Project Management For Additive Manufacturing (3d Printing) Initiatives Training Course

Introduction

The revolutionary capabilities of Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) are transforming product development, manufacturing, and supply chains across various engineering sectors. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip project managers, engineers, and technical leaders with the specialized skills and strategic insights required to successfully plan, execute, and scale additive manufacturing initiatives. Participants will gain a robust understanding of the unique project lifecycle in 3D printing, from material selection and design optimization to post-processing and quality assurance, all while navigating technical challenges and driving innovation. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, best practices, and real-world scenarios pertinent to the rapidly evolving industrial and technological landscape in Kenya, empowering you to unlock the full potential of additive manufacturing.

This 3D printing project management course is crucial for organizations in Kenya striving for rapid prototyping, customized production, and a significant competitive edge in industries like aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer goods. Mastering additive manufacturing project leadership, implementing digital fabrication strategies, and understanding advanced manufacturing processes are indispensable skills for accelerating time-to-market, reducing waste, and creating complex geometries previously impossible. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in managing 3D printing workflows and industrial additive manufacturing adoption, positioning your organization at the forefront of technological innovation and driving economic growth across East Africa.

Target Audience

• Project Managers in Manufacturing & R&D
• Design Engineers
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Product Development Managers
• Material Scientists
• Production Managers
• Quality Assurance Engineers

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles and technologies of Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing).
• Master the unique project management lifecycle for additive manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop effective project plans for 3D printing research, development, and production.
• Learn techniques for selecting appropriate additive manufacturing processes and materials.
• Apply design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) principles for optimal results.
• Manage technical challenges and risks inherent in 3D printing projects.
• Understand post-processing requirements and quality control for additive parts.
• Explore the economic benefits and cost considerations of additive manufacturing.
• Develop strategies for scaling up additive manufacturing operations.
• Understand intellectual property and cybersecurity concerns in 3D printing.
• Enhance communication and collaboration across the additive manufacturing value chain.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in 3D printing applications.
• Foster a culture of adoption and exploitation of additive manufacturing technologies.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) module

• Defining Additive Manufacturing (AM) and its industrial applications
• Overview of common 3D printing technologies (e.g., FDM, SLA, SLS, DMLS)
• Advantages and limitations of AM compared to traditional manufacturing
• The evolving landscape of 3D printing in various industries
• Strategic implications of AM for product development and supply chains

Module 2: Unique Project Lifecycle for AM Initiatives module

• Key phases of an additive manufacturing project (concept to production)
• Differences in planning for AM vs. conventional manufacturing projects
• Agile and iterative approaches in AM project management
• Defining AM project scope, objectives, and success metrics
• Managing uncertainty in AM material and process development

Module 3: Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) module

• Principles of DfAM for optimizing part geometry and performance
• Lattice structures, topology optimization, and generative design
• Consolidation of assemblies into single parts
• Minimizing support structures and build time
• Software tools for AM design and simulation

Module 4: Materials and Process Selection for AM Projects module

• Overview of common AM materials (polymers, metals, ceramics, composites)
• Matching materials and processes to application requirements
• Understanding material properties and performance in AM
• Factors influencing process selection (cost, speed, accuracy, material)
• Quality considerations for AM materials

Module 5: AM Project Planning & Execution module

• Developing detailed project plans for AM pilot programs and production runs
• Resource planning for AM facilities and skilled personnel
• Managing build preparation, printing, and post-processing steps
• Risk management specific to AM (e.g., build failures, material variability)
• Scheduling and lead time considerations for AM projects

Module 6: Post-Processing, Quality Assurance & Control module

• Overview of common post-processing techniques (e.g., curing, support removal, heat treatment)
• Surface finishing and dimensional accuracy
• Quality control methodologies for 3D printed parts
• Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for AM
• Ensuring part performance and repeatability

Module 7: Economic & Business Case for AM Projects module

• Cost analysis for additive manufacturing (material, machine, labor)
• Identifying cost savings opportunities through AM
• Understanding break-even points and ROI for AM investments
• Business models enabled by 3D printing (e.g., mass customization, on-demand production)
• Scaling AM operations from prototyping to production

Module 8: Intellectual Property, Data & Cybersecurity in AM module

• Protecting intellectual property in digital manufacturing workflows
• Cybersecurity risks in networked 3D printing environments
• Data management and traceability for AM production
• Digital rights management for design files
• Supply chain security in distributed manufacturing

Module 9: Supply Chain Integration and Logistics for AM module

• Impact of AM on traditional supply chains
• Distributed manufacturing and localized production models
• On-demand manufacturing and inventory reduction
• Spare parts management and digital inventory
• Logistics considerations for AM parts

Module 10: Advanced Topics and Future Trends in AM module

• Hybrid manufacturing processes
• Multi-material and multi-color 3D printing
• 4D printing and smart materials
• Bioprinting and advanced medical applications
• Future outlook for additive manufacturing in Kenya and Africa

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.