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.
Titular Professors
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.
Block 1. Fundamentals of graphic expression and healthcare product design
1. Representation systems and standardised drawing: views, dimensioning and scales.
2. Freehand sketching as a tool for ideation and technical communication.
Block 2. Computer-aided design (CAD) with SolidWorks
1. Fundamentals of parametric modelling: 2D sketching and basic solid features (extrusion, revolution).
2. Solid modelling: patterns and shells.
3. Surface design aimed at organic and anatomical geometries: sweeps, lofted and boundary surfaces, filled surfaces, and their combination with solids.
4. Assemblies and standardised drawings at a functional level: basic mates, and essential views and dimensioning.
5. Conceptual introduction to structural simulation (FEA) and product rendering with generative AI support.
Block 3. Additive manufacturing and prototyping
1. 3D printing technologies (FDM, resin) and selection criteria by part.
2. Design for additive manufacturing (DfAM): tolerances, supports and part orientation.
3. File preparation and printing (slicing).
4. Prototype iteration and dimensional adjustment.
Cross-cutting integrative project
Pair-based design of a simple medical device, with a maximum material cost of €20, that runs through the whole design cycle:
1. Identifying a real clinical need and defining the problem.
2. Conceptual design and 3D modelling of the device.
3. Prototyping, functional and dimensional validation.
4. Technical documentation (drawings) and final presentation to the group.
The subject combines the following teaching methods, consistent with the DDIVA's teaching activities, across 15 weekly teaching sessions:
1. Short, participatory lectures, introducing each content block before hands-on practice.
2. Project-based learning (PBL): the final project acts as a common thread from the first session onward, progressively integrating the content of each block.
3. Guided practice in the computer lab (SolidWorks) and the 3D-printing workshop, with direct support from teaching staff.
4. Collaborative learning: the final project is developed in pairs, with teamwork assessed as part of the attitude component (participation and attendance).
5. Periodic tutoring and monitoring of project progress, with formative feedback before final submission.
6. 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.
The subject's assessment elements are: two midterm exams (technical drawing and freehand sketching; SolidWorks practical exercise), an integrative final project developed in pairs (concept, CAD modelling, printed prototype and oral presentation), and the student's participation and attendance throughout the course.
The use of generative AI tools is regulated according to the AIAS scale. Full details of the assessment system, the weighting of each activity, the applicable regulations and the resit conditions are set out in the extended version of this guide (PDF document).
The following will be assessed — whether the student:
- Identifies a real clinical need and formulates it as a design problem.
- Designs personalised medical devices (prostheses, orthoses or others) adapted to each person's specific needs.
- Models parametric parts in SolidWorks combining solid and surface features, aimed at organic and anatomical geometries.
- Applies design-for-additive-manufacturing criteria (tolerances, orientation, supports).
- Develops a conceptual proposal consistent with the identified need.
- Prototypes and validates the designed device functionally and dimensionally, iterating from the results.
- Documents the design through clear and complete standardised drawings.
- Communicates product proposals through technical drawing, sketching, reports and oral presentations, to technical and non-technical audiences.
El gran libro de solidworks 3a Edición ; Autor/s: Gomez, S. ; Tipus: Llibre ; Editorial: Marcombo ; Data de publicació: 04/01/2019 ; ISBN: 9788426726575.
Eissen, K., & Steur, R. (2019). Sketching the basics. Laurence King Publishing.
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.
Comité Europeo de Normalización. (2017). Reglamento (UE) 2017/745 sobre los productos sanitarios (MDR). Diario Oficial de la Unión Europea.
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 (2.ª ed.). Springer.