3D Printing Fundamentals: Modelling and Prototyping

Course information

Course objective: to provide the core theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to independently create 3D models, prepare them for printing, set up the equipment and carry out the full 3D printing cycle.

The course is held in classroom format in a modern computer lab at Tartu mnt. 18, Tallinn. Group size: 6 to 10 students. All learning materials are included in the course price. A laptop can be provided during the course if needed.

Target group:

This course is for you if you:

are a complete beginner and want to learn 3D modelling and printing from scratch;
are a designer or constructor and would like to create and print your own 3D models and prototypes;
are an engineer or technologist and need to use prototyping in product development;
are a maker, inventor or DIY enthusiast and are interested in turning ideas into physical objects;
are an entrepreneur or small business owner and plan to launch printing and prototyping services or small-batch production;
are changing careers from another field and want to enter additive technologies and digital manufacturing;
are a student of a technical or design discipline and would like practical skills and a portfolio of finished items;
are a teacher or lab/club supervisor and need to bring 3D printing into teaching and projects.

Requirements for students:

secondary education
confident PC user
English proficiency sufficient for reading technical documentation (approximately A2/B1 level)
own laptop recommended (Windows / Mac, RAM 8 GB, screen size > 13.3 inches); a laptop can be provided during the course if needed.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students:

understand the principles, technologies and capabilities of 3D printing
can create and prepare 3D models for printing
know the properties and applications of different 3D printing materials
have the skills to set up, maintain and calibrate 3D printers
apply quality control and post-processing methods for printed items
develop and implement their own 3D printing projects

Teaching methods:

Total course volume: 180 academic hours, of which 100 academic hours are delivered in the classroom (including 8 ac. h. of practical sessions and 2 seminars (8 ac. h.))

Assessment criteria:

Learning outcomes are assessed based on independently completed practical assignments.

Assessment methods:

Practical and homework assignments are graded as "pass" upon successful completion.

Graduation requirements:

To successfully complete the course and receive a certificate, students must pass 75% of all homework assignments.

Additional information:

Basic rules for organising training (in Estonian)
Basic rules for ensuring the quality of the educational process (in Estonian)

Course curriculum

Module	Main module topics	Duration
1. Introduction to 3D printing	Core concepts and principles of 3D printing 3D printing technologies and types of printers Advantages and limitations of 3D printing	10 hours
2. Working with 3D models	Fundamentals of 3D modelling File formats for 3D printing Software for preparing models for printing Adjusting and optimising models	20 hours
3. Materials for 3D printing	Types of 3D printing materials Properties and characteristics of different materials Preparation and storage of materials Using different materials in 3D printing	15 hours
4. Printer setup and maintenance	Structural components of a 3D printer Printer calibration and setup Troubleshooting and preventive maintenance Safety when working with the printer	10 hours
5. Preparing for printing	Preparing the print platform Choosing print settings Supporting and monitoring the print Print quality control	15 hours
6. Post-processing	Removing support structures and supports Sanding and finishing printed items Painting and coating printed items Using additional post-processing techniques	10 hours
7. Applications of 3D printing in various fields	Medicine and healthcare Automotive industry Architecture and design Industrial manufacturing and prototyping	10 hours
8. Project work	Designing and printing your own model Evaluating and optimising printed items Presenting and discussing the results	10 hours

Course details

Time of conduct:

10.08.2026 - 12.10.2026

Timetable:

Mon, Wed, Fri 17:45 - 21:00

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Duration:

3 months

Format and location:

Address: Tartu mnt. 18, Tallinn.
Gamma Intelligence Training Centre
The course is held in classroom format in a modern computer lab. Group size: 6 to 10 students

Language of instruction: Russian

Price: 2440 EUR (VAT 24% included)

Total course volume: 180 ac. h.
Includes:

Classroom sessions: 100 ac. h. (including 4 ac. h. of practical sessions and 2 seminars (4 ac. h.))
Independent study: 80 ac. h.

Instructors

Alexander Vodennikov

Qualification: Over 12 years of experience as a design engineer, designer and 3D model developer.

Specialization: development and manufacturing on CNC machines

Teaching experience: over 3 years of teaching and consulting for entrepreneurs (field: startup product development)

Education: TalTech, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, higher education (2007).

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