University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Specialization
10,569 enrolled
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Specialization

Turn Your Ideas into Objects with 3D Printing. Obtain a rich understanding of what 3D printing is and how 3D printers work and develop skills in 3D Modeling. Consider how this new technology is being used by both firms and individuals with revolutionary potential; acquire a set of tangible skills that will allow you to design, prototype, manufacture, and share (or sell) physical objects.

Included with Coursera Plus

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

(253 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
2 months at 10 hours a week
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

(253 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
2 months at 10 hours a week
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers

Overview

  • Master the fundamentals of 3D printing technology, exploring real-world applications transforming how we design, prototype, and manufacture products.

  • Learn to use industry-standard 3D modeling software and scanning technology to transform your creative ideas into printable designs.

  • Develop hands-on expertise with desktop 3D printer setup, operation, and maintenance, including practical knowledge of different printer types.

  • Learn and apply design thinking and product development principles, enabling you to conceptualize, prototype, and iterate on 3D printing projects.

What’s included

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English
Recently updated!

February 2025

35 practice exercises

Advance your subject-matter expertise

  • Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
  • Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
  • Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
  • Earn a career certificate from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Specialization - 4 course series

What you'll learn

  • Obtain a rich understanding of 3D printing, including how it works and what you can make.

  • Explain the revolutionary advantages of 3D printing and the exciting future of this technology.

  • Examine several real-world examples and interviews by experts in the field to see 3D printing in action.

  • Obtain free digital designs that you can turn into 3D printed objects.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Prototyping
Category: Industrial Design
Category: Emerging Technologies
Category: Manufacturing and Production
Category: Digital Transformation
Category: Manufacturing Processes
Category: Innovation
Category: Business Economics
Category: 3D Modeling
Category: Business Transformation
Category: New Product Development
Category: Product Development
Category: Entrepreneurship

What you'll learn

  • Describe the ways in which 3D printing enables a new way of making things

  • Describe trends in the 3D printing industry

  • Explain the various applications of 3D printing

  • Understand the basics of the design thinking approach

Skills you'll gain

Category: Community Development
Category: Manufacturing and Production
Category: Design Thinking
Category: Prototyping
Category: Intellectual Property
Category: Product Design
Category: Education and Training
Category: Industrial Design
Category: Product Development
Category: Innovation
Category: 3D Modeling
Category: Computer-Aided Design

What you'll learn

  • Sketch out idea that can be turned into 3D designs

  • Model ideas in 3D and convert to 3D printable designs

  • Scan people and objects for 3D printing

Skills you'll gain

Category: 3D Modeling
Category: Visualization (Computer Graphics)
Category: Graphical Tools
Category: Computer Graphics
Category: Design Software
Category: Peripheral Devices
Category: User Interface (UI)
Category: Technical Design

What you'll learn

  • Understand the history and development of desktop 3D printers

  • Describe the different types of desktop 3D printers, how they work, what they are used for, and objects they can create

  • Set-up and prepare a 3D desktop printer for printing a test object

  • Identify 3D printable objects and prepare them for 3D desktop printing

Skills you'll gain

Category: Hardware Troubleshooting
Category: Control Systems
Category: Digital Design
Category: Production Process
Category: Computer Hardware
Category: 3D Modeling
Category: Technical Support
Category: Manufacturing Processes
Category: Hardware Design
Category: Mechanical Design
Category: Mechanical Engineering
Category: Electronic Hardware
Category: System Configuration

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructors

Vishal Sachdev
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
2 Courses53,733 learners
Jeffrey Smith
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
1 Course46,598 learners
Matthew Griffin
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
1 Course15,812 learners

Offered by

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Coursera Plus

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions