A NEW one-year degree additive manufacturing (3d printing) programme at the South East Technological University (SETU), hopes to play its part in positioning the region as a centre of excellence within this still emerging industry.

In a nutshell, 3d printing is changing the way things are made – it’s the process of creating an object by printing or building it one layer at a time.

This part-time Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Additive Manufacturing, fully subscribed for the first year, is primarily aimed at upskilling people across a range of sectors including Aerospace, Med-Tech, Bio-Pharma, Agri-Tech and Precision Engineering.

“The area of additive manufacturing represents a fascinating ecosystem with huge opportunities for society, the environment and industry,” said Programme Leader David Alarco.

“It is a green technology in the efficient way it uses material. Companies can manufacture locally, saving on transport, packaging and distribution costs. It is also far more innovative; you can make lighter and stronger parts, manufacture designs that were previously impossible and create goods tailored to the individual. This course is a unique opportunity for students to try something in practice, it’s not just theoretical. We will be utilising the labs and equipment in Waterford and Carlow. It’s important that students come out of the course with the exact knowledge and skills to be that proficient workforce.”

The new degree brings together know-how and equipment from Waterford and Carlow through the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways – SEAM (South Eastern Applied Materials Research Centre) and Design+ – and 3DWIT. SEAM has developed a specialist division in additive manufacturing and formed a company called 3DWIT, the country’s first dedicated centre for 3D printing and training.

The modules have been developed for the AMASE (Additive Manufacturing Advancing the South East) project. The project is funded under the Human Capital Initiative. The programme is being delivered in a blended mode over two 12-week semesters.

The cost of the course is €3,000. However, the Human Capital Initiative is providing funding of €2,250 for each place. Student fees of €750 apply for the full 60-credit degree.

According to Dr Ken Thomas, the Head of the School of Engineering in Waterford: “We see the South East region leading the charge in successfully adopting this technology. SETU will continue to develop as a centre of excellence for Additive Manufacturing, helping companies with their innovation opportunities and transition challenges – people, processes, materials and technology.” 

SEAM Centre Director and 3DWIT Founder Dr Ramesh Raghavendra, commented: “SETU boasts excellent Advanced Manufacturing infrastructure and expertise through SEAM, Design+ and 3DWIT.

“I have no doubt the formal commencement of the Bachelor of Science in Additive Manufacturing will help to transform the South East into one of Ireland’s leading advanced manufacturing regions.”

Reported by Waterford News & Star (https://waterford-news.ie/)

Full report: https://waterford-news.ie/2022/10/18/new-3d-printing-course-begins-at-setu/