Certificate Programme in Material Selection for 3D Printed Objects
Published on June 19, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in 3D printing and the instructor of a new course titled "Certificate Programme in Material Selection for 3D Printed Objects". Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about why material selection is so crucial in 3D printing? GUEST: Absolutely, thanks for having me. Material selection is critical because it directly impacts the performance, cost, and even the safety of the final product. Getting it right can mean the difference between a successful print and a costly failure. HOST: That makes sense. Now, could you share some insights about the additive manufacturing processes that students will learn in this course, like FDM, SLA, and SLS? GUEST: Sure. FDM, or Fused Deposition Modeling, is a popular method that uses thermoplastics. SLA, or Stereolithography, uses a light source to cure liquid resin, and SLS, or Selective Laser Sintering, uses a laser to sinter powdered material. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and the right one depends on the specific application. HOST: Interesting. And what are some of the material properties that students will learn to consider when making their selections? GUEST: We'll cover properties like strength, flexibility, and biocompatibility. These are all important factors that can significantly affect the final product's performance and usability. HOST: I see. Could you tell us a bit about the material databases and selection software that students will explore in this course? GUEST: Of course. These tools can help streamline the material selection process by providing access to a wealth of information and making it easier to compare different materials. They're incredibly useful for engineers, designers, and manufacturers. HOST: That sounds very practical. Now, the course also covers design for additive manufacturing principles. Could you explain what that means and why it's important? GUEST: Design for additive manufacturing, or DfAM, is a design approach that takes full advantage of the capabilities of 3D printing. It allows us to create complex geometries, optimize structures, and reduce weight, all of which can lead to better performance and lower costs. HOST: Fascinating. As an expert in this field, what challenges do you see in material selection for 3D printed objects? GUEST: One major challenge is the rapid pace of technological development. New materials and processes are constantly emerging, making it difficult to keep up. Another challenge is the need for more comprehensive data on material properties and performance in various applications. HOST: That's a great point. And finally, how do you see the future of material selection in 3D printing evolving? GUEST: I believe we'll see more advanced materials, better data, and more sophisticated selection tools. This will enable us to create even more complex and high-performance objects, opening up new possibilities in fields like aerospace, medical devices, and consumer products. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you for sharing your insights and giving us a sneak peek into the "Certificate Programme in Material Selection for 3D Printed Objects". It sounds like a fascinating and valuable course for anyone working in this field. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm excited to share this knowledge with students and see how they apply it in their work.
