Mechanical Engineering MA, Additive Manufacturing and Sustainability, 7.5 credits

Aim

The aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between additive manufacturing (AM) and sustainability. Students will gain knowledge of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of additive manufacturing and will learn about the various assessment methods that can be used to evaluate sustainability of a process or product. Students will develop the skills and knowledge to analyze the sustainability of additive manufacturing processes and materials and to develop sustainable solutions for the industry.

Course objectives

After successfully completing the course the student shall be able to:

- identify and describe the differences between additive manufacturing and conventional manufacturing processes from a sustainability perspective,
- evaluate the suitability of AM technologies in order to minimize environmental impact,
- discuss the societal and environmental implications of AM and demonstrate knowledge of different methods and policies that can be used to minimize its impact,
- describe the requirements that must be placed on a manufacturing system regarding environmental and life cycle aspects,
- explain the fundamental principles of sustainable production and how these interact with product development, investments and environmental and cycle aspects, and
- implement a systematic approach to evaluating environmental, societal and economic impacts related to additive manufacturing.

Content

The course will focus on the concept of sustainability, and in particular its relevance to the materials used and energy and resource consumption in the various technologies employed in additive manufacturing (AM) processes.

The following will be addressed:
- economic, social, and environmental sustainability in the field of AM.
- sustainability from a materials perspective.
- energy use in additive manufacturing.
- systems perspective of a component lifecycle.
- policies relating to Sustainable Development within the AM field.

Entry requirements

Degree of Bachelor of at least 180 credits (180 ECTS) in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Engineering Physics or equivalent. At least 5 credits (ECTS) in each of Materials Science, Mechanics and Structural Mechanics and at least 15 credits (ECTS) Mathematics.



Proven language proficiency in English: English course 6 from Swedish Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium) or equivalent.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Teaching will be via blended learning, with students on campus and on distance simultaneously. Teaching will be conducted through a combination of lectures, seminars, a group project, and individual studies.

Examination form

G110: Group Assignment, Oral and Written Presentation, 1 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale

G220: Group Assignment, Oral and Written Presentation, 1 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale

I100: Individual Report - Written Presentation, 4 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

S100: Seminars, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale

Grading criteria for the subject can be found at www.miun.se/gradingcriteria.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

Other information

The course will be taught in English.