Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to 3D Printing
This section gives an overview of what 3D Printing is and is origins.
0/4
What is 3D Printing?
00:05
3D Printing’s origin…History and Evolution of Additive Manufacturing
Types of 3D Printing Technologies (FDM, SLA, SLS, etc.)
Part 1 Quiz
00:10:00
Module 2: 3D Printers & Materials
This section gives an overview of the various 3D Printer components, 3D Printer types and materials.
0/4
Components of a 3D Printer
Filament Types and Resin Basics
Choosing the Right Printer and Materials!
Module 2 Quiz: Materials and Printer Components
00:05:00
Module 3: 3D Printing File Types
This lesson provides a comprehensive understanding of the myriads of file extensions in the 3D Printing.
0/6
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
SLA (Stereolithography)
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
FAM (Fluid Additive Manufacturing)
00:00
Other Technologies.
Module 3: 3D Printing File Types
00:05:00
Module 4: Introduction to 3D Modeling
Start designing your own printable objects with easy-to-use modeling tools. This module introduces you to beginner-friendly 3D modeling software and teaches you how to create objects that are optimized for the printing process.
0/4
Basic Design Concepts
Beginner-Friendly Software (Tinkercad, Fusion 360, FreeCAD)
Getting Started with FreeCAD!
Designing for Printability
Module 5: Slicing and G-Code
Before printing, models need to be sliced into printable layers. Learn how slicing software works, how to adjust print settings like layer height and infill, and how the slicer generates the G-code that your printer uses to build the object.
0/3
Introduction to Slicer Software (Cura, OrcaSlicer and more)!
03:52
Layer Height, Supports, Infill, and Print Settings
Generating and Reading G-code
Module 6: The Print Process
Now it’s time to bring your models to life. Learn how to set up your printer, load materials, calibrate settings, and start your first print. This module also covers how to identify and fix common printing issues like warping or layer shifting.
0/3
Printer Setup and Calibration
Starting Your First Print
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Module 7: Post-Processing
After printing, your model might need some finishing work. Discover how to remove supports, sand rough edges, paint your models, and combine printed parts into assemblies. These techniques can take your prints from good to great.
0/3
Removing Supports
Sanding and Surface Finishing
Painting and Assembly
Module 8: Introduction to 3D Scanning
Learn how physical objects can be digitized using 3D scanning technology. This module introduces different scanning methods, software for cleaning and editing scan data, and how scanning is used in design, repair, and reverse engineering.
0/3
Types of 3D Scanners
Mesh Cleanup
Retopology Applications in Reverse Engineering
Module 9: Real-World Applications
Explore how 3D printing is transforming industries like healthcare, automotive, education, and aerospace. See case studies and examples of how professionals use 3D printing to solve real problems and prototype new ideas.
0/4
3D Printing in Industry, Medicine, and Education
3D Printing in Construction & Housing
3D Printing in Fashion and Art
3D Printing in Defense and Military Applications
Module 10: The Business of 3D Printing
In this module, students explore how 3D printing extends beyond the workshop and into the world of business, sustainability, and emerging markets. From eco-conscious manufacturing to digital entrepreneurship, learners discover how additive manufacturing is reshaping supply chains, product development, and global commerce. The module begins by examining sustainability trends, showing how 3D printing reduces waste, supports local production, and enables environmentally friendly materials. Students then move into the future of additive technologies, including bioprinting, AI-driven design, and off-planet construction. The module also highlights how 3D printing enables new business models—from custom product startups and digital part libraries to contract printing services and hybrid manufacturing workflows. Students gain insight into market opportunities, value propositions, and the strategic use of 3D printing to create value across industries. Whether learners aim to start a business, join an innovative company, or simply understand the economics behind additive manufacturing, this module equips them with the tools and trends that define the future of 3D printing as a business.
0/5
Sustainability and Future Trends
Building a Portfolio or Business in 3D Printing
Complete a Print-to-Finish Project
Submit for Feedback and Certification
Receive Your Certificate and Bonus Gift
Private: 3D Printing Fundamentals.

🧩 Lesson: Fluid Additive Manufacturing (FAM) – Silicone 3D Printing

✅ Summary

Fluid Additive Manufacturing (FAM) is a cutting-edge technique for 3D printing silicone and other viscous fluids. Unlike traditional resin or filament printers, FAM enables the production of life-like, flexible parts with properties similar to injection-molded silicone. In this lesson, you’ll learn how FAM works, explore silicone printing advances, and discover its industrial applications and limitations.

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the FAM process and how it differs from FDM or SLA

  • Describe how silicone materials are used in FAM

  • Identify the main strengths and limitations of silicone 3D printing

  • Explore real-world applications of printed silicone parts

  • Understand safety and design considerations for silicone prints

📘 Lesson Content

🔬 1. What is Fluid Additive Manufacturing (FAM)?

FAM, pioneered by companies like SanDraw, is a patented 3D printing process designed for Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) and Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) kickstarter.com+73printr.com+7sandraw.com+7. It extrudes liquid silicone or other high-viscosity fluids and then cross-links or vulcanizes to form solid parts.

🧰 2. How FAM Works

2.1 Printer & Material Setup

2.2 Extrusion

  • Liquid silicone is extruded via syringe-like nozzle, layer by layer, according to the sliced design.

  • No UV is needed—silicone cures through cross-linking at ambient or elevated temperatures.

2.3 Support & Solidification

  • Support structures are printed with water-soluble paste; removed post-print.

  • Final curing typically occurs in an oven, completing the silicone vulcanization.

🌟 3. Strengths & Limitations

✅ Strengths

⚠️ Limitations

  • Specialized, often expensive hardware.

  • Larger nozzle diameter means lower resolution versus SLA.

  • Post-processing and curing are required post-print.

  • Slower extrusion rates than filament printers.

🏭 4. Industrial Applications

FAM shines in applications requiring soft, custom, and functional parts:

⚙️ 5. Silicone Material Properties

SanDraw offers silicone with varying hardness (Shore A 18–70), excellent tensile (~10 MPa), tear (10–40 N/mm), and elongation (200–800 %) properties—all comparable to traditional injection-molded silicone x.com+53printr.com+5elkem.com+5.

🧠 6. Summary

FAM unlocks true silicone 3D printing, enabling flexible, medical-grade, and high-performance parts unattainable by FDM or SLA. While powerful and versatile, it requires specialized equipment, post-processing, and design consideration. It is best used for applications that fully leverage silicone’s mechanical and chemical properties.

📂 Resources & Further Reading

Previous
Next
Sign-up for our newsletter. Be the first to hear about Canion3D Inc. news.
Subscribe
close-image
Translate »