Students

MECH8203 – Additive Manufacturing

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Course Convenor & Lecturer
Amy Fakhfouri
amy.fakhfouri@mq.edu.au
Room 240, 3MD
Wednesday 12:00-2:00pm
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
40 CP at 6000 level or above including MECH6005
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit offers comprehensive knowledge and skills in cutting-edge manufacturing techniques with an emphasis on sustainability and a focus on additive manufacturing. Students will develop deep understanding about the constraints of present manufacturing processes. This unit aims to empower students by helping them to integrate the knowledge areas of state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques and also to provide them with the experience to convert digital concepts into tangible realities. By helping students to appreciate vital aspects like diverse printing methods and their practical use in different industries, this unit will provide students with valuable insights into the evolving landscape of manufacturing. By the end, students will possess transformative knowledge, primed to navigate the future of manufacturing processes.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Responsible Consumption and Production

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate the ability to critically assess, reflect and analyse various additive manufacturing technologies, materials, and processes, enabling informed decision-making in design and production.
  • ULO2: Exhibit high level expertise in translating digital designs into functional prototypes through additive manufacturing and employing rapid prototyping techniques to accelerate the iterative design process.
  • ULO3: Critically evaluate and select appropriate materials for additive manufacturing based on their mechanical, thermal, and chemical characteristics, ensuring optimal performance and sustainability in end-use applications.
  • ULO4: Interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas of real-world applications of additive manufacturing across industries, investigating case studies and scenarios to analyse how this technology disrupts traditional manufacturing paradigms to enable new avenues for innovation.

General Assessment Information

Final examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination

Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours

Due: Exam period

Weighting: 50%

The final examination will cover all the content taught in the unit.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Draw upon in-depth knowledge to critique and appraise Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes for different material types and engineering applications 
  • Evaluate the suitability and limitations of AM technologies by comparing process mechanisms, material compatibility, and resulting part properties. 
  • Apply principles of design for additive manufacturing to assess the influence of geometry, build orientation, and support structures on manufacturability and performance. 
  • Analyse and solve theoretical and applied problems involving AM process selection, quality considerations, and production efficiency. 

 

Design Assignment

Assessment Type 1: Report

Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours

Due: Week 8

Weighting: 20%

This task is to help students develop knowledge and skills in the design criteria specific to Additive Manufacturing (AM). Through this assignment, students will explore how AM technologies influence the way components are conceived, optimized, and produced. 

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Apply design for additive manufacturing principles to develop parts or systems optimised for specific AM processes and material characteristics. 
  • Demonstrate the ability to translate engineering requirements into manufacturable digital designs, considering geometry, support strategies, build orientation, and post-processing needs. 
  • Communicate and justify design decisions in a professional report format, supported by technical reasoning, sketches/CAD models, and relevant process data. 

 

Hands-on Practical Skills and Technical Report

Assessment Type 1: Report

Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours

Due: Week 12

Weighting: 30%

This task is designed to help students develop practical skills in the implementation and evaluation of additive manufacturing processes. By fabricating the component they have designed using 3D printing technology, students will gain hands-on experience in preparing files for printing, operating AM equipment, troubleshooting common issues, and assessing the quality of printed parts. 

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Prepare digital design files for additive manufacturing, including file conversion, print setup, and slicing, in accordance with design intent and process constraints. 
  • Operate AM equipment to fabricate parts, demonstrating understanding machine parameters, material behaviour, and basic troubleshooting during the build process. 
  • Evaluate the quality and performance of printed components, identifying deviations from design expectations and reflecting on process-related causes. 
  • Communicate practical insights and technical findings through a structured engineering report, including photographic documentation, process analysis, and critical reflection on design-to-print outcomes. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Final Exam 50% No Exam Period
Design assignment 20% No Week 8
Hands-on Practical Skills and Technical Report 30% No Week 12

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 50%

 

The final exam will consist of a mix of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and a small design problem. 

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically assess, reflect and analyse various additive manufacturing technologies, materials, and processes, enabling informed decision-making in design and production.
  • Exhibit high level expertise in translating digital designs into functional prototypes through additive manufacturing and employing rapid prototyping techniques to accelerate the iterative design process.
  • Critically evaluate and select appropriate materials for additive manufacturing based on their mechanical, thermal, and chemical characteristics, ensuring optimal performance and sustainability in end-use applications.
  • Interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas of real-world applications of additive manufacturing across industries, investigating case studies and scenarios to analyse how this technology disrupts traditional manufacturing paradigms to enable new avenues for innovation.

Design assignment

Assessment Type 1: Design Task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 20%

 

This assessment evaluates the students ability to apply the theories to an industry oriented design 

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically assess, reflect and analyse various additive manufacturing technologies, materials, and processes, enabling informed decision-making in design and production.
  • Interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas of real-world applications of additive manufacturing across industries, investigating case studies and scenarios to analyse how this technology disrupts traditional manufacturing paradigms to enable new avenues for innovation.

Hands-on Practical Skills and Technical Report

Assessment Type 1: Design Implementation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 30%

 

This assessment involves hands-on session where students work individually to design and manufacture a simple prototype using additive manufacturing techniques. 

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Exhibit high level expertise in translating digital designs into functional prototypes through additive manufacturing and employing rapid prototyping techniques to accelerate the iterative design process.
  • Critically evaluate and select appropriate materials for additive manufacturing based on their mechanical, thermal, and chemical characteristics, ensuring optimal performance and sustainability in end-use applications.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

  • Delivery: This unit will be presented in weekly (double) lectures; and in weekly SGTAs (10 SGTAs, 4 pracs).
  • Textbook: The following textbook is recommended, but not prescribed: Additive manufacturing technologies, Ian Gibson, David Rosen, Brent Stucker, 2nd edition, Springer.
  • Methods of Communication: We will communicate with you via your university email or through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent from your university email address.
  • COVID Information: For the latest information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please refer to the Coronavirus infection page on the Macquarie website: https://www.mq.edu.au/about/coronavirus-faqs. Remember to check this page regularly in case the information and requirements change during semester. If there are any changes to this unit in relation to COVID, these will be communicated via iLearn.

Unit Schedule

Please refer to iLearn page.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Engineers Australia Competency Mapping

EA Competency Standard

Unit Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Skill Base

1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.

 ULO1 & ULO2 & ULO3 & ULO4

1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing.

 

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge

ULO4

1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions

ULO1 & ULO2 & ULO3 & ULO4

1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice

 

1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice.

 

Engineering Application Ability

2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving

ULO1 & ULO2 & ULO3 & ULO4

2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

ULO1 & ULO2 & ULO3 & ULO4

2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

 

2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.

 

Professional and Personal Attributes

3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.

ULO1 & ULO2 & ULO3 

3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

 

3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.

ULO4

3.4 Professional use and management of information.

ULO1 & ULO2 & ULO3 

3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

 

3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership

 

Unit information based on version 2025.05 of the Handbook