Additive Manufacturing of Metallic Alloys

Is it for me?

This three-day course metallic additive manufacturing is designed for engineers, researchers, designers, technical specialists, managers and students who want a structured understanding of metal additive manufacturing processes, materials behaviour, design considerations and industrial implementation. Those with limited prior exposure to additive manufacturing may still benefit from the course, although a basic engineering or materials background is recommended to gain maximum value.

The programme combines fundamentals, industrial case studies and practical design considerations to help participants understand how additive manufacturing can be applied effectively in real engineering environments. The course is delivered by multiple subject matter experts from across TWI's teams, ensuring that such module is taught by specialists with direct industrial experience in their respective fields.

On completion, attendees will receive a certificate of attendance together with supporting course materials to enable continued learning and professional development.

What will I learn?

This course will introduce the principles and industrial context of metallic additive manufacturing, including the main process families such as powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition and wire-based additive manufacturing. You will gain an understanding of feedstock materials, process physics, microstructural evolution, flaws, and the relationship between manufacturing parameters, properties and performance.

The programme also covers design for additive manufacturing, including topology optimisation, lattice structures, build orientation, distortion control and practical design considerations. Mechanical performance, testing approaches, microstructural characterisation, and common failure mechanisms in additively manufactured components will also be discussed using real industrial examples.

You will additionally learn about qualification, standards, inspection approaches and industrial implementation challenges, together with sustainability considerations, repair and remanufacturing opportunities, and emerging trends such as multi-material additive manufacturing, AI-assisted process optimisation and future alloy development.

Throughout the course, interactive discussions, case studies and practical exercises will support understanding and help translate technical knowledge into engineering decision-making relevant to real industrial applications.

What will I leave with?

By the end of the course you should be able to:

Understand the principles, advantages and limitations of the main metallic additive manufacturing processes and how they compare with conventional fabrication methods;
Recognise how process parameters, feedstock materials and thermal history influence microstructure, flaws and mechanical performance;
Evaluate key design considerations for additive manufacturing, including build orientation, topology optimisation, distortion control and manufacturability;
Appreciate common flaws, inspection approaches and failure mechanisms associated with additively manufactured metallic components;
Interpret the challenges associated with testing, qualification and certification of additively manufactured components in industrial applications;
Make more informed decisions about the suitability of additive manufacturing for specific engineering applications;
Demonstrate enhanced awareness of emerging developments, sustainability considerations and industrial best practice in metallic additive manufacturing.

CERTIFICATION:

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance and course materials to support continued professional development in metallic additive manufacturing.

What else should I know?

This course provides professional development in metallic additive manufacturing and is intended to build technical understanding rather than act as a formal qualification programme. Enrolment on the course does not include any external certification examination although participants will receive a certificate of attendance on successful completion.

Further information about additive manufacturing standards, guidance documents and industry developments can be obtained through relevant professional bodies, standards organisations and technical publications. Additional training and advanced specialist courses may also be available through TWI depending on future demand.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

A background in engineering, materials science, manufacturing, welding, or a related technical discipline is recommended to gain maximum benefit from the programme.

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