Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Biomedical Systems Prototyping Laboratory
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Introduction
Since 2000, approximately, the use of 3D printing has grown exponentially. 3D printing, together with other additive or rapid manufacturing techniques, has not only allowed us to obtain prototypes quickly and at lower costs, but also obtain new solutions in many fields and, above all, in our field of bioengineering.
Pre-course requirements
It is highly recommended to have passed the subject Graphic Expression Techniques or a design course with Solidworks, Rhino 3D, Inventor or similar.
Objectives
- Learn the fundamentals of additive manufacturing (AM) of polymers, metals, and ceramics, along with complex architectures.
- Understand the operating principles, capabilities, and limitations of current AM methods: laser melting, fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, and jetting.
- Become familiar with the AM workflow: computational design tools, file formats, scanning, and microstructure characterisation.
- Understand key design rules for parts made by AM, and compare AM with conventional manufacturing methods such as machining and moulding (rate, quality, cost, and flexibility).
- Gain hands-on experience with AM machines.
- Study AM applications in medical devices.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB1 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study based on general secondary education. This knowledge should be of a level that, although based on advanced textbooks, also includes some of the cutting-edge elements from their field of study.
- CB2 - Students must know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and have the competences that are demonstrated through the creation and defence of arguments and the resolution of problems within their field of study.
- CB3 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) and to issue judgements that include a reflection on important issues that are social, scientific or ethical in nature.
- CB4 - Students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CB5 - Students have developed the necessary learning skills to undertake subsequent studies with a high degree of autonomy.
- CE10 - To design fixed and removable structures for the application of prosthetics and orthotics.
- CE11 - To evaluate manufacturing, metrological and quality control systems and processes.
- CE4 - To have spatial vision and know how to apply graphic representations, using traditional methods of metric geometry and descriptive geometry, as well as through the application of computer-assisted design
- CE6 - To incorporate the foundations of science and materials technology, while taking into account the relationship between microstructure, synthesis or process and the properties of materials.
- CG1 - To undertake projects in the field of Bioengineering that aim to achieve a concept and a design, as well as manufacture prosthetics and orthotics that are specific to a certain pathology or need.
- CG10 - To know how to work in a multilingual and multidisciplinary environment.
- CG3 - To be able to learn new methods and theories and be versatile so as to adapt to new situations.
- CG4 - To resolve problems based on initiative, be good at decision-making, creativity, critical reasoning and communication, as well as the transmission of knowledge, skills and prowess in the field of Bioengineering
- CG5 - To undertake calculations, valuations, appraisals, expert reports, studies, reports, work plans and other similar tasks.
- CG8 - To apply quality principles and methods.
- CT2 - The ability to link welfare with globalisation and sustainability; to acquire the ability to use skills, technology, the economy and sustainability in a balanced and compatible manner.
- CT3 - To know how to communicate learning results to other people both verbally and in writing, and well as thought processes and decision-making; to participate in debates in each particular specialist areas.
- CT4 - To be able to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team, whether as a member or by management tasks, with the aim of contributing to undertaking projects based on pragmatism and a feeling of responsibility, taking on commitment while bearing the resources available in mind.
- CT6 - To detect gaps in your own knowledge and overcome this through critical reflection and choosing better actions to broaden your knowledge.
- CT7 - To be fluent in a third language, usually English, with a suitable verbal and written level that is in line with graduate requirements.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand the main 3D manufacturing techniques and the characterisation of biological and biomaterial materials.
- Know the design, process and workflow of prototyping techniques and additive manufacturing.
Syllabus
- Introduction to additive manufacturing (AM)
- Additive manufacturing processes
- Applications of additive manufacturing
- Patient specific design design
- Software and systems
- Development of inks for 3D printing
- Case studies of AM in industry
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The subject combines few theoretical lectures with a high number of practical sessions. These are completed with individual or autonomous work and group work.
The theoretical and practical classes aim to introduce students to the basic concepts of the discipline and give an instructive and informative character, giving a practical approach, inviting reflection and responding to the problem posed. During the practical sessions, work will be done in a laboratory notebook where students will write down all kinds of calculations, data and notes necessary during the practical session. At the end of each session, the notebook will have to be supervised and sealed by the teacher. Students will have to present the laboratory notebook to the teacher periodically and reports related to the practices (dates to be specified).
The autonomous learning process is also developed using the Moodle platform which includes various resources, such as questionnaires, group work, debates, proposed exercises, videos etc.
Group work is done outside of lecture hours where an application of 3D printing in the field of Bioengineering will be worked, following the guidelines set by the teacher.
Classes will be taught in English, although students' questions will be answered in the language of their choice (Spanish, Catalan or English). In addition, the student must complete the exercises, assignments and exams in English. The teaching material will be mainly in English, except for articles or graphics that may be in Spanish, Catalan or English.
Students may use calculator, form and his/her own lab notebook during exams. The form may only contain formulas, not explanations.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
First sitting:
Laboratory notebook: 30%
Practice reports: 20%
Participation in class and presentations: 10%
Project: 10%
Final exam: 30%
Other sittings: the same system as in the first sitting.
Important considerations:
1. Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will receive a zero in that evaluation section. Plagiarism during exams will lead to immediate failure of the subject.
2. To pass the course, a 5.0 is required in the total calculation and a minimum mark of 4.0 in all evaluable parts. If this mark is not reached, the corresponding section will be zero to calculate the final mark for the course.
3. Attendance must be at least 85% to pass the subject. If the student misses a session, they will not be able to retake it, or be able to submit the notebook or the report corresponding to this session.
4. Those evaluable tasks submitted after the deadline will receive 50% of the mark. If the delivery is more than 24 hours late, the mark will be zero.
5. Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or repeaters will be subject to the same conditions as the rest of the students. This is especially relevant with regard to the calendar, exam dates and the evaluation system.
6. In the second-sitting exams, honors distinction will not be awarded; therefore, “Excellent” will be the maximum mark students can obtain.
7. If you cannot attend a session, you cannot submit the lab notebook for this specific session. The lab notebooks are individual and NOT group, nonetheless some result figures may be the values of the group.
Bibliography and resources
Groover, M. P. Fundamentals of Modern Manufacturing. Lehigh University: John Wiley & Sons Inc, 6.ª edición, 2015. ISBN 9781119128694.
Atala, A. & Yoo, J. Essentials of 3D Biofabrication and Translation. Wake Forest: Academic Press, 2015. ISBN 9780128009727.
Gibson, I., Rosen, D. & Stucker B. Additive Manufacturing Technologies: 3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping, and Direct Digital Manufacturing. 2nd Ed. Springer, 2014. ISBN 978-1-4939-2112-6.
Evaluation period
- E1 17/05/2023 I3 14:00h
- E2 21/06/2023 I1 14:00h