Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding:
through the class lessons the student will acquire the basic theoretic knowledge of the materials used in 3D printing processes and of the matter-laser interaction; he will know how to use the CAD design tools for 3D digital fabrication and the 3D printers.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
through the laboratory experienses, the student will learn how to use and apply, in the frame of actual situations, the analysis and design tools for digital design and fabrication.
Autonomous judgment:
at the end of the course the student must be able to critically understand the characteristics and the behavior of matter and to evaluate the performances and the suitability according to the foreseen application. He must be also able to process data in order to verify the required performances.
Communication ability:
through the class lessons and the academic debates, the student will acquire the specific terms used in additive manufacturing. At the end of the course, the student is expected to orally communicate the main contents of the course, including ideas, engineering problems and solutions. The student must also communicate his/her knowledge with proper tools, like diagrams, schemes and actual description of the devices.
Learning ability:
after following the course, the student will be able to autonomously deepen his/her knowledge in digital fabrication through specialist textbooks and journals, even for topics not investigated in detail during the lessons. This in order to successfully face future job or educational activities.
Prerequisites
Course unit content
The module will be divided into the following topics:
introduction to the course;
mechanical and thermal characteristics, applications and production processes of polymers, with particular reference to production technologies of polymers for additive manufacturing; basics of viscoelasticity and rheometry;
technologies for 3D printing, training, subtractive and additive;
the 3D printing process, from CAD drawing to finishing;
CAD design for digital manufacturing; design for polymer 3D printing, slicing software and g-code;
3D printing technologies for polymers: fused deposition modeling, VAT polymerization, , material jetting, selective laser sintering.
Laboratory experienses: production of a polymeric filament for fused deposition modeling; 3D printing of the filament produced by fused deposition modeling; preparation of photosensitive resin for stereolithography; stereolithographic printing of the resin produced; printing by selective laser sintering of nylon 11 powder.
Full programme
Bibliography
Ben Redwood, Filemon Schöffer & Brian Garret, "The 3D Printing Handbook, technologies, design and applications", 3D HUBS B.V., B.V.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2017).
Mele, Mattia; Campana, Giampaolo, “Tecnologie additive. Introduzione ai processi e alle strategie produttive”, Bologna, Società Editrice Esculapio srl, (2021).
Teaching methods
Lessons (70%);
laboratory experienses (30%)
Assessment methods and criteria
The final exam will take place in a collegiate manner also involving the other modules of the course. In particular, the exam will include a written part with closed-answer questions including the topics covered in all modules of the teaching (9 questions at all - 3 for each module - which will be assigned a maximum score of 15 points) and a oral part relating to the presentation and discussion of a project (shared by a maximum of two students) relating to the teaching contents (the project will be awarded a maximum of 15 points). The final mark is defined by the average of the written test and the evaluation of the project activity. The score attributed to the written and oral parts will be determined on a weighted basis with respect to the credits attributed to each teaching module.
Other information
