3D printing course in automotive prototyping
Online course of 300 hours in 3D printing for automotive prototyping: 6 modules covering additive manufacturing technologies, prototyping materials, design for additive manufacturing, prototyping in vehicle development, and post-processing and quality control, with an assigned technical tutor.
3D printing course in automotive prototyping — studying from South Africa
The automotive sector is one of South Africa's most important manufacturing industries, with major plants in the Eastern Cape around Gqeberha, in KwaZulu-Natal and in Gauteng. Manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Ford and Volkswagen South Africa operate assembly and component facilities that export vehicles and parts across Africa and beyond. The sector relies on engineers skilled in powertrain design, vehicle dynamics, quality and production systems. Motorsport activity, including circuits at Kyalami and Zwartkops, adds further demand for performance engineering.
Fees for South Africa: R 10 200 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Which South African bodies recognise automotive engineering skills, and does SEIUM count?
Professional recognition for engineers in South Africa runs through ECSA, which registers engineers, technicians and technologists under the Engineering Profession Act. Automotive trades also fall under bodies such as the MERSETA for skills development. SEIUM is a private online institute whose qualifications are not state degrees and are not accredited by a national body, so whether they are recognised is up to the employer or the relevant body to decide.
Will this programme help me find work in South Africa's automotive or motorsport industry?
South Africa has a significant automotive manufacturing and component sector, and motorsport teams and suppliers also hire engineers. Employers typically look at practical experience, recognised qualifications and references. A private online qualification can strengthen your profile in specialist areas, but it does not guarantee employment. Speak to potential employers about whether they would value it.
How does the course fit around a job, and how are fees paid?
The programme is delivered entirely online in English, with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. Master's programmes are 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, so choose the level that matches your available time. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be possible. Ask your employer whether they would fund part of the training.
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
Classify additive manufacturing technologies and their applications.
Select materials according to the function of the prototype.
Apply design rules for additive manufacturing.
Integrate prototyping into vehicle development.
Carry out post-processing and dimensional checks.
Evaluate the costs and lead times of printed parts.
Develop a complete automotive prototype.
Who it's for
- Additive manufacturing technicians.
- Prototype designers.
- Product development engineers.
- Prototype laboratory technicians.
- Metrology technicians.
- Tooling engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to join car manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- ISO/ASTM 52900:2021 (Additive manufacturing: terminology)
- ISO/ASTM 52910:2018 (Design for additive manufacturing)
- ISO/ASTM 52902:2023 (Geometric test artefacts)
- ISO 527-2 (Tensile properties of plastics)
- ASTM D638 (Tensile testing of plastics)
- ISO/ASTM 52901:2017 (Requirements for purchased AM parts)
- IATF 16949:2016 (Automotive quality management)
- Ultimaker Cura
- PrusaSlicer
- Materialise Magics
- Autodesk Fusion
- GOM Inspect
6 modules
1.1Classification of processes according to ISO/ASTM 529001.2Material extrusion (FDM)1.3Vat photopolymerisation (SLA and DLP)1.4Powder bed fusion (SLS and MJF)1.5Laser fusion of metals1.6Material jetting and binder jetting1.7Comparison of accuracy and finish1.8Costs and lead times by technology1.9Trends in the automotive industry1.10Practical exercise: technology selection for five parts
2.1PLA, ABS and ASA thermoplastics2.2PA12 and reinforced polyamides2.3PEEK and ULTEM engineering polymers2.4Engineering and elastomeric resins2.5Continuous-fibre composites2.6Aluminium and titanium alloys2.7Mechanical properties and anisotropy2.8Thermal and chemical resistance2.9Selection according to prototype function2.10Laboratory: tensile testing of printed specimens
3.1ISO/ASTM 52910 design rules3.2Orientation and supports3.3Minimum wall thicknesses and overhangs3.4Tolerances and functional fits3.5Part consolidation3.6Lattice structures and lightweighting3.7Topology optimisation of brackets3.8Inserts and threaded joints3.9Preparation of STL and 3MF files3.10Workshop: redesign of a bracket for printing
4.1Form, fit and function prototypes4.2Interior and dashboard mock-ups4.3Intake and cooling ducts4.4Parts for wind tunnel testing4.5Tooling, jigs and gauges4.6Rapid moulds for pre-series production4.7End-use parts in short runs4.8On-demand spare parts4.9Integration into the development process4.10Case study: printed intake duct
5.1Support removal and cleaning5.2Sanding, painting and chemical smoothing5.3Heat treatments and HIP for metal5.4Machining of functional surfaces5.5Metrology with a 3D scanner5.6Comparison with the CAD model5.7Functional validation tests5.8Part traceability5.9Post-processing costs5.10Practical exercise: dimensional report of a printed part
6.1Definition of the component6.2Selection of technology and material6.3Design for additive manufacturing6.4Print preparation6.5Post-processing of the part6.6Verification and testing6.7Cost and lead-time analysis6.8Conclusions for improvement6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine the programme with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, Materialise Magics, Autodesk Fusion and GOM Inspect, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures: selecting an additive technology for prototype parts, tensile testing of specimens printed in different orientations and dimensional verification with a 3D scanner. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Standards covered: ISO/ASTM 52900:2021; ISO/ASTM 52910:2018; ISO/ASTM 52902:2023; ISO 527-2; ASTM D638; ISO/ASTM 52901:2017; IATF 16949:2016.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
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 totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, Materialise Magics, Autodesk Fusion and GOM Inspect, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required: you only need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
Related programmes
Ackermann steering geometry course in practice
Online course of 300 hours in Ackermann steering geometry in practice. 6 modules covering steering geometry, tyre behaviour, adjustment on racing vehicles, on-track handling effects and…
Safety car and flag strategies course
Online course of 300 hours in safety car and flag strategies: 6 modules covering flags and signalling, neutralisation procedures, safety car strategy, team communication and procedures,…
Racing simulation course with real data
Online course of 300 hours in race simulation with real data. 6 modules covering types of race simulation, obtaining and preparing real data, building the vehicle…
More in Automotive & Motorsport
All Automotive & Motorsport programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships