Postgraduate Diploma in Post-Processing and Certification of AM Components
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Post-Processing and Certification of AM Components. 8 modules covering ISO/ASTM 52904 metal powder bed fusion for critical applications, SAE AMS 2750 pyrometry and Volume Graphics VGSTUDIO MAX. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Post-Processing and Certification of AM Components — studying from New Zealand
New Zealand has a modest automotive industry, with most vehicle engineering centred on aftermarket parts, commercial vehicle body building, and the import and distribution of vehicles. Motorsport is a significant sector, with Hamilton and the Waikato region hosting a dense cluster of racing teams and engineering firms, and the Motorsport New Zealand body governing the national championships. Automotive engineers commonly work for importers, dealer networks, fleet operators and specialist fabrication businesses, and the sector also serves the country's large agricultural vehicle market.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$2,550 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is automotive engineering a regulated title in New Zealand, and which bodies matter here?
The title Chartered Professional Engineer is regulated and administered by Engineering New Zealand, which sets competence standards for registration. Vehicle standards and certification in New Zealand are overseen by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by a national body, so recognition by employers or Engineering New Zealand is not something SEIUM can promise.
What kinds of automotive and motorsport employers hire engineers in New Zealand?
New Zealand's automotive sector includes vehicle importers, workshops and fleet operators, motorsport teams and specialist fabrication and engineering firms, along with companies supplying parts and servicing. Roles often reward hands-on experience and clear technical reporting. A private qualification can support an application, but whether an employer values it is their decision and cannot be assumed.
How much time does a programme need, and can an employer help fund it?
Specialist courses take about 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours, all online in English with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Choose a pace you can sustain alongside work, and check with your employer early about any funding or study leave arrangements.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Plan the post-processing chain for AM parts.
Define heat treatments with pyrometric control.
Establish machining strategies for printed geometries.
Select surface finishing processes according to their effect on fatigue.
Design non-destructive testing plans with acceptance criteria.
Prepare component certification dossiers.
Manage post-processing quality with continuous improvement.
Who it's for
- Post-processing process engineer looking to specialise in Post-Processing and Certification of AM Components.
- Quality engineer looking to specialise in Post-Processing and Certification of AM Components.
- Heat treatment technician looking to specialise in Post-Processing and Certification of AM Components.
- NDT inspector looking to specialise in Post-Processing and Certification of AM Components.
- Certification engineer looking to specialise in Post-Processing and Certification of AM Components.
- Precision machining technician looking to specialise in Post-Processing and Certification of AM Components.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to break into a competitive field.
What you'll work with
- ISO/ASTM 52904 metal powder bed fusion for critical applications
- SAE AMS 2750 pyrometry
- ASTM F3301 thermal post-processing of powder bed parts
- ISO 9712 NDT personnel qualification
- ASTM E1417 liquid penetrant inspection
- ASTM E1570 computed tomography examination
- AS9100D aerospace quality management
- ASTM F3122 evaluation of mechanical properties of AM
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Stages from the build platform to the final part1.2Stress relief on the platform1.3Separation from the platform1.4Support removal1.5Removal of residual powder1.6Optimal sequence of operations1.7Post-processing times and costs1.8Risks of damaging the part1.9Route planning1.10Workshop: post-processing roadmap for a part
2.1Stress relief2.2Hot isostatic pressing (HIP)2.3Annealing and solution treatment2.4Ageing of aluminium alloys2.5Effect on microstructure and fatigue2.6Vacuum and atmosphere furnaces2.7Pyrometry according to AMS 27502.8Distortion control2.9Treatment records2.10Practice: definition of a HIP cycle for Ti-6Al-4V
3.1Machining allowances and datum references3.2Fixturing of organic geometries3.3Machining of titanium3.4Machining of functional surfaces3.5Threads and inserts3.6Hybrid additive-subtractive strategies3.7Metrology between operations3.8Alignment errors3.9Machining cost3.10Case study: machining of a printed steering knuckle
4.1As-built roughness by orientation4.2Shot blasting and abrasive blasting4.3Shot peening and compressive stresses4.4Chemical polishing and electropolishing4.5Abrasive flow machining for channels4.6Chemical machining of surfaces4.7Tribofinishing in vibratory tanks4.8Effect of finish on fatigue4.9Roughness measurement on AM parts4.10Laboratory: comparison of finishes on fatigue specimens
5.1Computed tomography of complex parts5.2Fluorescent liquid penetrant testing5.3Ultrasonic testing of AM parts5.4Digital radiography of components5.5Eddy current inspection5.6Probability of detection5.7Critical defect size5.8Qualification of technicians to ISO 97125.9NDT reports5.10Practice: NDT plan for a titanium bracket
6.1Qualification and certification requirements6.2First article documentation6.3Certificate of conformity6.4Batch testing and witness coupons6.5Nadcap and special processes6.6Process change control6.7Technical regulations and permitted materials6.8Customer audits6.9Release of the part for use6.10Case study: certification dossier for an AM component
7.1Integrated control plan7.2Process performance indicators7.3Management of non-conformities7.4Root cause analysis of defects7.5Process capability7.6Management of post-processing suppliers7.7Staff training7.8Continuous improvement of post-processing7.9Digitalisation of records7.10Workshop: analysis of a porosity non-conformity
8.1Selection of part and alloy8.2Definition of the post-processing route8.3Heat treatment and finishing8.4Machining plan8.5NDT plan8.6Certification documentation8.7Cost and schedule analysis8.8Continuous improvement plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The software used is Volume Graphics VGSTUDIO MAX, Siemens NX CAM, Materialise Magics, PolyWorks Inspector, Minitab, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing procedures are studied using real procedures for defining post-processing routes, NDT of printed parts and preparation of certification dossiers. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Plan the post-processing chain for AM parts.
Define heat treatments with pyrometric control.
Establish machining strategies for printed geometries.
Select surface finishing processes according to their effect on fatigue.
Design non-destructive testing plans with acceptance criteria.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme works with Volume Graphics VGSTUDIO MAX, Siemens NX CAM, Materialise Magics, PolyWorks Inspector and Minitab. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the final integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official title from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Consult the recognition policy when you enrol.
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