Design and 3D Printing is an introductory subject in graphic expression and product design aimed at Health Engineering students with no prior experience in computer-aided design (CAD). Its purpose is to equip students with the graphic and 3D-modelling skills needed to turn a real clinical need into a simple, functional medical device manufactured through 3D printing, working hands-on through the full product design cycle: from the initial sketch to the validation of a physical prototype.
The subject combines fundamentals of graphic expression, professional parametric modelling in SolidWorks and additive manufacturing, with an integrative project that runs as a common thread from the first session onward.
No prior experience in computer-aided design or any CAD software is required; the subject is designed for students starting from scratch in this field.
A basic grounding in geometry and spatial reasoning from secondary school (interpreting views, proportions, scales) is recommended, though not essential, along with an open attitude toward the iterative trial-and-error work typical of product design.
The subject is built around three objectives of equal weight:
- Acquire professional-level SolidWorks skills for the parametric modelling of parts, including organic geometries through surface design, as well as producing standardised technical documentation.
- Understand and apply the full medical product design cycle: from identifying a clinical need to the functional and dimensional validation of a prototype.
- Develop the ability to communicate and document product ideas effectively, through technical drawings, reports and oral presentations aimed at both technical and non-technical audiences.
The contents are organised into three sequential thematic blocks and a cross-cutting integrative project running through the whole subject, distributed across the 15 Thursday teaching sessions of Semester 1 (2026-27 academic calendar).
# | Date | Block | Content / activity |
1 | Thu 03/09/2026 | Block 1 | Introduction to medical device design + representation systems |
2 | Thu 10/09/2026 | Block 1 | Standardised drawing: views, dimensioning and scales |
3 | Thu 17/09/2026 | Block 1 | Freehand sketching workshop |
4 | Thu 24/09/2026 | Assessment | Midterm exam 1 — Technical drawing and freehand sketching (15%) |
5 | Thu 01/10/2026 | Block 2 | Fundamentals of parametric modelling: 2D sketching, extrusion, revolution |
6 | Thu 08/10/2026 | Block 2 | Solid modelling: patterns and shells |
7 | Thu 15/10/2026 | Block 2 | Surface design I: sweeps, lofted/boundary surfaces |
8 | Thu 22/10/2026 | Block 2 | Surface design II: filled surfaces and combination with solids |
9 | Thu 29/10/2026 | Block 2 | Surface design III: workshop on adapting a part to body geometry |
10 | Thu 05/11/2026 | Block 2 | Assemblies and standardised drawings (functional level) |
11 | Thu 12/11/2026 | Block 2 | Conceptual introduction to FEA + product rendering with generative AI |
12 | Thu 19/11/2026 | Assessment | Midterm exam 2 — SolidWorks practical exercise (20%) |
13 | Thu 26/11/2026 | Block 3 | 3D printing technologies and design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) |
14 | Thu 03/12/2026 | Block 3 | Printing workshop: slicing and prototype iteration |
15 | Thu 10/12/2026 | Final project | Final project presentation and oral defence — 5:30 pm (no morning class) |
The subject combines the following teaching methods, consistent with the DDIVA's teaching activities:
? Short, participatory lectures, introducing each content block before hands-on practice.
? Project-based learning (PBL): the final project acts as a common thread from session 1 onward, progressively integrating the content of each block.
? Guided practice in the computer lab (SolidWorks) and the 3D-printing workshop, with direct support from teaching staff.
? Collaborative learning: the final project is developed in pairs, and includes a peer co-assessment activity on teamwork.
? Periodic tutoring and monitoring of project progress, with formative feedback before final submission.
? Limited, scoped use of generative AI tools to support the creative process (ideation, rendering), always under the conditions stated for each activity according to the AIAS scale.
Assessment in Design and 3D Printing combines continuous-assessment practical exercises, two midterm exams and an integrative final project developed in pairs, which runs through the full design cycle of a medical device. The system is diversified, and no single activity accounts for more than 20% of the final grade.
The use of generative AI tools is regulated according to the AIAS scale; each assessable activity states its corresponding level. Full details of the assessment system, applicable regulations and resit conditions are set out in the extended version of this guide (PDF document).
Achievement of each Learning Outcome is assessed through the following assessment activities:
RA | Achievement criterion | Associated assessment activities |
RA.01 | Model parametric parts in SolidWorks combining solids and surfaces — the latter aimed at organic and anatomical geometries —, document them through basic standardised drawings, and apply design-for-additive-manufacturing criteria. | CAD practical exercises; Midterm exam 2; Final project (modelling and drawings) |
RA.02 | Apply the full product design cycle: identifying a clinical need, ideation, modelling, prototyping and validating a functional device. | Final project (concept, modelling, prototype and validation) |
RA.03 | Communicate and document product proposals through technical drawing, standardised drawings, reports and oral presentations aimed at technical and non-technical audiences. | Midterm exam 1; Final project (report and oral presentation) |
Malviya, R., & Sharma, R. (2024). 3D Printing in Healthcare: Novel Applications. Wiley.
Perkins, M., Furze, L., Roe, J., & MacVaugh, J. (2024). The Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS): A framework for ethical integration of generative AI in educational assessment. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 21(6). https://doi.org/10.53761/q3azde36
Planchard, D. (2026). SOLIDWORKS 2026 Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Project Based Approach Utilizing 3D Modeling. SDC Publications.
European Parliament and Council of the European Union. (2017). Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices (MDR). Official Journal of the European Union.
International Organization for Standardization. (2016). ISO 13485:2016 — Medical devices: Quality management systems — Requirements for regulatory purposes. ISO.
Planchard, D. (2026). Engineering Design with SOLIDWORKS 2026. SDC Publications.
Rybicki, F. J., & Grant, G. T. (Eds.). (2024). 3D Printing at Hospitals and Medical Centers: A Practical Guide for Medical Professionals (2nd ed.). Springer.