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.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Prerequisites

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

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.

Language of instruction

Czech

Aims

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The study programmes with the given course

Programme B-PDS-P: Industrial Design, Bachelor's
branch ---: no specialisation, 4 credits, compulsory

Programme B-ZSI-P: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor's
branch STI: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, 4 credits, 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