Additive Manufacturing Lab
Learn it in VR. Build it for real.
A VR and hands-on 3D printing training pathway, linked to sub-project SP-05.
Tagline
Train Virtually. Build Confidently. Manufacture the Future.
The Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Training Initiative prepares people for careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering, industrial technology and digital fabrication. It builds on a VR training prototype that lets a beginner explore the parts of a 3D printer and simulate a full print job before touching costly equipment.
- Increase access to advanced manufacturing education.
- Reduce unnecessary equipment exposure and material waste in introductory training.
- Build measurable technical competencies through simulations and assessments.
- Open pathways to further training, industry credentials where available, apprenticeships and jobs.
The VR environment prepares learners. It does not replace physical equipment training or required safety certification.
Two modules
A printer tutorial and a full print job.
Module 1: 3D Printer Components
Learners interact with a virtual printer, identify components, see highlighted parts, get guidance and complete a knowledge check.
Module 2: Complete Print Job
Learners practice the sequence of a print job from preparation to simulated completion, with guidance and feedback.
| Capability | Instructional value |
|---|---|
| Interactive 3D models | Explore equipment without physical contact |
| Component highlighting | Identify important printer components |
| Visual and voice feedback | Guide learners through activities |
| Event-driven interactions | Control instructional sequences |
| Embedded assessments | Evaluate participant knowledge |
| Modular software architecture | Update training components separately |
| VR headset support | Deliver immersive training |
The prototype used Blender for 3D modeling, Unity 2022 for the application, XR interaction tools and OpenXR, with deployment for Meta Quest and a CAVE-style environment.
Eight modules
Blended: not VR alone.
| Module | Learning objective | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to Additive Manufacturing | Understand 3D printing, industry uses and careers | Video, instructor-led |
| 2. Printer Components | Identify printer parts and functions | Existing VR tutorial |
| 3. Workplace and Equipment Safety | Recognize hazards, PPE, safe procedures | Instructor-led, simulation |
| 4. Digital Design Fundamentals | Understand CAD models and basic design | Computer lab |
| 5. Print Preparation | File preparation, materials, printer settings | Simulation |
| 6. Print Job Operations | Practice the workflow of a print | Existing VR simulation |
| 7. Quality Control and Troubleshooting | Identify defects and likely causes | Simulation, physical lab |
| 8. Applied Manufacturing Project | Design, print, inspect and present an object | Supervised hands-on lab |
The 40-hour introduction
| Block | Hours |
|---|---|
| Classroom and digital instruction | 8 |
| VR simulations and guided practice | 12 |
| Supervised equipment training | 16 |
| Assessment and career planning | 4 |
Each competency is assessed and documented individually. Completion is not a professional certification.
One pathway
A specialty inside Advanced Manufacturing.
The AM Lab shares recruitment, case management, employer engagement and reporting with the wider workforce program (Construction and Trades, Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics and Technology). Learners enter through schools, community groups, workforce centers, reentry programs or direct application.
Sponsors and funding
Sponsor levels and the partners the lab works with.
| Level | Supports |
|---|---|
| Founding Additive Manufacturing Partner | Major lab infrastructure, training systems, multi-cohort support |
| Advanced Manufacturing Lab Sponsor | Equipment, software, curriculum delivery, instructor development |
| VR Technology Sponsor | Headsets, workstations, software integration, simulation access |
| Student Training Sponsor | Participant materials, supervised training, support services |
| Community Maker Sponsor | Career events, demonstrations, intro learning |
Gifts in kind (equipment, software licenses, materials, refurbished workstations, expertise, volunteer hours, facility access) are welcome.
Kinds of partners the lab works with
- 3D printer makers
- Industrial manufacturers
- Engineering software companies
- Immersive technology companies
- Regional fabrication and industrial firms
- Universities and technical colleges
The lab seeks funding from federal and state workforce and education programs and from private foundations.
Keep virtual and hands-on apart
Report what was practiced and what was proven.
| Category | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Access | Recruited, enrolled, active |
| Learning engagement | VR sessions, modules completed, practice attempts |
| Knowledge | Pre/post assessments |
| Technical proficiency | Component identification, workflow completion, safety knowledge |
| Hands-on proficiency | Instructor-verified equipment competencies |
| Completion | Required modules finished |
| Career progression | Further training, credentials, apprenticeships |
| Employment | Verified placements, wages, retention |
| Sponsor impact | Training access, equipment use, participants supported |
VR simulation completion is recorded separately from hands-on competency. Funders and employers need to see the difference. Individual records are limited to authorized staff; only totals are shown publicly.
Before launch
Safe in the headset and at the printer.
VR: headset hygiene, supervised use, accessibility alternatives, session length, movement boundaries, a plan for motion sickness. Physical printing: hot surfaces, moving parts, electrical safety, ventilation and emissions, materials handling, fire prevention, maintenance. Controls depend on the printers and materials chosen. A support agreement should cover updates, device compatibility, fixes, assessment accuracy and secure data transfer.
| Phase | Months | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Technical and program validation | 1–2 | Review prototype, licensing, goals, safety, industry needs |
| 2. Funding and partnerships | 2–4 | Finalize costs, sponsor packages, grants, agreements |
| 3. Lab and curriculum | 4–6 | Prepare facility, buy equipment, adapt VR, build assessments, train instructors |
| 4. Pilot | 7–9 | Recruit a cohort, train, assess, collect feedback |
| 5. Evaluation and expansion | 10–12 | Verify outcomes, report to funders, revise, plan next cohorts |