider surroundings, encompass the perils of heat stress, loss of biodiversity, land degradation, flood risks, and the urgent need to adapt to a changing climate.

May 1st 2024
5-12 Weeks
Enabling Community-Based Leadership in Design: Sustainable Development of Historic Faith Buildings (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
The Open University,UNESCO UNITWIN Complex Systems Digital Campus,The Glass-house

Enabling Community-Based Leadership in Design: Sustainable Development of Historic Faith Buildings (FutureLearn)

Mobilise the power of communities to re-imagine and shape their place. Learn how to enable communities to lead design initiatives in places of worship. Apart from being special places where people practise their faith, places of worship play an important role for the wider community by providing pastoral care and much-needed local services. Community-based design initiatives can enhance the value of these places as a sustainable resource for multiple communities.

Dec 6th 2021
5-12 Weeks
An Introduction to Digital Manufacturing and 3D Printing (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Labdox

An Introduction to Digital Manufacturing and 3D Printing (FutureLearn)

Gain an insight into the world of 3D printing, and understand the relationship between digital manufacturing and industry 4.0. Learn about the world of 3D printing and digital manufacturing. 3D printing and digital manufacturing is driving a world with less waste, less inventory, and lower CO2 emissions. As we look to the future, the support for using 3D printing across many different industries and sectors will only increase.

Feb 28th 2022
2 Weeks
Design Research para Estratégia e Inovação (Coursera) Coursera
FIA Business School

Design Research para Estratégia e Inovação (Coursera)

Nossas boas-vindas ao Curso Design Research para Estratégia e Inovação.Neste curso, você aprenderá sobre os principais elementos da Design Research (DR) aplicada à geração de inovação e estratégia. Tal método é fundamental para a criação de produtos, serviços e sistemas que atendam às necessidades humanas. No entanto, apesar de sua utilidade, a DR é amplamente negligenciada por muitas instituições e executivos. A DR, em essência, orienta as equipes para descobrir insights e desenvolver experiências de usuário que gerem valor.

Jun 1st 2026
4 Weeks
Diseño de Experiencia en Servicios (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Austral

Diseño de Experiencia en Servicios (Coursera)

En la era de la comunicación, no siempre los servicios saben escuchar las necesidades profundas del cliente, ni tampoco es habitual que se innoven poniendo al cliente en el centro del proceso. ¿Qué técnicas de investigación de usuarios pueden ayudarte a mejorar un servicio? ¿Cómo entender a los usuarios y lo que buscan, y diseñar servicios que pongan sus necesidades como punto de partida? ¿Cómo lograr, a través de este diseño, que quieran crear una relación a largo plazo con la empresa?

Jun 22nd 2026
4 Weeks
Design of Transmission Line: Modelling and Performance (Coursera) Coursera
L&T EduTech

Design of Transmission Line: Modelling and Performance (Coursera)

This course is designed to provide a detailed exploration of the critical elements involved in transmission lines' design, modeling, and performance assessment. By enrolling in this course, participants will not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that are directly applicable in the field of transmission line engineering. Whether you're a student aspiring to enter the industry or a professional seeking to deepen your expertise, this course offers a unique blend of theoretical insights and hands-on applications, equipping you with the tools to excel in this dynamic field.

Jun 15th 2026
3 Weeks
Additive Manufacturing (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Additive Manufacturing (Coursera)

This course, Additive Manufacturing, is the third course in the Coursera Specialization, Digital Technologies and the Future of Manufacturing. In this course, learners will be introduced to the concept of Additive Manufacturing, learn how it is applied in manufacturing, and what businesses should consider as they decide to implement this technology. Considerations include the economics of the technology, information technology infrastructure, manufacturing ecosystem partners, the business value of implementing Additive Manufacturing, and what needs to happen across the organization to ensure successful implementation.

Jun 22nd 2026
3 Weeks
3D Printing Capstone Coursera
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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.

Jun 8th 2026
4 Weeks
Construction aspects of Steel Buildings (Coursera) Coursera
L&T EduTech

Construction aspects of Steel Buildings (Coursera)

The Construction Aspects of Steel Buildings course offers comprehensive insights into key construction components. It begins with detailed exploration of shear, moment, and splice connections, providing practical examples. Participants learn about industrial building types, structural framing, roofing, and wall materials, alongside load evaluation.

Jun 22nd 2026
3 Weeks
Introduction to 3D Modeling (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Introduction to 3D Modeling (Coursera)

On this four-week practical course from the University of Michigan, you’ll not only learn how to use the Rhino software to create your 3D models, but you’ll also gain basic design skills to help bring your imagination to life. This course will guide you through 3D modeling within Rhino, so you’ll cover the fundamentals of the software as well as 3D modeling in general. You’ll first look at how to navigate the user interface and the different tools that you’ll be using to create models throughout this course. You’ll familiarize yourself with the 3D space and 3D objects before jumping straight in to create your own objects and building blocks.

Jun 15th 2026
4 Weeks