- CAS
Additive Manufacturing
As an alternative manufacturing option, additive manufacturing offers opportunities for innovation in many ways. New business models, opportunities for cost optimisation and accelerated product development cycles are just a few examples of what additive manufacturing has to offer. The CAS Additive Manufacturing provides the knowledge which will allow you to correctly classify and sustainably use the technology used in additive manufacturing.
The degree programme:
- guides you through the diverse processes, materials and applications of 3D printing,
- provides you with sound basic knowledge regarding the technology, processes and materials of additive manufacturing,
- is aimed at people working in the mechanical, electrical and metal industry.
Factsheet
- Degree/Certificate Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
- Schedule Thursday, Friday
- Application deadline One month before the start of the semester
- ECTS credits 12 ECTS-Credits
- Costs CHF 7500
- Teaching language English
- Location Biel, Aarbergstrasse 46
- School School of Engineering and Computer Science
- Next session Autumn 2023
Portrait
Additive manufacturing - also known as 3D printing - has evolved since the 1980s from a quick and cost-effective solution for prototyping to a technology used in serial production. Models generated by Computer Aided Design (CAD) are broken down into separate slices and built-up layer by layer by a 3D printer, whereas conventional subtractive manufacturing removes piece by piece of the material. This layered process enables the production of models of almost any complexity.
In the CAS Additive Manufacturing we will guide you through the diverse processes, materials, and applications of 3D printing and give you insights into current technical innovations. We'll show you…
- the numerous benefits of the additive manufacturing technology
- how additive manufacturing enables new products and complements traditional manufacturing in many ways.
- how to use the advantages of additive manufacturing for innovative product ideas.
- how to decide if additive manufacturing is the right manufacturing method for your component.
- examples of applications in mechanical engineering, medical technology, aerospace and others.
During hands-on workshops with industry partners, you can apply your newly acquired knowledge and gain initial experience in using 3D printers.
Objectives
- You have basic knowledge of the technology, processes and materials of additive manufacturing.
- You understand the process chain for an industrial application of additive manufacturing.
- You will acquire the necessary knowledge for the development and introduction of additive manufacturing.
- You will learn to assess where the possibilities and limitations of additive manufacturing lie.
- You will use additive manufacturing for technical innovations and evaluate new business models.
- You will evaluate the qualitative characteristics of additively manufactured components and know common post-processing methods.
- You will understand which factors determine the costs of additive manufacturing
Structure
The following topics will be covered:
- Introduction and basics of additive manufacturing
- FabLab Day @SIPBB
- Processes and materials
- Design for Additive Manufacturing
- Design Workshop @Swiss m4m Center
- Practice Day @Swiss m4m Center
- Supply Chain of AF
- Industrial application of 3D printing
- Module of Choice I & II
- Project Thesis
Skills profile

Competence levels
1. knowledge
2. understand
3. apply
4. analyse
5. synthesise
6. evaluate
Didactic methods
- Lectures
- Case studies, group work, exercises, assignments etc.
- Practical labs
- Company visits and guest lectures
Title + Degree
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in «Additive Manufacturing».
Admission requirements
Target audience
The CAS is aimed at the following target group
- Engineers
- Technicians
- Project Managers
- Process Developers
- Business Development Managers
- Product Managers
- General Managers
- Chief Technology Officers
- Chief Digital Officers
- People from mechanical engineering, electrical, metal or similar industries
Requirements
You have an affinity for technology or fulfil professional tasks that require a basic technical understanding. CAD skills are not required for participation.