3D printing training: two-day hands-on course

A 12-hour course over two days, taught by engineers who print parts for client projects every week. It is deliberately practical: you set up a printer, prepare files, run prints, diagnose failed ones and finish the parts you made.

Short answer

A two-day, 12-hour hands-on 3D printing course taught by working product engineers in Ruston, Louisiana or at your facility. Printer setup, materials, slicing, and printing real parts. A 12-hour course over two days, taught by engineers who print parts for client projects every week.

A 12-hour course over two days, taught by engineers who print parts for client projects every week. It is deliberately practical: you set up a printer, prepare files, run prints, diagnose failed ones and finish the parts you made. We run it at our shop in Ruston, Louisiana, or on-site at your facility on your own machines.

Course outline

SessionWhat we coverHands-on
Day 1 morningHow FDM, SLA and SLS differ, and which one fits which partTour of live machines and printed sample parts
Day 1 afternoonMaterials: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, nylon, resins, and what each survivesChoose material and orientation for your own part
Day 2 morningSlicing: layer height, walls, infill, supports, adhesion, print time vs strengthSlice and start your prints
Day 2 afternoonFailure diagnosis, tolerances and fits, post-processing and finishingSand, fit and assemble your printed parts

Who it is for

  • Engineers and designers whose team just bought a printer and is getting inconsistent results
  • Shop and maintenance staff printing fixtures, jigs and replacement parts
  • Educators and lab managers who need to teach it themselves
  • Inventors who want to iterate their own parts instead of paying per prototype

Format, prerequisites and cost

DetailWhat to expect
Length2 days, 12 hours total
Group sizeUp to 8 people, so everyone runs a machine
PrerequisitesNone. Basic CAD helps but is not required — we supply files if you have none
BringA part you want to print, if you have one
LocationOur Ruston, Louisiana shop, or on-site at your facility
Cost$1,200 per person at our shop; on-site team training quoted per group
CertificateIssued on completion

What this course is not

It is not a CAD class and not a certification program recognized by any external body. If your goal is manufacturable parts rather than in-house printing skills, it is usually cheaper to have us build them — see rapid prototyping or prototype design. Teams that print weekly get their money back on this course quickly; teams that print twice a year generally should not take it.

What founders say after working with us

Collaborating with LA NPDT was pivotal. Their technical prowess transformed our vision into a tangible, life-changing product. Their dedication, professionalism, and expertise have been invaluable — I'd highly recommend them to companies and founders seeking expert guidance and execution for their idea or concept development.
Aniket Khade, Ph.D.Aniket Khade, Ph.D.Founder, AtmosPark
Partnering with LA NPDT was pivotal for Venthalpy. Their comprehensive expertise, from mechanical and electronics engineering to firmware and mobile app creation, brought our vision to life. Engaging a single, unified development company streamlines the journey from concept to reality.
Dustin MorrisDustin MorrisCOO, Venthalpy Products
I discovered LA NPDT when I was looking for a firm to develop a mobile app. I was really impressed with the way they listened and the way they made sure they understood what I was trying to communicate. If you have been holding back on your dream project, get off the couch and go get your dreams!
Jesse MungiaFounder, Xter Texter

Read all client and peer reviews

Three reasons founders keep working with us

  • 1

    One team from sketch to shipped parts. Industrial design, mechanical and electrical engineering, prototyping and manufacturing sit under one roof, so nothing is lost in a handoff.

  • 2

    You own the work. Native CAD, drawings and source files are yours at the end of every phase — no lock-in, no re-buying your own design later.

  • 3

    Fixed scope, fixed price. Every phase is quoted up front with a deliverable list and a date. No hourly meters, no surprise invoices.

If you ever thought of developing a new product, don’t wait any longer. Talk with one of our experts today.

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