Master’s in Prototyping, 3D Printing & Custom Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in prototyping, 3D printing and custom motorcycle engineering, structured in 12 modules covering digitisation and reverse engineering, design for additive manufacturing, polymer and metal 3D printing, traditional fabrication, custom design and the legalisation of modifications under ISO/ASTM 52900 and ISO/ASTM 52910, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Prototyping, 3D Printing & Custom Engineering — studying from South Africa
Two-wheeler transport is significant in South Africa, both for commuting and for delivery services, and the motorcycle and scooter market has grown steadily. Local assembly and distribution of motorcycles and scooters are supported by importers and manufacturers, and the sector interacts with road safety regulation and licensing. Engineers working on two-wheelers focus on chassis design, braking systems, emissions and rider safety. Growing interest in electric scooters and light mobility is also shaping demand.
Fees for South Africa: R 110 000 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by the professional bodies in South Africa for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by any South African body, so they are not official state degrees. Professional engineering registration runs through ECSA, and motorcycle-related standards and testing involve bodies such as the SABS. Whether a SEIUM qualification is recognised is for employers or the relevant body to decide, so check before enrolling.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in the two-wheeler sector?
Motorcycle manufacturers, importers, dealers and component suppliers may value engineering depth in vehicle dynamics, powertrains or design. A private qualification can add to your profile, but it does not carry official status, so its impact depends on employer preference and your existing experience. Speak to potential employers to understand their view.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
The programme is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from South Africa without a student visa. Master's programmes require 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, with an assigned technical tutor. Fees can be paid in instalments and employer sponsorship is possible. Ask SEIUM about time-zone expectations and weekly workload before enrolling.
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
Apply rapid prototyping techniques to motorcycle development.
Digitise components using 3D scanning and reverse engineering.
Design parts for 3D printing in polymers and metals.
Manufacture functional prototypes and low-volume parts.
Develop custom projects using sound technical and aesthetic criteria.
Legalise modifications and parts on registered vehicles.
Develop a custom motorcycle project with prototyped parts.
Who it's for
- Prototype engineers working on motorcycle development.
- Additive manufacturing technicians moving into automotive and two-wheeler parts.
- Custom motorcycle designers seeking stronger engineering foundations.
- Motorcycle builders and converters who fabricate their own parts.
- Modifications and type-approval engineers handling custom vehicles.
- Entrepreneurs running or planning a custom workshop.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to join custom motorcycle workshops.
What you'll work with
- ISO/ASTM 52900 (additive manufacturing — general principles and terminology)
- ISO/ASTM 52910 (additive manufacturing — design requirements, guidelines and recommendations)
- ISO 2768-1 (general tolerances for linear and angular dimensions)
- Regulation (EU) 168/2013 (approval and market surveillance of two- and three-wheel vehicles)
- Royal Decree 866/2010 (Spanish regulation on vehicle modifications)
- Vehicle Modifications Manual (Spanish Ministry of Industry guide to vehicle modifications)
- ISO 5817 (quality levels for imperfections in welded joints)
- ISO 9001 (quality management systems)
- Fusion 360
- Artec Studio
- PrusaSlicer
- Materialise Magics
- SolidWorks
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Types of prototypes1.2Visual and functional prototypes1.3Validation prototypes1.4Rapid 3D form iteration1.5Cost and lead times1.6Available prototyping technologies1.7Prototyping at major manufacturers1.8Prototyping in workshops1.9Prototype management1.10Case study: prototype cycle for a fairing
2.1Handheld scanners2.2Photogrammetry for large parts2.3Point cloud processing2.4Meshes and repair2.5Surface reconstruction2.6Scanning frames2.7Scanning the rider2.8Accuracy and tolerances2.9Exchange formats2.10Lab: scanning a fuel tank
3.1Design rules by technology3.2Orientation and supports3.3Wall thicknesses and reinforcements3.4Joints and assemblies3.5Threaded inserts in printed parts3.6Fit tolerances3.7Design of split parts3.8Internal lightweighting with infills3.9File preparation3.10Practical exercise: redesigning a bracket for printing
4.1FDM fused deposition4.2SLA resin stereolithography4.3SLS selective laser sintering4.4PETG, ASA and nylon materials4.5Fibre-reinforced composites4.6UV and temperature resistance4.7Surface finishes of parts4.8Painting printed parts4.9Cost per part4.10Lab: printing a side panel
5.1Powder bed fusion5.2Titanium and aluminium parts5.3External printing services5.4Post-processing of metals5.5Finish machining5.6Printing moulds5.7Casting with printed patterns5.83D-printed tooling5.9Validation of metal parts5.10Case study: titanium footpeg bracket
6.1CNC milling of prototypes6.2Laser cutting and bending6.3TIG welding of frames6.4Weld quality to ISO 58176.5Sheet metal forming6.6Glass and carbon fibre in the workshop6.7Seat upholstery6.8Painting and finishes6.9Chrome plating and anodising6.10Workshop: fabricating a subframe
7.1History of custom culture7.2Café racer style7.3Bobber and chopper7.4Scrambler and tracker7.5Restomod conversion style7.6Aesthetics and proportions7.7Influences and scenes7.8Benchmark builders7.9Current trends in the sector7.10Practical exercise: analysis of a custom project
8.1Choosing the base bike8.2Concept and sketches8.3Subframe modification8.4Tanks and seats8.5Handlebars and controls8.6Lighting and electrics8.7Exhausts and intake8.8Wheels and brakes8.9Balancing aesthetics and function8.10Case study: converting a naked bike into a café racer
9.1Risks of modifying the frame9.2Bracket calculations9.3Brakes and safety9.4Regulatory lighting after modification9.5Ergonomics and control9.6Electrics and fire risk9.7Validation tests9.8Technical product documentation9.9Responsibility of the builder9.10Workshop: risk analysis of a modification
10.1Framework of Royal Decree 866/201010.2Vehicle Modifications Manual10.3Modification codes10.4Drafting the technical project10.5Workshop certificate10.6Conformity report10.7Periodic technical vehicle inspection10.8Use of type-approved parts10.9Common modification cases10.10Practical exercise: modification file for a subframe
11.1Business model of a custom workshop11.2Conversion kits11.3Small-series production11.4Costs and pricing11.5Brand and communication11.6Trade fairs and events11.7Online sales11.8Intellectual property of designs11.9Product warranties and claims11.10Case study: business plan for conversion kits
12.1Project concept12.2Digitisation of the base bike12.3Part design12.4Prototype manufacture12.5Integration and assembly12.6Safety validation12.7Legalisation file12.8Evaluation of the result12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Fusion 360, Artec Studio, PrusaSlicer, Materialise Magics and SolidWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: 3D scanning of a frame and design of bespoke parts, manufacture of fairing prototypes by 3D printing and legalisation of a modification on a custom motorcycle. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO/ASTM 52900, ISO/ASTM 52910, ISO 2768-1, Regulation (EU) 168/2013, Royal Decree 866/2010, Vehicle Modifications Manual, ISO 5817, ISO 9001.
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
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running 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 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Fusion 360, Artec Studio, PrusaSlicer, Materialise Magics and SolidWorks, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. 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 in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent professional experience, plus 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.
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