Powder Metallurgy and Additive Manufacturing for Engineers

Modern manufacturing is shifting rapidly toward net-shape production and advanced industrial 3D printing. Understanding how metal powders are produced, characterized, shaped, and sintered is essential for any aspiring mechanical, materials, or manufacturing engineer. This text-based course provides a comprehensive, beginner-friendly introduction to the core principles of powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing, helping you transition from basic material science concepts to analyzing complex industrial fabrication workflows. What you'll learn: Understand the foundational principles of metal powder characterization and production methods; Explain the sintering process and how thermal treatment binds metallic particles; Compare traditional powder metallurgy with modern additive manufacturing techniques like selective laser melting and binder jetting; Identify common defects in sintered components and learn how to prevent them; Analyze the design rules and material selection criteria for 3D-printed metal parts; Evaluate post-processing treatments and quality control standards used in modern industries. The course begins with essential terminology and powder characteristics before guiding you step-by-step through compaction, sintering, and advanced additive manufacturing workflows. This course is designed for engineering students, technical professionals, and manufacturing enthusiasts new to metallurgy, requiring no prior fabrication experience. Start reading today to build a strong foundation in modern metal manufacturing.