3D printing course in automotive prototyping
About our
The 3D Printing in Automotive Prototyping Course
Teaches the use of 3D printing for creating high-quality prototypes in the automotive industry. It explores advanced techniques in computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing (FDM, SLA, SLS), and specific materials (plastics, resins, metals), optimizing the manufacturing of models, components, and functional prototypes. The course includes cost and production time analysis for prototyping optimization and design validation, integrating post-processing and finishing tools.
Participants gain hands-on experience in material selection, adjusting printing parameters, and operating state-of-the-art 3D printing equipment. The training prepares them for professional roles in automotive design, prototype engineering, and additive manufacturing, focusing on cost reduction and accelerating the development cycle in the automotive industry.
3D printing course in automotive prototyping
- Format: Hybrid
- Duration: 3 months
- Hours: 300 H
- Language: English / Spanish
- Registration date: 23-10-2026
- Start date: 12-12-2026
- Available places: 3
449 $
Competencies and results
What you will learn
1. Design and manufacture of automotive prototypes using 3D printing
- Conceptual design and digitization of 3D models of automotive components.
- Principles of 3D printing: technologies, materials, and printing parameters for prototypes.
- CAD/CAM software for design, simulation, and preparation of files for 3D printing.
- Material selection: thermoplastics, reinforced polymers, and metals for automotive prototyping.
- Prototype manufacturing: 3D printer configuration, print optimization, and post-processing.
- Prototype finishing and assembly techniques: painting, polishing, component joining, and assembly.
- Prototype testing and validation: functional analysis, strength testing, and performance evaluation.
- Applications of 3D printing in the automotive industry: functional prototypes, custom parts, and tooling.
- Introduction to engineering Reverse 3D printing: 3D scanning, model reconstruction, and adaptation of existing parts.
Trends and future of 3D printing in the automotive sector: new materials, technologies, and emerging applications.
2. Optimization of 3D designs for automotive prototypes: from concept to reality
- Master 3D modeling of automotive components, from conceptual design to preparation for prototype manufacturing.
- Optimize designs for 3D printing, considering materials, geometries, and additive manufacturing processes.
- Understand the mechanical properties of materials used in the automotive industry, including polymers, metals, and composites.
- Apply 3D design and simulation software (such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar) to evaluate design performance.
- Generate files for 3D printing, optimizing orientation, support, and other relevant parameters.
- Perform design feasibility analyses, considering factors such as aesthetics, functionality, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Explore different 3D printing technologies (SLA, SLS, FDM, etc.) and select the most suitable one for each automotive application.
- Learn to validate 3D prototypes through physical testing and virtual simulations.
- Understand the concepts of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) in the context of 3D printing.
- Optimize design for mass production by integrating 3D prototypes into the product development process.
3. Comprehensive user-oriented design and validation (from modeling to manufacturing)
You will learn to integrate the entire product development process, from initial model conception to final validation, applying user-centered methodologies. You will develop skills in parametric design, ergonomics, simulation, sustainable materials, 3D visualization, and manufacturing management, ensuring efficient, safe solutions that meet current industry standards.
4. 3D Printing: Automotive prototypes, design, materials and model development
4. 3D Printing: Automotive Prototypes, Design, Materials, and Model Development
- Introduction to 3D printing and its applications in the automotive industry.
- Fundamentals of design for 3D printing: software and techniques.
- Selection and characteristics of materials for automotive prototypes: plastics, metals, and composites.
- 3D printing process: parameter configuration and optimization.
- Creation of automotive prototypes: design, printing, and evaluation.
- Design and development of models for 3D printing: from concept to production.
- Failure analysis and continuous improvement in 3D printing of prototypes.
- Trends and future of 3D printing in the automotive industry.
5. Creation of automotive prototypes: 3D printing, design and functional optimization
5. **Automotive Prototyping: 3D Printing, Design, and Functional Optimization**
- Master the conceptual design and feasibility of automotive models using 3D printing.
- Use specialized CAD/CAM software for prototype design and modeling.
- Apply structural and functional optimization techniques to reduce weight and improve performance.
- Select appropriate materials and resins for 3D printing automotive components.
- Understand and apply the principles of additive manufacturing in prototyping.
- Conduct tests and analyses of prototypes, including simulations and stress analysis.
- Learn about the different 3D printing technologies relevant to the automotive industry.
- Design and build functional prototypes, including assembly and mounting systems.
- Optimize designs for production in mass, considering aspects such as moldability.
Explore case studies and application examples of 3D printing in the automotive sector.
6. Automotive 3D Prototyping: Design, Printing, Materials and Functional Validation
6. **Automotive 3D Prototyping: Design, Printing, Materials, and Functional Validation**
Understand the fundamentals of automotive design, including ergonomics, aerodynamics, and aesthetics.
Master 3D design software (CAD) for creating models of automotive components and assemblies.
Explore different 3D printing technologies and their applications in automotive prototype manufacturing.
Select appropriate materials for 3D printing, considering their mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, focusing on high-performance plastics and composites.
Learn post-processing techniques to improve the surface quality and properties of 3D printed prototypes.
Perform finite element analysis (FEA) simulations to predict the behavior of prototypes under different load conditions.
Who this program is for:
3D printing course in automotive prototyping
- Engineers with degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Design, Industrial Engineering, or related fields.
- Automotive industry professionals: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1 and Tier 2 Suppliers, Prototyping Shops, and Automotive Design Companies.
- Industrial Designers and 3D Modelers looking to expand their skills in 3D printing and prototyping.
- Technicians and Specialists in areas such as product development, manufacturing, and quality control, interested in implementing 3D printing 3D.
Recommended Requirements: Basic knowledge of CAD design; Spanish (ES) or English (EN) level B1/B2.
- Standards-driven curriculum: you will work with CS-27/CS-29, DO-160, DO-178C/DO-254, ARP4754A/ARP4761, ADS-33E-PRF from the first module.
- Accreditable laboratories (EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibrations/acoustics.
- Evidence-oriented TFM: safety case, test plan, compliance dossierand operational limits.
- Mentored by industry: teachers with experience in rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
- Flexible modality (hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and security: safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
1. Design and Manufacturing of Automotive Prototypes with 3D Printing: Introduction to 3D Modeling and Specialized Software.
2. Fundamentals of Automotive Design: Design and aesthetic principles in the context of 3D printing.
3. Materials for Automotive 3D Printing: Material selection and properties for prototypes.
4. Optimizing Designs for 3D Printing: Techniques to improve functionality and efficiency.
5. 3D Printing Processes: FDM, SLA, SLS, and their applications in the automotive industry.
6. Post-processing and Finishing of Prototypes: Techniques to refine appearance and durability.
7. Assembly and Validation of Prototypes: Assembly techniques and functional testing.
8. Applications of 3D Printing in the Automotive Industry: Case studies and practical examples.
9. Cost and Production Time Considerations: Analysis and optimization of the prototyping process. 10. Future of 3D printing in the automotive industry: Trends and emerging technologies.
2.2 Introduction to 3D Design in the Automotive Industry
2.2 Fundamentals of 3D Modeling for Prototypes
2.3 3D Design Software and Tools: Selection and Application
2.4 Surface Design and Parametric Modeling
2.5 3D Component and Assembly Design
2.6 Optimizing Designs for 3D Printing
2.7 3D Printing Materials and Technologies for Automotive
2.8 Validation and Analysis of 3D Designs (FEA and Simulation)
2.9 Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)
2.20 Case Studies: Real-World Applications of 3D Prototyping in Automotive
3.3 Design and Optimization of 3D Models for Automotive Printing
3.2 Material Selection for Automotive Prototypes
3.3 Preparing 3D Models for Printing: Slicing and Configuration
3.4 3D Printing Techniques for Automotive Prototypes: FDM, SLA, SLS
3.5 Assembly and Post-Processing of 3D Prototypes
3.6 Functional Testing and Validation of Automotive Prototypes
3.7 Failure Analysis and Design Improvements
3.8 Integration of 3D Prototypes into the Automotive Development Process
3.9 Case Studies: Success Stories in the Automotive Industry
3.30 Future Trends in Automotive 3D Printing
4.4 Introduction to 3D Modeling for Automotive Prototypes
4.2 3D Modeling Software and Tools: Selection and Application
4.3 Automotive Component Design: Principles and Best Practices
4.4 Materials for 3D Printing in the Automotive Industry: Selection and Characteristics
4.5 Part Modeling: Chassis and Body Design
4.6 Component Modeling: Engines, Drivetrains, and Suspension
4.7 Design Optimization for 3D Printing: Principles and Techniques
4.8 Component Simulation and Analysis: Design Validation
4.9 Rapid Prototyping: Design Iteration and Improvement
4.40 Case Studies: Real-World Examples of 3D Modeling in the Automotive Industry
5.5 Introduction to 3D Design for the Automotive Industry
5.5 CAD Design Software: Tools and Applications
5.3 Modeling Automotive Components: Techniques and Practices
5.4 Prototype Design: Scale and Functionality Considerations
5.5 Creating 3D Models: From Concept to Visualization
5.5 Feasibility Analysis of 3D Design
5.5 Optimization for 3D Printing: Strategies and Methods
5.3 Material Selection: Properties and Performance
5.4 Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Simulation and Analysis
5.5 Design Adjustments and Corrections for Printing
3.5 3D Printing Technologies: FDM, SLA, SLS
3.5 Selecting a 3D Printer and Configuring Parameters
3.3 Prototyping: Creating Parts and Components
3.4 Assembling Prototypes: Techniques and Tools
3.5 Testing and Evaluating Prototypes: Validation and Adjustment
4.5 Automotive Prototype Design: Aesthetics and Functionality
4.5 Printing Materials 3D: Selection and Application
4.3 Model Development: From Design to Printing
4.4 Prototype Post-Processing: Finishes and Treatments
4.5 Model Evaluation: Analysis and Optimization
5.5 3D Printing: Techniques and Technologies for Prototypes
5.5 Automotive Component Design: Design Considerations
5.3 Functional Optimization: Design for Performance and Efficiency
5.4 Prototyping: Printing and Assembly
5.5 Prototype Analysis and Evaluation: Testing and Validation
6.5 Automotive Prototype Design: Concepts and Strategies
6.5 3D Printing: Technology and Material Selection
6.3 Functional Validation: Prototype Testing and Analysis
6.4 Prototype Post-Processing: Finishes and Treatments
6.5 Design Iteration and Optimization
7.5 Integrating 3D Printing into Component Development
7.5 Design for Additive Manufacturing: Strategies and Advantages
7.3 Material Selection: Properties and Applications
7.4 Rapid Prototyping: Creation of parts and components
7.5 Production implementation and optimization
8.5 Advanced 3D modeling: techniques and tools
8.5 Simulation and analysis of prototypes
8.3 Functional validation: testing and performance analysis
8.4 Integration of 3D modeling into the development cycle
8.5 Design evaluation and optimization
6.6 3D Design and Automotive Prototyping Concepts
6.2 Material Selection for Automotive 3D Printing
6.3 3D Design and Modeling Software for Prototypes
6.4 3D Printing: Applied Technologies and Techniques
6.5 Assembly and Post-Processing of Prototypes
6.6 Functional Validation and Testing of Automotive Prototypes
6.7 Failure Analysis and Design Optimization
6.8 Iterative Prototyping and Continuous Improvement
6.9 Costs and Efficiency in 3D Prototyping
6.60 Integrating 3D Prototyping into the Automotive Development Cycle
- Hands-on methodology: test-before-you-trust, design reviews, failure analysis, compliance evidence.
- Software (depending on licenses/partners): MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), OpenVSP, SU2/OpenFOAM, Nastran/Abaqus, AMESim/Modelica, acoustics tools, planning toolchains DO-178C.
- SEIUM Laboratories: scale rotor bench, vibrations/acoustics, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL for AFCS, data acquisition with strain gauging.
- Standards and compliance: EN 9100, 17025, ISO 27001, GDPR.
Capstone-type projects
Admissions, fees, and scholarships
- Profile: Background in Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields; practical experience in NLP and valued information retrieval systems.
- Documentation: Updated CV, academic transcript, SOP/statement of purpose, project examples or code (optional).
- Process: Application → Technical evaluation of profile and experience → Technical interview → Review of case studies → Final decision → Enrollment.
- Fees:
- Single payment: 10% discount.
- Payment in 3 installments: No fees; 30% upon registration + 2 equal monthly payments of the remaining 35%.
Monthly payment: available with a 7% commission on the total; annual review.
Scholarships: based on academic merit, financial need, and promoting inclusion; agreements with companies in the sector for partial or full scholarships.
See “Calendar & Calls for Applications,” “Scholarships & Grants,” and “Fees & Financing” in the SEIUM mega-menu.
Do you have any questions?
Our team is ready to help you. Contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
F. A. Q
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we have international certification
Yes: experimental models, real data, applied simulations, professional environments, real case studies.
It is not mandatory. We offer leveling tracks and tutoring.
Completely. It covers e-propulsion, integration, and emerging regulations (SC-VTOL).
Recommended. There are also internal challenges and consortiums.
Yes. Online/hybrid modality with planned labs and visa support (see “Visa & Residence”).