---
title: "Siemens and U-M launch free online course for metal 3D printing"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/siemens-and-u-m-launch-free-online-course-for-metal-3d-printing/
date: 2025-02-24
modified: 2025-02-24
lang: en
author: "Tess Boissonneault"
description: "With the aim of making the entry in metal additive manufacturing more accessible, Siemens Digital Industries Software and the University of Michigan's Center for Academic Innovation have launched an online..."
categories:
  - "Course"
  - "Metal Additive Manufacturing"
  - "Research & Education"
tags:
  - "insights"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/siemens-am-course1-640x360.jpeg
word_count: 500
---

# Siemens and U-M launch free online course for metal 3D printing

With the aim of making the entry in metal additive manufacturing more accessible, [Siemens Digital Industries Software](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/siemens/) and the University of Michigan's Center for Academic Innovation have launched an online course about the topic. The course is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), meaning that it is free and open to everyone.

The new course, called Introduction to 3D Printing with Metals, is intended for a varied audience, from students, to hobbyists, to professionals. The course content was developed by Siemens in collaboration with Chinedum Okwudire, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, and Dr. Nathaniel Wood, a researcher in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) specializing in toolpath strategies for LPBF.

Together, they created a valuable online resource for those seeking to learn more about metal additive manufacturing, its applications, benefits and limitations. More specifically, the course content includes five modules (for a total of about 17 hours), each of which covers a type of metal 3D printing. The five modules are:[![Siemens University of Michigan Metal AM Course](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/siemens-course-2-340x160.png)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/siemens-course-2.png)

- Why 3D Print with Metals?
- Directed Energy Deposition (DED)
- Powder Bed Fusion (PBF)
- Jetting-Based Processes
- Friction-Lamination Processes

Each module includes a combination of videos, readings and assignments designed to share knowledge about each step in the metal AM process, from design and pre-processing to part finishing. The lesson plans are also varied, including interviews with industry experts, such as SPEED 3D and EOS, as well as augmented reality activities that give virtual "hands-on" training to users.

“Metals additive manufacturing has huge potential to revolutionize how products are delivered, enabling freedom of form and mass customization at an industrial scale," said Aaron Frankel, VP of Part Manufacturing New Solutions Introduction and Additive Manufacturing at Siemens Digital Industries Software. "To realize that potential, industry needs a workforce that is knowledgeable about all aspects of the processes, how best to implement them to solve real engineering challenges and avoid the common pitfalls. Our work with U-M brings together their team’s research knowledge with our industrial expertise to deliver an accessible and open educational resource that will help provide the next generation of engineers with the skills they need to change the world."
> "The goal of this course is to broaden the knowledge and engagement in metal additive manufacturing across a diverse and global audience that can help advance society through this game-changing technology. Siemens’ support, both from a financial and knowledge point of view has been instrumental in the development of this course and we look forward to building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce trained in metal additive manufacturing." - Chinedum Okwudire
The Introduction to 3D Printing with Metals course can be completed in about three weeks, though students are welcome to go through the course at their own pace. The online materials and lessons can be accessed for free on [Coursera](https://www.coursera.org/learn/introduction-to-3d-printing-with-metals). Last month, Siemens launched another program aimed at supporting entry into AM: the [Siemens for Startups program,](https://www.voxelmatters.com/siemens-launches-siemens-for-startups/) which helps early-stage engineering and manufacturing companies by giving them access to advanced software and hardware.