Polymer and Composite Materials for Additive Manufacturing

Catalog description

This course will focus on how polymers are used in 3D printing including topics of thermal processing, photopolymerization, composites, and modern topics at the intersection of polymer science and additive manufacturing. Of particular importance will be the description of how additive manufacturing processes influence the final properties of polymeric and composite materials. The details of polymer chemistry and material structure will be covered to give students foundational knowledge in materials and additive processes. Basic ASTM processes in additive manufacturing will be described along with hybrid processes and topics in modern research. This course will give students a competitive advantage in understanding both materials and new manufacturing processes. The unique aspects of additive manufacturing will be discussed in the context of manufacturing economics and its impact on polymer processing as the industry and the technology develops.