top of page
20250731_135237_edited.jpg

Additive Manufacturing

Materials and Assembly

Advanced Techniques for Specialized 3D Printing

Prerequisites:

Level 1 Additive Manufacturing Systems course or equivalent knowledge

$2400

In Person Course

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Dates

Additive Manufacturing Materials and Assembly
Nov 25 - Jan 20 (off for several holidays)
5pm - 7pm
T,Th
12 Sessions

Topics

  • Working with an Independent Dual Extruder (IDEX) Printer

  • 3D Printing Review

  • IDEX Basics

  • Exploring advanced slicer features and less commonly used settings

  • Techniques for achieving specific effects and improving print quality

  • Creating and utilizing scripts to automate or customize printing processes

  • Selecting and configuring extruders for different models, including dual-extrusion setups

  • Managing and switching between extruder types (e.g., model material vs. support material)

3D Printing Techniques and Equipment

  • Overview of resin printing technology and how it differs from FDM

  • Using resin-specific slicer software and settings

  • Proper post-processing techniques

  • Cleaning the resin vat and recoating procedures

  • Replacing the FEP film and maintaining resin tanks

  • Homing the printer and bed leveling procedures specific to resin printers

  • Managing print orientation and supports for optimal results

  • Best practices for resin safety, including ventilation and resin handling

Resin Printing Concepts and Issues

Material Studies and Selection

  • Identifying characteristics of various print materials

  • Printing test samples in PLA, PETG, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, PVA, carbon fiber composites, wood filament, and more

  • Developing best practice matrices tailored to different materials

  • Incorporating multiple materials into complex prints

  • Working with PVA soluble support material for intricate models

  • Installing heat-set and self-tapping inserts

  • Hole drilling and tapping techniques

  • Sanding, filing, and finishing printed parts

  • Introduction to Blender 3D software for visualization and rendering

Additional Manufacturing Skills

This second-level 3D printing course explores advanced techniques and concepts across various additive manufacturing methods, emphasizing practical, hands-on skills. Students will design, optimize, and print a wide range of models to evaluate material properties, machine tolerances, and print quality.

The coursework includes the FDM and resin printing processes, advanced slicer settings, dual-extrusion management, scripting for automation, and post-processing techniques.

20250731_152918_edited.jpg
Mill Vise

Several projects will contribute to a final complex assembly, requiring extensive printing of real components such as inserts, fasteners, and bearings.

Mill Vise printed and assembled

The course will focus on the IDEX FDM machines but we will spend some time talking about and demonstrating the resin printing process.

20250731_135318_edited.jpg
20250731_135258.jpg

Resin printing can produce very detailed parts, but the complexity and maintenance of this system might not be something you're willing to work with.

 

Our class labs will help you decide if this is a system you might want to have.

This course provides over 100 hours of hands-on 3D printing experience, covering advanced techniques and the use of specialized equipment such as dual-extrusion and resin printers. 

​

Upon completion of this course, participants will feel comfortable creating complex multi-material assemblies, incorporating essential modifications for assembly, and making informed choices about materials for each component.

Section View

Mill Vise model used in class

Course Overview

Course Dates

Additive Manufacturing Materials and Assembly
Nov 25 - Jan 20 (off for several holidays)
5pm - 7pm
T,Th
12 Sessions

You can register by phone between 9am and 4pm PDT
425-640-1840

Important - You will need a CTCLink ID number in order for us to help you over the phone or in person. You can follow the steps below to get one.

Fill out an application to Edmonds College:

Online Admissions Application

https://apply.ctc.edu/user
* This can take 1-5 business days to get your ID

A few notes for your application:
Enroll as: "First Year"
Program: "Professional Technical"
Term: "_____" (Season plus year, such as: Spring 2023)
Degree or Certificate: "Undecided - Professional Technical"

Once you have received your CTC Link ID number please let us know and we can get you registered for your class.

Click here to get notified of upcoming classes

Mailing List

Registration

Registering Online

Washington State colleges are now using CTCLink for all student services.

  • Follow the link below - login in or create an account

  • Go to "Student Homepage"

  • Choose "Manage Classes"

  • "Class Search and Enroll"

  • Choose Edmonds College and the quater (Control + F to search page)

  • Search for class name or number (Class Number will get you to where you want faster)
     

Online Registration Login Page - CTCLInk

NOTE - All our classes fall under "Special Topics: Manufacturing".

bottom of page