Course detail

Design and 3D Print

FSI-6KMAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course provides both theoretical and practical insights into the entire process from idea to prototype. Students will explore the design and development process, engineering thinking, and digital prototyping, with a strong emphasis on hands-on activities such as CAD modeling, additive manufacturing, and the complete development and testing of a competitive functional device. Students will have access to the resources and equipment of the strojLAB design workshop. The course integrates knowledge acquired in theoretical subjects of the bachelor's program in mechanical engineering, particularly in design, calculations, and the development of machine parts and mechanisms, while expanding it with practical implementation using digital manufacturing technologies.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Tomáš Koutecký, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design (ÚK)

Entry knowledge

Knowledge of kinematics (kinematic analysis of mechanisms), dynamics (multibody dynamics, balancing), machine design (fasteners, gears, clutches, flywheels) at the level of the Bachelor's degree programme aimed on mechanical engineering.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Conditions for Obtaining a Graded Credit:

  • Individually modeled assignment in SolidWorks (minimum of 10 out of 20 points).
  • Completion of a semester project, carried out in teams of 3–5 students. The projects will focus on creating a virtual and functional model of a device that meets specified parameters, along with a final presentation of the created device (minimum of 40 out of 80 points).

The final grade will be determined based on the ECTS scale.

Lectures: Attendance is voluntary.

Exercises and Labs: Attendance is mandatory and monitored by the instructor. A maximum of two absences is allowed. In the case of prolonged absence, making up for missed classes is at the discretion of the course coordinator.

For participation in exercises, each student must have their own laptop.

Aims

Graduates will be able to design and model parts and assemblies in CAD software Solidworks with respect to production using 3D printing. At the same time, they will gain an overview of modern mechanisms and drive machines and their practical use.

 

- Knowledge of the principle, construction and use of basic types of drive mechanisms and machines.
- Ability to use acquired knowledge creatively to design new machines and equipment.
- Significant extension and improvement of previous mechanical design courses.
- Skills in 3D printing of plastic parts and their dimensioning for Fused Filament Fabrication technology. Practical experience in 3D modeling of mechanical parts that will be verified on 3D printed mechanisms.
- Ability to work with parametric models and efficient design and process of various design solutions. Application of this experiences during construction work, creation of virtual models in semestral projects, diploma and bachelor theses and implementation of prototypes.
- Practical experience with 3D printing, as a fast growing area, expands a competitiveness in the labor market.

Study aids

Support for lectures, videos of lectures from previous semesters and materials for exercises are provided via e-learning.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

FRANCE, Anna Kaziunas. Make: 3D printing. Sebastopol: Maker Media, 2013, xv, 213 stran : ilustrace (převážně barevné). ISBN 978-1-4571-8293-8. (EN)
GEBHARDT, Andreas, Julia KESSLER a Laura THURN. 3D printing: understanding additive manufacturing. 2nd edition. Munich: Cincinnati: Hanser Publishers ; Hanser Publications, 2019, xvi, 204 stran : ilustrace ; 24 cm. ISBN 978-1-56990-702-3. (EN)
NORTON, Robert L. Design of machinery: An introduction to the synthesis and analysis of mechanisms and machines. 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. ISBN 00-774-2171-X. (EN)
Ulicker, J. J., Pennock, R., Shigley, J. E.: Theory of machines and mechanisms. Oxford University Press, 5rd edition, 2017, ISBN-13: 978-0190264505 (EN)

Recommended reading

FRANCE, A. K. Make: 3D Printing: The Essential Guide to 3D Printers. 1st ed. Maker Media, Inc., December 13, 2013. ISBN 978-1457182938 (EN)
WILSON, Charles E. a Peter J. SADLER. Kinematics and dynamics of machinery. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education International Inc., 2003. ISBN 02-013-5099-8.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-PDS-P Bachelor's 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

  • Programme B-ZSI-P Bachelor's

    specialization STI , 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Tomáš Koutecký, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Introduction – The design process; an overview of additive technologies.
2. Design Thinking – A method of thinking used by engineers for product design.
3. CAD and its capabilities – CAD tools, formats, body representation, algorithmic modeling, and generative design.
4. Crank Mechanism – Kinematics, dynamics, and design.
5. Cam Mechanisms – Kinematics, dynamics, and design.
6. Micro-Mechanisms and Systems Based on Smart Materials.
7. Compliant Mechanisms – A modern alternative to traditional assembled mechanisms.
8. 3D Printing of Polymers.
9. Design for Additive Manufacturing.
10. 3D Printing of Metals.
11. Large-Scale 3D Printing.
12. 3D Scanning and Reverse Engineering – A modern method for obtaining data for production.
13. Summary of Covered Topics.

Laboratory exercise

12 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Tomáš Koutecký, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. 3D Printing – Introduction and Training
2. Laser Cutter – Introduction and Training
3. 3D Printing of Parts
4. Post-Processing of Printed Parts
5. Prototype Assembly
6. Prototype Testing

Computer-assisted exercise

14 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Tomáš Koutecký, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to the Course, Project Assignment; SolidWorks – Sketching, Part Modeling
2. SolidWorks – Assembly Modeling
3. Project Concept
4. SolidWorks – Parametrization, Advanced Modeling
5. SolidWorks – Animation
6. SolidWorks – Test Example
7. Presentation – Project Defense