Type of course:
Digital learning, Lesson
Language:
EN
Duration:
15 minutes
Workload:
0.25 hours
Proficiency:
Beginner
Target:
Professionals, Students, Pupils, Workers
SUMMARY
Have you ever wondered how 3D printing can change the way we design and create while promoting sustainability? This lesson, “Design for Material Extrusion 3D Printing,” takes you on an exciting journey into the world of additive manufacturing, where innovation meets environmental responsibility.
This course is designed to equip you with the skills to harness Material Extrusion (MEX), one of the most accessible and versatile 3D printing technologies. You’ll learn how to optimize designs, minimize waste, and make informed choices about materials to ensure eco-friendly outcomes.
Whether you’re a hobbyist, educator, or industry professional, this training will help you:
- Get familiar with the MEX process from model preparation to post-print finishing.
- Understand how to select and work with sustainable materials like PLA.
- Design smarter with principles that enhance efficiency, strength, and sustainability.
By the end of this course, you’ll get an idea on how to create functional and innovative products but also how to contribute to a more sustainable future. Are you ready to turn your ideas into reality while making a difference? Join us and start designing for a better tomorrow!
About The Author

Panos Stavropoulos is an Assistant Professor at the Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation (LMS), University of Patras, Greece. He has been teaching as a Lecturer (2014-2018) and Assistant Professor (2018-present) on topics of Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing Processes. He has been coordinating and managing EITM projects and has been involved in lessons development on topics related to Manufacturing Processes.

Vasiliki Panagiotopoulou is a Senior Research Engineer at the Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation (LMS) since 2020, with research interests focusing on Sustainability, and Circular Economy. She has extensive experience participating in various EITM education and innovation projects and developing educational content for multiple initiatives, including Demo4Green and SRC4i.

Katerina Paraskevopoulou is a Junior Research Engineer at the Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation since 2023. Her experience in nuggets development for EITM Academy is mostly focusing on Sustainability, Circular Economy and Energy Efficiency, from previous EITM RIS project.
Learning outcomes
- By the end of the lesson, learners are able to identify the design rules and guidelines specific to Material Extrusion 3D printing.
- By the end of the lesson, learners are able to recite common challenges in Material Extrusion 3D printing.
- By the end of the lesson, learners are able to list the potential applications of Material Extrusion 3D printing.
Course Content
Topics
Advanced Manufacturing, Environmental Sustainability, Sustainable Energy and Clean Technologies, Sustainable Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing
Tags
Sustainability
