MEC 117 - Applied Additive Manufacturing

Credits: 3
3 Skills Lab Hours

Prerequisites: MEC 116 or Instructor Permission
Description
This course advances students’ knowledge of additive manufacturing (AM) by emphasizing design strategies, advanced materials and applied projects. Students explore design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), evaluate structural and economic trade-offs and gain experience with post-processing techniques. Hybrid manufacturing workflows that combine additive and subtractive methods are introduced. Through individual and team projects, students design, fabricate and test parts that meet functional specifications, preparing them to apply additive manufacturing techniques in real-world industrial contexts.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Apply design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) principles to create optimized parts.
Evaluate the mechanical properties of printed parts through inspection and testing.
Compare advanced polymers, composites and metal feedstocks for specific applications.
Demonstrate hybrid workflows that combine additive and subtractive manufacturing.
Apply finishing and post-processing techniques to improve surface quality and strength.
Analyze build orientation and support strategies for efficiency and structural performance.
Predict deformation, strength and material usage with CAD and simulation tools.
Estimate the cost, time and resource requirements of additive manufacturing projects.
Collaborate on team-based projects to design, fabricate and test functional prototypes.
Present project results in professional technical reports and presentations.

Listed Topics

Review of additive manufacturing fundamentals
Design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) concepts
Advanced polymers, composites and metals in AM
Hybrid additive/subtractive workflows
Build orientation, rafts, supports and efficiency strategies
Simulation tools for part strength and deformation
Post-processing and finishing techniques (sanding, chemical smoothing, heat treatment)
Mechanical testing and inspection of printed parts
Cost analysis and economic considerations in AM
Project-based prototyping and functional testing
Team collaboration and project management in AM contexts
Documentation and technical presentation of result

Reference Materials
Instructor-approved textbook and materials

Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:

Communication
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 03/09/2026

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