Siemens partners with University of Michigan for 3D printing MOOC

Siemens Digital Industries Software is collaborating with the University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation to develop an online course aimed at promoting the use of additive manufacturing with metals.

The new course, titled 'Introduction to 3D Printing with Metals,' is delivered as a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and is designed to offer accessible learning resources for professionals, hobbyists, and students. This initiative is supported by Siemens in partnership with University of Michigan's experts, specifically Professor Chinedum Okwudire and Dr. Nathaniel Wood, who were key in shaping the course content.

Aaron Frankel, Vice President, Part Manufacturing New Solutions Introduction and Additive Manufacturing at Siemens Digital Industries Software, remarked on the transformative potential of metals additive manufacturing. 

He stated, "Metals additive manufacturing has huge potential to revolutionise how products are delivered, enabling freedom of form and mass customisation at an industrial scale. To realise that potential, industry needs a workforce that is knowledgeable about all aspects of the processes, how best to implement them to solve real engineering challenges and avoid the common pitfalls." He added that the collaboration with University of Michigan merges their research knowledge with Siemens' industrial expertise to create an "accessible and open educational resource" aimed at equipping future engineers with vital skills.

Professor Chinedum Okwudire also highlighted the course's objectives, noting its aim to broaden understanding and participation in metal additive manufacturing across a global spectrum. 

He said, "The goal of this course is to broaden the knowledge and engagement in metal additive manufacturing across a diverse and global audience that can help advance society through this game-changing technology." Okwudire acknowledged the critical role Siemens played both financially and knowledge-wise in the development of the course and expressed optimism towards fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce in the field.

The course, available on the Coursera platform, covers a wide gamut of metal 3D printing techniques. It spans from basic forms such as desktop 3D printing to more intricate methods like powder bed fusion, jetting-based, and direct energy deposition processes. The curriculum includes discussions on pre-processing, design principles for additive manufacturing, post-processing, and part finishing. Students are offered practical insights through examples and interviews with industry specialists alongside interactive augmented reality experiences accessible via smartphones or desktops.

Siemens is committed to providing the workforce with strategic content aimed at digital skill enhancement in order to support success within the industry. The company's comprehensive offerings, including those available on Coursera, form part of its broader aim to digitally transform operations through its Siemens Xcelerator business platform, which integrates software, hardware, and services.