13. Online courses

In this topic we will present free courses available online for self-learning as well as online communities of interest for consultations of ongoing projects.

13.1 The 3D Printing Revolution (Coursera)

https://www.coursera.org/learn/3d-printing-revolution

Created by: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Delivered by: Coursera
Taught by: Aric Rindfleisch

This course will demonstrate how 3D printers work, show what people make with them, and examine the 3D printing ecosystem. It will also explore the future of 3D printing and discuss how this technology will revolutionize our world. The course materials include informative video lectures, on-location interviews with a variety of 3D printing experts, and engaging hands-on exercises. Learners who complete this introductory course will have a solid understanding of 3D printing and its revolutionary potential, and will be able to print and customize 3D designs.

In addition, learners will obtain a preview of the other courses in the 3D Printing Specialization and gain an appreciation for how these courses will help them develop the knowledge and skills to turn their ideas into objects.

13.2 3D Printing Applications (Coursera)

https://www.coursera.org/learn/3d-printing-applications

Created by: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Delivered by: Coursera
Taught by: Vishal Sachdev

This course will help you understand how 3D printing is being applied across a number of domains, including design, manufacturing, and retailing. It will also demonstrate the special capabilities of 3D printing such as customization, self-assembly, and the ability to print complex objects. In addition to business applications, this course will also examine how individuals, including those in developing countries, are using this technology to create solutions to the problems they face.

This course will also provide an overview of design thinking and how you can use this framework to develop ideas that can be turned into objects. Learners who complete this course will obtain a rich understanding of the capabilities of 3D printing and how to think about designing objects for this new technology.

13.3 3D Printing Software (Coursera)

https://www.coursera.org/learn/3d-printing-software

Created by: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Delivered by: Coursera
Taught by: Jeffrey Smith

This course will demonstrate how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects. It will also demonstrate how 3D scanners work to turn physical objects into digital designs. This course is hands-on in nature and will provide step-by-step instructions to guide you through two popular 3D modeling programs, Tinkercad and Fusion 360.

Learners who complete this course will be able to use 3D software to design a wide variety of objects for both personal and professional use. In addition, learners who enroll in the course certificate will receive extended free access to Fusion 360 (provided by Autodesk).

13.4 3D Printing Hardware (Coursera)

https://www.coursera.org/learn/3d-printer

Created by: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Delivered by: Coursera

Taught by: Matthew Griffin

This course will provide an in-depth exploration of desktop 3D printing hardware. It will examine the history of desktop 3D printing and demonstrate how 3D printers are made and how they work. This course will also provide step-by-step instructions for how to use and repair a 3D printer. It will also explore the different types of materials that can be 3D printed and will demonstrate how you can create various objects using these tools and materials. Learners who complete this course will be able to successfully operate, repair, and upgrade a 3D printer.

13.5 Bioprinting: 3D Printing Body Parts (FutureLearn)

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/bioprinting

Created by: Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong
Delivered by: FutureLearn
Taught by: Gordon Wallace

Discover how biomaterials and 3D printing collide, to create revolutionary, bioprinted body parts, with this free online course. You may be aware of 3D printing or have seen low-cost 3D printers, which can create plastic toys, replicas and objects of your own design. But did you know that 3D printing is also enabling life-saving and transforming medical procedures, which were unthinkable a few years ago?

13.6 Fundamentals of Manufacturing Processes (edX)

https://www.edx.org/course/fundamentals-manufacturing-processes-mitx-2-008x-0

Created by: MIT
Delivered by: EdX
Taught by: A. John Hart

Learn the technologies used to manufacture products we use every day, and the fundamental principles required to take processes to scale. Have you wondered how something was manufactured? Do you want to learn what it takes to turn your design into a finished product? This course introduces a wide range of manufacturing processes including machining, injection molding, and 3D printing; and explains the fundamental principles and practices of manufacturing at scale.

13.7 3D Printing Basics (Udemy)

https://www.udemy.com/3d-printing-basics

Created by Assembl Academy
Delivered by: Udemy

3D Printing Basics is a beginner level course designed for anyone who wants to start learning about 3D Printing but has no idea what 3D printing is or where to begin.