3D Printing for Prototyping Workshop

by Johannes Kretzschmar (Lichtwerkstatt, Abbe Center of Photonics, FSU Jena)

Tuesday 10 Nov 2026, 17:00 → 19:00 Europe/Berlin

SR1 (Abbe Center of Photonics)

Transform your digital designs into tangible physical products—fast. This hands-on 3D Printing for Prototyping workshop bridges the gap between digital models and real-world physical products, helping students turn raw ideas into market-ready concepts.

In this practical session, you’ll learn how to navigate the entire additive manufacturing workflow—from initial CAD sketch to a finished, physical object. Whether you are building functional mechanical components, custom ergonomic enclosures, or an impressive visual prototype for an innovation pitch, this workshop arms you with the tools to iterate rapidly and minimize development costs.

What you’ll learn:

• Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals: Understanding FDM/SLA technologies, layer dynamics, and where 3D printing shines in modern product development.

• 3D CAD Design with FreeCAD: How to model parametric 3D parts from scratch using open-source CAD software and export standard print files (STL/3MF).

• Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM): Best practices for print orientation, wall thickness, tolerances, bridging, and overhangs to ensure reliable prints without excessive support material.

• Slicing & Toolpathing: Configuring slicer software (PrusaSlicer/Cura) to adjust infill density, print speed, layer height, and shell strength.

• Advanced Methods and Tricks: finally we talk about some best practices and methods for advanced models.