MACHINE OPERATION (3D PRINTING)

EMC is a unique Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping manufacturers grow and become more competitive. Our education, training and development programs build excellence at all levels and every stage of a career.

EMC est un organisme canadien sans but lucratif unique en son genre, qui se consacre à aider les fabricants à croître et à devenir plus concurrentiels. Nos programmes d’éducation, de formation et de perfectionnement favorisent l’excellence à tous les niveaux et à chaque étape d’une carrière.

Course Content

• What is additive manufacturing and how 3D printing has evolved
• The 3D printing workflow from digital model to finished part
• Introduction to CAD files, slicing software, and printer settings
• Materials, machine hazards, ventilation, and safe operating practices
• Print inspection, troubleshooting, post-processing, and documentation

Learning Outcomes:

Safely Operate 3D Printing Equipment

• Perform startup, shutdown, and safe operation of FDM printers according to manufacturer procedures.
• Identify and mitigate hazards related to heat, UV exposure, fumes, powders, and moving components.
• Apply proper PPE and workspace safety protocols for additive manufacturing.
• Diagnose common print failures using digital logs, machine messages, and visual inspection.
• Adjust slicing parameters or machine settings to correct print defects.
• Escalate mechanical or electrical issues using standardized reporting procedures.

Prepare Digital Files for Printing

• Import STL/OBJ files using slicing software.
• Adjust slicing parameters (layer height, infill, supports, orientation) based on part requirements.
• Identify common file issues (nonmanifold geometry, thin walls) and correct them using digital tools.

Configure Printer Settings for Production

• Select appropriate materials based on mechanical, thermal, or chemical requirements.
• Configure machine parameters such as nozzle temperature, bed temperature, print speed, and cooling.
• Perform machine calibration (bed leveling, resin tank inspection, powder distribution).

Monitor Print Jobs and Interpret Machine Feedback

• Read real time machine status indicators, progress bars, and sensor data.
• Identify print anomalies (warping, under extrusion, layer shifting, resin clouding).
• Respond to machine alerts, warnings, and error codes using operator level troubleshooting steps.

Conduct Post Processing Operations

• Remove supports, clean parts, and perform curing, washing, or de-powdering depending on technology.
• Inspect printed parts for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and structural integrity.
• Document postprocessing steps using digital quality systems.

Minimum requirements:

Learner has attended 3 facilitated sessions (8 hours each), up to 24 hours, and has achieved 100% in all knowledge checks, and has successfully demonstrated the ability to design a simple model, slice it in software, and print it on a 3D printer with little to no error and without requiring supervision

Estimated effort time

24 hours

EMC updates learning content on a regular basis. Version: 2026-1