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3D Printing for a Sustainable Future

April 13 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Course Type: Applied Blended Challenge (ABC) Programme

What is an Applied Blended Challenge (ABC)?

An Applied Blended Challenge (ABC) is a short, credit-bearing learning programme jointly delivered by several ACE²-EU partner universities and external stakeholders. It combines online collaborative learning with an on-site intensive experience, and is based on challenge-based learning methodologies.

In an ABC, students from different countries and disciplines work in international teams to address real-world challenges linked to societal, digital, green or health-related priorities. Learning activities are co-created and co-taught by academic staff from different institutions, in close collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring an applied, interdisciplinary and European learning experience.

 

Duration and Timeline:

  • Course components and contact hours: 40 hours, synchronous online (including independent and group work), 40 hours, on-site (including independent and group work)
  • Online component: 23-27 March 2026, (synchronous online sessions)
  • On-site component: 13-17 April 2026 (it will take place: Villach, Austria)

A detailed timetable will be communicated directly to selected students prior to the start of the course.

 

Award, Credits and Certification

On successful completion of the course, participants will receive 3.0 ECTS credits and a certificate of attendance.

Organised by:

Lead and Host Institution

Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS) – ADMiRE Research Center (Austria) –

 

Academic team (CUAS):

  1. Varsavas (CUAS)

Dr. M. Brandstötter (CUAS)

Dr. S. Schulnig (CUAS)

  1. Laux (CUAS)

Dr. C. Humbert (CUAS)

  1. Wutzl (CUAS)
  2. Berndt (CUAS)

 

Partner Institution:

Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), Spain

  1. Santos (UFV)

External stakeholders that will be involved in the course:

  1. Hueter (d4pro GmbH)
  2. Krammer (ASCO Anlagenbau Consulting GmbH)

 

Course Description and Learning Objectives

This Applied Blended Challenge course explores how polymer-based 3D printing can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future. Students will learn the fundamentals of additive manufacturing (AM), design for additive manufacturing (DfAM), and practical polymer 3D printing workflows, from CAD and slicing to prototyping and evaluation.

Working in international and interdisciplinary teams, students will develop and present an evidence-based 3D-printing solution addressing real-world challenges in healthcare, climate resilience, or education, supported by stakeholder input. “

 

Course Description:

Online Component

The online phase builds the theoretical and methodological foundation of the course and prepares students for the on-site prototyping week. It includes:

  • Introduction to additive manufacturing and polymer-based AM technologies
  • Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles
  • Sustainable materials, including bioplastics and smart polymers
  • Challenge framing and stakeholder input
  • Team formation and project planning


On-site Component

The on-site week is hands-on and project-driven, focusing on applied learning and prototyping. It includes:

  • CAD refinement and slicing
  • Polymer 3D printing and prototyping
  • Testing, iteration and evaluation of prototypes
  • Mentoring and feedback from academic staff and stakeholders

Follow-up and Reflection

The course concludes with final project presentations and structured discussions with stakeholders on the last day of the on-site phase, including reflection on feasibility, sustainability impact and learning outcomes

 

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will have:

  • Explained the fundamentals of polymer-based additive manufacturing, including key AM technologies and workflows.
  • Applied DfAM principles to design a part suitable for polymer 3D printing.
  • Selected polymer materials (including bioplastics/smart polymers) based on function, manufacturability, and sustainability criteria.
  • Produced a functional prototype using CAD, slicing and filament-based 3D printing, and documented key process parameters.
  • Identified opportunities and limitations of polymer AM for sustainable applications (e.g., material choice, circularity, waste, scalability).
  • Developed and communicated a solution concept addressing a real-world challenge in healthcare, climate resilience, or education, grounded in evidence and feasibility.
  • Collaborated effectively in an international, interdisciplinary team and presented technical content clearly to academic and industry audiences.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Describe polymer AM/FFF fundamentals and the role of polymers, bioplastics, and smart materials in sustainable innovation.
  • Design printable parts using DfAM rules and iterate designs based on constraints and feedback.
  • Create print-ready files (basic slicing, selection of right settings) and run a polymer 3D print safely and effectively.
  • Evaluate prototype performance and reflect on sustainability impacts (waste, circularity, local sourcing, lifecycle thinking).
  • Pitch a stakeholder-relevant AM solution with a clear problem framing, design rationale, feasibility, and societal impact.

Target Group – Who Should Apply?

This course is suitable for students from ACE²-EU partner universities enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programmes in fields such as:

  • Mechanical/Industrial Engineering
  • Materials Science / Polymer Science
  • Biomedical Engineering / Health Technologies
  • Sustainability / Environmental Technologies / Circular Economy
  • Digital Manufacturing / Mechatronics / Applied Sciences
  • Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Technology Management

It is especially relevant for students interested in:

Additive manufacturing

  • Polymers, bioplastics, and smart materials
  • Sustainable product development and circular design
  • Healthcare/assistive devices, climate-resilient solutions, education tools
  • Design thinking

 

Language Requirements:

The working language of the course is English.
Recommended level: B1–B2.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit their application via the online form:

🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/how5vuhnyYdrSphc7

Application deadline: 5 March 2026

A notification of acceptance will be sent to successful applicants by the host institution and will include detailed registration and practical information.

 

Further Information

For any questions related to the course, please contact:

s.varsavas@fh-kaernten.at

Details

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