Postgraduate Diploma in DfAM and Tooling/Pattern Prototyping
800-hour online Postgraduate Diploma in DfAM and Tooling/Pattern Prototyping. 8 modules covering ISO/ASTM 52910 (design guidelines for additive manufacturing), ISO/ASTM 52900 (additive manufacturing: terminology) and nTop. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Assess when additive manufacturing adds value to tooling and patterns.
Apply DfAM principles to orientation, supports and wall thicknesses.
Optimise designs through topology and lattice structures.
Design printed tooling and fixtures for the workshop.
Manufacture patterns and moulds for casting processes.
Validate functional prototypes through testing.
Define appropriate post-processing and quality controls.
Who it's for
- Design engineer for additive manufacturing who wants to specialise in DfAM and Tooling/Pattern Prototyping.
- Rapid prototyping technician who wants to specialise in DfAM and Tooling/Pattern Prototyping.
- Tooling designer who wants to specialise in DfAM and Tooling/Pattern Prototyping.
- Industrial 3D printing technician who wants to specialise in DfAM and Tooling/Pattern Prototyping.
- Process engineer who wants to specialise in DfAM and Tooling/Pattern Prototyping.
- Foundry pattern technician who wants to specialise in DfAM and Tooling/Pattern Prototyping.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter additive manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- ISO/ASTM 52910 (design guidelines for additive manufacturing)
- ISO/ASTM 52900 (additive manufacturing: terminology)
- ISO/ASTM 52902 (geometric test artefacts)
- ISO 527-2 (tensile properties of plastics)
- ISO 17296-3 (additive manufacturing: characteristics and testing)
- ISO/ASTM 52915 (AMF format)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Additive technologies: FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF and metal1.2Tooling, templates and fixtures1.3Patterns for casting and moulds1.4Advantages over machining1.5Technical polymer materials1.6Fibre-reinforced composite materials1.7Costs and lead times1.8Industrial and restoration cases1.9ISO/ASTM 52910 design guidelines1.10Practical case: replacing a machined tool with a printed one
2.1Geometric freedom and constraints2.2Overhangs and critical angles2.3Minimum wall thicknesses2.4Orientation and anisotropy2.5Supports and their minimisation2.6Tolerances by technology2.7Part consolidation2.8Inserts and threads2.9Design for post-processing2.10Practice: redesigning a support using DfAM rules
3.1Topology optimisation3.2Lattice structures3.3Generative design3.4Load simulation3.5Stiffness versus mass3.6Internal channel design3.7Finite element validation3.8Software: nTop, Fusion and Altair3.9Rapid iteration3.10Laboratory: topology optimisation of a fixture
4.1Drilling templates4.2Welding fixtures4.3Inspection fixtures4.4Soft jaws for machining4.5Assembly tooling4.6Printed gauges4.7Poka-yoke4.8Tooling ergonomics4.9Durability and wear4.10Workshop: designing a drilling template
5.1Patterns for sand casting5.2Burnout patterns for investment casting5.3Silicone moulds with printed master5.4Short-run injection moulds5.5Thermoforming moulds5.6Shrinkage and compensation5.7Pattern finishing5.8Composite lay-up moulds5.9Durability of printed patterns5.10Practice: printed pattern for sand casting
6.1Form and fit prototypes6.2Functional prototypes6.3Testing with prototypes6.4Replacement part prototypes6.5Assembly validation6.6Rapid design iteration6.7Presentation models6.8Prototype documentation6.9From prototype to production6.10Practical case: prototype of a door handle
7.1Support removal7.2Sanding and finishing7.3Coatings and sealing7.4Heat-set inserts7.5Curing treatments7.6Measurement and scanning7.7Mechanical testing7.8Print parameter control7.9Traceability7.10Workshop: post-processing an SLA pattern
8.1Need and requirements8.2Technology selection8.3DfAM design8.4Optimisation8.5Prototype manufacture8.6Post-processing8.7Functional validation8.8Cost analysis8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is nTop, Fusion 360, Altair Inspire, Materialise Magics, PrusaSlicer, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real printing procedures for functional tooling and fixtures, topology optimisation of supports, and pattern prototyping for foundry. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Assess when additive manufacturing adds value to tooling and patterns.
Apply DfAM principles to orientation, supports and wall thicknesses.
Optimise designs through topology and lattice structures.
Design printed tooling and fixtures for the workshop.
Manufacture patterns and moulds for casting processes.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
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 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours a week, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with nTop, Fusion 360, Altair Inspire, Materialise Magics and PrusaSlicer. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma awarded on passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in Reversal Plan and Technical Documentation
800-hour online Postgraduate Diploma in Reversal Plan and Technical Documentation. 8 modules covering Royal Decree 866/2010 (processing of vehicle modifications), the Turin Charter (FIVA, 2013) and…
Postgraduate Diploma in Classic Off-Road Suspension and Reversible Reinforcements
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Classic Off-Road Suspension and Reversible Reinforcements. 8 modules covering Royal Decree 866/2010 (processing of vehicle modifications), the Vehicle Modifications Manual (Ministry…
Postgraduate Diploma in Glass and Rubber Cutting and Fitting
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Glass and Rubber Cutting and Fitting. 8 modules covering UNECE Regulation No. 43 (safety glazing), ANSI/AGRSS 002 (automotive glass replacement) and…
More in Restoration & Classics
All Restoration & Classics programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships