New
New
Lesson 12 of 16
  • Year 10

Design for additive manufacturing with Fusion

I can prepare models for 3D printing, taking into account the environmental impact of the materials used.

Lesson 12 of 16
New
New
  • Year 10

Design for additive manufacturing with Fusion

I can prepare models for 3D printing, taking into account the environmental impact of the materials used.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. When designing, it is important to take into account how the product will be manufactured.
  2. There are basic design for manufacture rules to follow when 3D CAD modelling.
  3. It is important to know the capabilities and limitations of 3D printing when designing.
  4. The circular economy should be considered when selecting 3D printing filament.
  5. 3D models need to be prepared for printing using a slicing application.

Keywords

  • DFM - design for manufacture

  • FFF - fused filament fabrication

  • Filament - thermopolymer material used by 3D printers to create objects

  • Fillet - adding a round to the edge of a solid body

  • Body - a single continuous shape

Common misconception

3D printing is sustainable because it is an additive manufacturing process with minimal waste.

3D printing filament is a thermopolymer. As with all manufacturing processes, there needs to be consideration of the materials used, their sources and disposal.


To help you plan your year 10 design and technology lesson on: Design for additive manufacturing with Fusion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Having examples of failed 3D printed parts will give pupils a btter understanding of the desgin contraints.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Access to Fusion. Downloadable greenhouse model.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Why do designers use 3D CAD models before making a product?

to test colours and textures only
Correct answer: to visualise and refine a design before manufacture
to replace all physical prototypes
to record written specifications

Q2.
The process of creating an object by adding material layer by layer is called manufacturing.

Correct Answer: additive

Q3.
What should designers always consider when choosing a material for 3D printing?

Correct answer: its strength, flexibility, and environmental impact
only its colour
whether it looks new
if it’s the cheapest available

Q4.
Match each term to its meaning:

Correct Answer:filament,plastic material used in FFF printing

plastic material used in FFF printing

Correct Answer:body,a solid 3D shape within the model

a solid 3D shape within the model

Correct Answer:slicing,converting a 3D model into printable layers

converting a 3D model into printable layers

Q5.
Why is it important to understand a printer’s capabilities and limitations?

Correct answer: so designs can be printed successfully without failure
so models can be built as fast as possible
so models are smaller
so the colour is easier to change

Q6.
The concept of keeping materials in use for as long as possible is part of the economy.

Correct Answer: circular

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
When designing for 3D printing, what does Design for Manufacture (DFM) help with?

creating realistic renders
choosing printer colours
reducing the number of sketches
Correct answer: ensuring a design can be produced accurately and efficiently

Q2.
The FFF method of 3D printing stands for Fused Fabrication.

Correct Answer: filament

Q3.
Why do designers use a slicing application before printing?

It changes the model’s colour.
Correct answer: It prepares the 3D model for printing by converting it into layers.
It adds texture.
It combines all parts into one.

Q4.
Match each DFM rule to its benefit:

Correct Answer:add fillets to sharp edges,reduces stress and improves print quality

reduces stress and improves print quality

Correct Answer:avoid unnecessary overhang,prevents print collapse or distortion

prevents print collapse or distortion

Correct Answer:use consistent wall thickness,improves strength and reduces print time

improves strength and reduces print time

Q5.
Which of these actions best supports the circular economy?

using more filament than needed
printing larger parts
Correct answer: choosing recyclable filament materials
ignoring support material waste

Q6.
The main material used in Fused Filament Fabrication is called ...

Correct Answer: filament