Have you ever heard of 3D printing? If you have, you’d probably find that it’s somewhat miraculous.
See, 3D printing sorta creates something out of nothing.
You create the design for a 3D object. You add in the relevant materials into the system. And presto! Some time later, you get an actual 3D version of that object! Through some layering technique, it’s actually created in real life!
It’s not just little trinkets like keychains and whatnot. Even huge objects like houses and cars have been created through 3D printing!
In fact, during the onset of this Covid-19 pandemic, when there was a real shortage of stuff like ventilators and protective equipment for medical personnel, it was this very technology that stepped up to the plate.
Not just organisations, even individuals just like you and me, including high school students, contributed to the cause with their 3D printers!
See, 3D printers are in no way out-of-this-world expensive. Cheaper ones are priced at a few hundred dollars, more professional ones more easily four digits.
Yet, with these handy devices, you could literally create stuff seemingly out of thin air with just the required materials! Some people have even made businesses out of this.
And so, here are some courses in Singapore you can take that’ll familiarise you with this wondrous technology! They’re sure to be an eye-opener and open up new paths for you!
Without further ado, let’s begin.
1: Basic Computer Aided Design (CAD) 3D Modelling and 3D Printing
Offered by: Temasek Polytechnic
Course description: You will learn to design a 3D model of physical object using a Computer- Aided Design (CAD) software and then create a physical replica of it using a 3D printer.
Who it’s for: Hobbyists, Prototyping Enthusiasts, Engineering Technicians, Operations Staff, Students who are able to use software at a comfortable pace
Course duration: 2 days
Course fees: Full course fee $481.50, SG Citizens aged 39 & below / Permanent Residents $144.45, SG Citizens aged 40 & above / SME-sponsored SG Citizens & Permanent Residents $54.45. SkillsFuture Credit Approved.
2: 3D Printing for Advanced Metallic Products – Basic
Website: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/pace/programmes/detail/3d-printing-for-advanced-metallic-products—basic
Offered by: NTU PACE
Course description: This course introduces the current landscape of 3D printing, followed by specific discussions on established 3D printing techniques for metals. This course also provides opportunity for guided hands on experience in file preparation for metals 3D printing.
Who it’s for: This course is suitable for Manufacturing Engineers, 3D Product Engineers, Technical Managers, Production Engineers, Development Engineers or professionals who are keen to gain overall understanding of the current progress of 3D printing for metals.
Course duration: 2 days
Course fees: Standard Course Fee $1,926.00, Cat-A SkillsFuture Funded $577.80, Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS) $217.80, Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES) $217.80. NTU/NIE alumni may utilize their $1,600 Alumni Course Credits.
3: Introduction to 3D Printing
Website: https://www.cet.np.edu.sg/courses/introduction-to-3d-printing/
Offered by: Ngee Ann CET Academy, School of Engineering
Course description: Get industry-ready by exploring the basics of 3D Printing technology, its principles of operation, limitations, materials and applications. Gain skills in running entry-level and mid-range 3D printers and take advantage of the new Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA).
Who it’s for: Not explicitly stated
Course duration: 1 day
Course fees: Full course fee £321.00, Singaporeans aged below 40, Permanent Residents & LTVP+ qualified for SkillsFuture Funding $96.30, Singaporeans aged 40 & above qualified for SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy $36.30, Singaporeans, Permanent Residents & LTVP+ qualified for Enhanced Training Support for SMEs $36.30
4: Computer Aided Design & Digital Fabrication
Offered by: Singapore Polytechnic PACE
Course description: This course introduces participants to 2D and 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D Printing and Laser Cutting. Participants will design their own CAD models or working prototypes and fabricate them using a 3D Printer and Laser Cutter.
Who it’s for: Technical Executives, Assistant Engineers
Course duration: 3 days
Course fees: Full fees $963.00, after SkillsFuture Funding, $108.90 for Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above, $288.90 for Singapore Citizens aged below 40, Singapore Permanent Residents and LTVP+ Holders, $108.90 for SME-sponsored Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and LTVP+ Holders
5: 3D Printing
Website: Skillsfuture series/Course Catelogue (nyp.edu.sg)
Offered by: Nanyang Polytechnic
Course description: Learn the essential skills in creating digital (CAD) models and 3D printing them • Use standard software to design a model • Operate basic commercially available machines to print designs
Who it’s for: Members of the general public who would like to know the basics of 3D Printing
Course duration: 1 day
Course fees: $220 (before GST), SkillsFuture Funding available
6: Deep Dive Into 3D Printing
Website: Skillsfuture series/Course Catelogue (nyp.edu.sg)
Offered by: Nanyang Polytechnic
Course description: Completing the course enables you to: Understand the most common 3D printing technologies and materials. Share insights on the main drivers of 3D printing and applications for business. Understand the 3D printing ecosystem and how to make connections between technology, design, engineering and additive manufacturing and industrial IoT.
Who it’s for: Professionals, Managers, Engineers and Technicians
Course duration: 2 days
Course fees: Full fees $481.50 including GST, Singapore Citizen (less than 40 years old) or PR $144.45, Singapore Citizen (40 years and above) $54.45, Singapore Citizen or PR under SME sponsoring $54.45
7: 3D Printer Build And Print Course
Website: https://www.rp.edu.sg/ace/short-course/Detail/3d-printer-build-and-print-course
Offered by: Republic Polytechnic
Course description: Sign up for this course and be equipped with the fundamental skills and knowledge in 3D printing — including how to build a 3D printer and get familiarised with its accompanying software. Participants will also get to bring home the 3D printer after completing the course!
Who it’s for: Designers, engineers, executives, technicians, managerial decision makers, and those who are keen to learn more about 3D printing and its applications.
Course duration: 1 day
Course fees: Full fees $963.00, Singapore Citizens aged 40 & above $96.30, SME-sponsored Singapore Citizens or Singapore PR $108.90, Singapore Citizens aged 39 & below OR Singapore PR $288.90
8: 3D Printing For Beginners:
Website: https://learnershub.com/courses/3d-printing-courses/3d-printing-for-beginners
Offered by: Learners Hub
Course description: The basic of 3D printing and modelling are introduced in this mostly hands-on class where participants will learn the mechanics and concepts behind the technology. Following a 3D modelling exercise, participants will be able to bring their own customised 3D printed keychain back with them!
Who it’s for: Beginners of any age and aptitude
Course duration: 1 day
Course fees: $260.00, payable with SkillsFuture Credit
Conclusion
The possibilities of creation for 3D printing are endless.
Did you know that you can even print food? Like real food that you put into your mouth and eat and convert into energy for movement?
Did you know that you can even print organs? Like the organs in our body that are part of our internal systems, without which we would not be able to operate?
Right now, 3D printing is still an emerging technology, a real niche. However, with the seemingly miraculous applications of this technology, one can only imagine that it might hit the mainstream someday.
Furthermore, think of how you could literally customise and create anything you want as is humanly possible!
So, you might wanna give this a shot today.