MSE220

3-D Printing (also known as Additive Manufacturing (AM)) involves the direct conversion of 3-D computer aided designs into physical objects with applications impacting such fields as aerospace, architecture, microelectronics, medicine, and space exploration. It represents a revolution in the manufacturing and distribution of products and systems to the consumer while offering a dramatic potential for reduction in the environmental impact of product design, development, and realization. The course will provide students will direct experience in 3-D printing methods through hands-on, group projects focusing on this unique and growing manufacturing methodology. Students will examine the characteristics of materials amenable to 3-D printing and the environmental ramifications of this process for the large-and small-scale production of objects by exploring its impact on the primary stages of the product lifecycle. In these respects, the course provides a platform to extend student appreciation for, and understanding of, the fundamental relationships between material structure and properties and control of these relationships through the use of the 3-D printing. Moreover, the course integrates this exploration of additive manufacturing technology development with its potential to transform the production and supply of goods to the consumer and, finally, the environmental consequences of the widespread adoption of this technology in the context of sustainable development.

GE - T2-NATS (Tier 2 Natural Sciences), GEED - EPNAT (Gen Ed: EP Natural Scientist)

Spring