Course detail
Design and 3D Print
FSI-6KM Acad. year: 2025/2026 Winter semester
The course provides both theoretical and practical insights into the entire process from idea to prototype. Students will explore the design and development process, engineering thinking, and digital prototyping, with a strong emphasis on hands-on activities such as CAD modeling, additive manufacturing, and the complete development and testing of a competitive functional device. Students will have access to the resources and equipment of the strojLAB design workshop. The course integrates knowledge acquired in theoretical subjects of the bachelor's program in mechanical engineering, particularly in design, calculations, and the development of machine parts and mechanisms, while expanding it with practical implementation using digital manufacturing technologies.
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
4
Supervisor
Department
Entry knowledge
Knowledge of kinematics (kinematic analysis of mechanisms), dynamics (multibody dynamics, balancing), machine design (fasteners, gears, clutches, flywheels) at the level of the Bachelor's degree programme aimed on mechanical engineering.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
Conditions for Obtaining a Graded Credit:
- Individually modeled assignment in SolidWorks (minimum of 10 out of 20 points).
- Completion of a semester project, carried out in teams of 3–5 students. The projects will focus on creating a virtual and functional model of a device that meets specified parameters, along with a final presentation of the created device (minimum of 40 out of 80 points).
The final grade will be determined based on the ECTS scale.
Lectures: Attendance is voluntary.
Exercises and Labs: Attendance is mandatory and monitored by the instructor. A maximum of two absences is allowed. In the case of prolonged absence, making up for missed classes is at the discretion of the course coordinator.
For participation in exercises, each student must have their own laptop.
Aims
Graduates will be able to design and model parts and assemblies in CAD software Solidworks with respect to production using 3D printing. At the same time, they will gain an overview of modern mechanisms and drive machines and their practical use.
- Knowledge of the principle, construction and use of basic types of drive mechanisms and machines.
- Ability to use acquired knowledge creatively to design new machines and equipment.
- Significant extension and improvement of previous mechanical design courses.
- Skills in 3D printing of plastic parts and their dimensioning for Fused Filament Fabrication technology. Practical experience in 3D modeling of mechanical parts that will be verified on 3D printed mechanisms.
- Ability to work with parametric models and efficient design and process of various design solutions. Application of this experiences during construction work, creation of virtual models in semestral projects, diploma and bachelor theses and implementation of prototypes.
- Practical experience with 3D printing, as a fast growing area, expands a competitiveness in the labor market.
Study aids
Support for lectures, videos of lectures from previous semesters and materials for exercises are provided via e-learning.
The study programmes with the given course
Programme B-PDS-P: Industrial Design, Bachelor's, compulsory
Programme B-ZSI-P: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor's
specialization STI: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, compulsory-optional
Type of course unit
Lecture
26 hours, optionally
Syllabus
1. Introduction – The design process; an overview of additive technologies.
2. Design Thinking – A method of thinking used by engineers for product design.
3. CAD and its capabilities – CAD tools, formats, body representation, algorithmic modeling, and generative design.
4. Crank Mechanism – Kinematics, dynamics, and design.
5. Cam Mechanisms – Kinematics, dynamics, and design.
6. Micro-Mechanisms and Systems Based on Smart Materials.
7. Compliant Mechanisms – A modern alternative to traditional assembled mechanisms.
8. 3D Printing of Polymers.
9. Design for Additive Manufacturing.
10. 3D Printing of Metals.
11. Large-Scale 3D Printing.
12. 3D Scanning and Reverse Engineering – A modern method for obtaining data for production.
13. Summary of Covered Topics.
Laboratory exercise
12 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
1. 3D Printing – Introduction and Training
2. Laser Cutter – Introduction and Training
3. 3D Printing of Parts
4. Post-Processing of Printed Parts
5. Prototype Assembly
6. Prototype Testing
Computer-assisted exercise
14 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
1. Introduction to the Course, Project Assignment; SolidWorks – Sketching, Part Modeling
2. SolidWorks – Assembly Modeling
3. Project Concept
4. SolidWorks – Parametrization, Advanced Modeling
5. SolidWorks – Animation
6. SolidWorks – Test Example
7. Presentation – Project Defense