3D Printing Capstone

3D Printing Capstone

The capstone will integrate the learning acquired from the four courses in the 3D Printing Specialization through a hands-on project. This project will enable you to turn an idea into an object using the knowledge and skills acquired through the other courses. Specifically, you will be guided through a step-by-step process in which you imagine, design, make, and share a 3D printed object. Thus, through this capstone, you will be able to put course concepts into action and utilize the skills that you have acquired throughout the Specialization.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

In addition, you will be able to obtain an actual 3D print of the object you design at a discounted price through our corporate partners, 3D Hubs and Shapeways.
If you enjoy this business course and are interested in an MBA, consider applying to the iMBA, a flexible, fully-accredited online MBA at an incredibly competitive price offered by the University of Illinois. For more information, please see the Resource page in this course and onlinemba.illinois.edu.

Course 5 of 5 in the 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Specialization

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Origins of Desktop 3D Printing
Throughout the 3D printing sequence, you have learned about the value that 3D printing adds to the world within education, the maker movement, manufacturing, business, and more. This module will reflect upon some of those pieces and build upon them with examples of disruption, and how 3D printing is changing the world of manufacturing and product development..

WEEK 2
Problem Solving with 3D Printing
The world is full of challenges and problems that need to be solved. Oftentimes, many issues get completely overlooked due to the market size being relatively small in comparison to the rest of the world. These marginalized issues are left without solutions, but with the advent of 3D printing, we have an opportunity to solve many of these issues.

WEEK 3
Design and Development
Creating an idea that is designed for 3D printing is often more difficult than it may seem. There are many considerations to be made, and this module is an opportunity for you to explore those ideas further though DFAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing).

WEEK 4
Process and Production
To finish out the capstone course, let's look back a bit at the hardware course and consider some implications of your design and printing process. Even the best designs may be difficult to implement if print speeds are not appropriate for the throughput needed, or if material properties are not able to match the requirements of the application. Let's look closer at assessing these options in 3D printing

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

New Venture Finance: Startup Funding for Entrepreneurs (Coursera) Coursera
University of Maryland, College Park

New Venture Finance: Startup Funding for Entrepreneurs (Coursera)

This course is for aspiring or active entrepreneurs who wants to understand how to secure funding for their company. This course will demystify key financing concepts to give entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs a guide to secure funding. Examine the many financing options available to get your new venture funded. Learn the basics of finance, valuations, dilution and non-dilutive funding sources. Understand capital structure for new ventures, term sheets and how to negotiate them, and the differences between early-stage versus later-stage financing.

Oct 5th 2026
4 Weeks
3D Printing Hardware (Coursera) Coursera
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

3D Printing Hardware (Coursera)

This course will provide an in-depth exploration of desktop 3D printing hardware. It will examine the history of desktop 3D printing and demonstrate how 3D printers are made and how they work. This course will also provide step-by-step instructions for how to use and repair a 3D printer. It will also explore the different types of materials that can be 3D printed and will demonstrate how you can create various objects using these tools and materials.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship (Coursera) Coursera
Duke University

Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship (Coursera)

Welcome to the course where you learn to launch a new business in the energy, finance, real estate, design, engineering, or environmental sectors, while also helping you create positive environmental and human health impacts around the world. We will integrate tools, trends, and tips from the field of entrepreneurship as a career path for making a difference and generating wealth in the renewable energy and green building sectors.

Oct 5th 2026
3 Weeks
Creative Problem Solving (Coursera) Coursera
University of Minnesota

Creative Problem Solving (Coursera)

This course deals directly with your ability for creativity which is a critical skill in any field. It focuses on divergent thinking, the ability to develop multiple ideas and concepts to solve problems. Through a series of creativity building exercises, short lectures, and readings, learners develop both an understanding of creativity and increase their own ability.

Oct 12th 2026
4 Weeks
Becoming a changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation (Coursera) Coursera
University of Cape Town

Becoming a changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation (Coursera)

This free 6 week course is for anyone who wants to make a difference. Whether you are already familiar with the field of social innovation or social entrepreneurship, working for an organization that wants to increase its social impact, or just starting out, this course will take you on a journey of exploring the complex problems that surround us and how to start thinking about solutions.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems (Coursera) Coursera
IBM

Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems (Coursera)

Organizations need workers who can help others with computer hardware, software, and connectivity issues. Healthcare organizations are still converting to digitized systems, requiring more IT support. Workers are retiring, and organizations are contracting workers through IT consultancies rather than in-house IT technicians. With remote and hybrid work here to stay, organizations must provide employees with the devices and support they need to remain connected and productive. Additionally, IT support roles are often a steppingstone that enables employees to grow into higher-paying IT careers.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Machine Design Part I (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Machine Design Part I (Coursera)

“Machine Design Part I” is the first course in an in-depth three course series of “Machine Design.” The “Machine Design” Coursera series covers fundamental mechanical design topics, such as static and fatigue failure theories, the analysis of shafts, fasteners, and gears, and the design of mechanical systems such as gearboxes. Throughout this series of courses we will examine a number of exciting design case studies, including the material selection of a total hip implant, the design and testing of the wing on the 777 aircraft, and the impact of dynamic loads on the design of an bolted pressure vessel. In this first course, you will learn robust analysis techniques to predict and validate design performance and life.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies: The First Step in Entrepreneurship (Coursera) Coursera
University of Maryland, College Park

Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies: The First Step in Entrepreneurship (Coursera)

This course assists aspiring and active entrepreneurs in developing great ideas into great companies. With strong economies presenting rich opportunities for new venture creation, and challenging economic times presenting the necessity for many to make their own job, the need to develop the skills to develop and act on innovative business opportunities is increasingly vital.

Oct 5th 2026
4 Weeks