A lot of people are intrigued by 3D printing, but that interest doesn’t get any farther than reading the occasional article. For one thing, 3D printers are expensive; for another, many people just aren’t aware of the resources available to learn about the technology. Even where classes are available, interested individuals can be deterred by the cost. Believe me, I sympathize – there are so many classes, in a variety of topics, that I would love to take, but I just don’t have the money to spare for even the less expensive ones. So I’m thrilled by the increasing availability of free online courses that allow you to learn about everything from machining to neuroscience. (Sure, you’re not going to be able to be a brain surgeon by taking an online course, but it’s a great way to learn about the fundamentals of the field.)
There are several websites that offer online classes, and almost all of them include courses on 3D printing. One of those organizations is ALISON, a global leader in free online education. ALISON offers certified online training in subjects ranging from law to Photoshop, and is geared towards giving people a boost into the workplace at no cost. They have now introduced a “How to Use a 3D Printer” class that will teach participants the basics of 3D printing.
“This course will be of great interest to professionals working in the areas of engineering, design and manufacturing, who would like to learn more about 3D printing and its applications, or learners who would like to learn more about 3D printers and the future applications of this exciting technology,” the company states.
The class will take students through the 3D printing process from beginning to end, starting with an overview of the parts of the printer and the different types of plastic filament used. The course will use a Printrbot Simple Printer as the basis for learning how to set up, calibrate and operate a 3D printer, and students will learn how to design 3D models with 3D Builder software.
The course is being provided by Channel 9, an online community dedicated to software discussion and education. It’s recommended for anyone aged 16 or older, and there are assessments that require a score of 80% to pass. The nice thing about the class is that it allows you to learn at your own pace through a series of ten “topics” that are completed individually before the final assessments. The full course is only expected to take about two or three hours. If you pass all of the assessments, you can order an official diploma, for a cost.
What’s great about courses like this is that there is no risk. Should you sign up and decide, after starting, that it’s not for you, you can drop out without concern for wasted money. If you don’t pass – again, no money has been lost, and you’ll have learned some valuable skills that will likely benefit you in the workplace, diploma or no diploma. And if you do enjoy the course and do well at it, it may just lead you into a whole new career. Are you thinking about enrolling? Discuss in the ALISON 3D Printing Course forum over at 3DPB.com.
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
3D Printing Webinar and Event Roundup: February 9, 2025
In this week’s 3D Printing Webinar and Event roundup, the big news this week is the MILAM conference. However, if you can’t make it to Florida, there are multiple virtual...
3DPOD 239: Joe Calmese, ADDMAN President & CEO
Joe Calmese talks to us about the financing of additive manufacturing, machine prices, and utilization. He runs ADDMAN, a large, high-end service bureau that produces many critical components, including defense...
energize.am Consortium Aims to Reinvent and Reshore Energy Supply Chains via 3D Printing
If the past half-decade has taught us anything, it’s that supply chain disruptions can shake the foundation of the global economy. The year 2020, in particular, witnessed the most dramatic...
3DPOD 238: AM in the Nuclear Industry with Adam Travis, Westinghouse
Adam Travis, Global AM Program Leader at Westinghouse, is lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding 3D printing in the nuclear industry for us in this episode of the 3DPOD. He...