Design for AM

Learn about multiple AM technologies used to design products and the best AM-specific design for manufacturing (DfAM) practices.

Upon course completion, learners will:

• Define typical manufacturing process steps from requirements to final part

• Discuss digital workflow and key design iteration points in AM design workflow

• Apply AM design considerations including impacts of non-AM steps on part design (e.g. heat treatment, surface finishing and testing/inspection)

• Investigate impact of manufacturing plan on AM design (e.g. build orientation and layout, support structures) 

• Achieve specific design goals be weighing factors across various AM processes

• Understand software tool categories for AM designCompare disruptive design techniques made possible by AM including topology optimization and generative design

• Discuss AM process limitations (e.g. self-supporting angles, feature resolution) and design mitigation approaches for standard design features (e.g. internal passageways, transitions, complex sweeps and surfaces)

• Define key considerations and trade-offs for part consolidation using AM

• Define light weighting with lattice structures as it applies to AM

• Recognize the basics of quality assurance for AM