Siemens and University of Michigan Launch Free Online Course to Advance Metal Additive Manufacturing Adoption

Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced a new collaboration with the University of Michigan’s (U-M) Centre for Academic Innovation to accelerate the industrial adoption of metal additive manufacturing (AM) through the creation of a free, accessible online course. Titled “Introduction to 3-D Printing with Metals”, the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) aims to educate a global audience of professionals, students, and hobbyists on the fundamentals and real-world applications of metal AM.

Developed by Professor Chinedum Okwudire, an expert in mechanical engineering at U-M, along with Dr Nathaniel Wood, the course covers essential topics such as methods of metal printing, their advantages and limitations, and practical implementation in industry. The initiative blends academic research with Siemens’ industrial expertise, offering learners a unique and well-rounded entry point into one of manufacturing’s fastest-growing fields.

Aaron Frankel, Vice President of Part Manufacturing New Solutions Introduction and Additive Manufacturing at Siemens Digital Industries Software, explained:
“Metals AM has the potential to revolutionise how products are designed and manufactured — enabling freedom of form, lightweighting, and mass customisation at scale. But to realise this potential, we need a workforce that understands the nuances of these processes and how to deploy them effectively in real-world scenarios.”

He continued: “Our partnership with the University of Michigan helps close this knowledge gap by delivering a practical, inclusive and open educational resource for the next generation of engineers and manufacturers.”

The course also plays a key role in expanding access to advanced manufacturing education, aligning with the shared goal of promoting a more diverse, equitable and inclusive future workforce.

Professor Okwudire commented:
“This course is designed to democratise access to metal AM education, engaging a broad audience and empowering them with knowledge that can drive innovation and societal impact. Siemens’ support — both financially and through their technical expertise — has been vital to developing a comprehensive learning experience.”

The launch comes at a time of growing global interest in additive manufacturing, particularly in sectors like aerospace, medical devices, automotive, and energy, where metal AM offers transformative benefits in design flexibility and production efficiency.

The course is now live and available to learners worldwide through the University of Michigan’s online platform, as Siemens and U-M work together to build a skilled workforce ready to shape the future of manufacturing.