Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced a collaboration with the University of Michigan’s Centre for Academic Innovation to promote the industrial use of additive manufacturing (AM). Together, they have created a new online course called “Introduction to 3-D Printing with Metals,” designed to be an accessible learning resource for professionals, hobbyists, and students.
The course was developed in partnership with Chinedum Okwudire, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of Michigan, and Dr. Nathaniel Wood. It covers essential topics such as metal printing methods, how they work, their advantages and limitations, and their real-world applications.
Aaron Frankel, Vice President of Part Manufacturing New Solutions and Additive Manufacturing at Siemens, highlighted the significant potential of metal additive manufacturing to transform product delivery by enabling mass customization and design freedom at an industrial scale. However, he emphasized that the industry needs a skilled workforce knowledgeable about the technology’s processes, implementation, and challenges.
“Our collaboration with the University of Michigan combines its academic research with Siemens’ industrial expertise, creating an open, accessible resource that will help train the next generation of engineers in metal AM,” Frankel said.
Professor Okwudire expressed his hope that the course would expand global knowledge and engagement with metal additive manufacturing, ultimately benefiting society. He also acknowledged Siemens’ crucial role in the development of the course, both financially and in terms of expertise, and emphasized the importance of creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce trained in this technology.
