UNIT 45: ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
Unit 45: Additive Manufacturing Processes
Level: 3
Unit type: Internal
Guided learning hours: 60
Unit in brief
Learners cover the principles and practical methods used in additive manufacturing (AM) and
develop a component using additive processes.
Unit introduction
Additive manufacturing (AM) processes are set to revolutionise the manufacturing industry and
provide mass customisation of products and components for consumers. For example, a human
jawbone can be manufactured to the exact specification of a patient needing a transplant. In
addition, additive processes are more sustainable than traditional subtractive manufacturing
processes, such as computer numeric controlled machining.
In this unit, you will examine the technology and characteristics of the additive and finishing
processes that are needed to manufacture a product or component. You will investigate design
changes required to move from a traditional manufacturing process, such as machining and casting,
to an additive process and the additional finishing processes that may be needed as a result.
Finally, you will design a component that is suitable for manufacture using an additive process
and manufacture your component using a 3D printer.
Technology is transforming our lives; therefore as an engineer it is important that you understand
the new manufacturing processes that are providing opportunities in product design, mass
customisation and sustainability. In the United Kingdom, additive AM processes have been
estimated to be worth around £6 billion per annum and are expected to employ 63 000 people by
2020. This unit helps to prepare you for employment, for example as a manufacturing engineering
technician, for an apprenticeship, or for entry to higher education to study, for example,
manufacturing engineering.
Learning aims
In this unit you will:
A Examine the technology and characteristics of additive manufacturing processes as
used in industry
B Investigate component design considerations and finishing processes required to
effectively use additive manufacturing processes
C Develop a component using additive manufacturing processes safely.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas in Engineering – 533
Specification – Issue 7 – September 2019 © Pearson Education Limited 2019
, UNIT 45: ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
Summary of unit
Learning aim Key content areas Recommended
assessment approach
A Examine the technology and A1 AM processes A report examining the
characteristics of additive A2 Safe working practices for technology and characteristics
manufacturing processes as AM processes of AM processes, including
used in industry sustainability and safe working
practices.
B Investigate component B1 Design considerations for A report focusing on the
design considerations and AM processes product or component design
finishing processes required B2 Component finishing considerations and finishing
to effectively use additive processes post-additive processes required to
manufacturing manufacture a component
manufacturing processes
effectively using additive
processes.
C Develop a component using C1 Component design for Design and manufacturing
additive manufacturing additive manufacture evidence for the development
processes safely C2 Manufacture of a of a product or component
component using an AM using additive processes.
process To include: a developmental
logbook, observation
records/witness statements,
the finished component,
annotated photographs and/or
drawings, set-up planning
notes, and complete quality
control documents.
534 Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas in Engineering –
Specification – Issue 7 – September 2019 © Pearson Education Limited 2019
Unit 45: Additive Manufacturing Processes
Level: 3
Unit type: Internal
Guided learning hours: 60
Unit in brief
Learners cover the principles and practical methods used in additive manufacturing (AM) and
develop a component using additive processes.
Unit introduction
Additive manufacturing (AM) processes are set to revolutionise the manufacturing industry and
provide mass customisation of products and components for consumers. For example, a human
jawbone can be manufactured to the exact specification of a patient needing a transplant. In
addition, additive processes are more sustainable than traditional subtractive manufacturing
processes, such as computer numeric controlled machining.
In this unit, you will examine the technology and characteristics of the additive and finishing
processes that are needed to manufacture a product or component. You will investigate design
changes required to move from a traditional manufacturing process, such as machining and casting,
to an additive process and the additional finishing processes that may be needed as a result.
Finally, you will design a component that is suitable for manufacture using an additive process
and manufacture your component using a 3D printer.
Technology is transforming our lives; therefore as an engineer it is important that you understand
the new manufacturing processes that are providing opportunities in product design, mass
customisation and sustainability. In the United Kingdom, additive AM processes have been
estimated to be worth around £6 billion per annum and are expected to employ 63 000 people by
2020. This unit helps to prepare you for employment, for example as a manufacturing engineering
technician, for an apprenticeship, or for entry to higher education to study, for example,
manufacturing engineering.
Learning aims
In this unit you will:
A Examine the technology and characteristics of additive manufacturing processes as
used in industry
B Investigate component design considerations and finishing processes required to
effectively use additive manufacturing processes
C Develop a component using additive manufacturing processes safely.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas in Engineering – 533
Specification – Issue 7 – September 2019 © Pearson Education Limited 2019
, UNIT 45: ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
Summary of unit
Learning aim Key content areas Recommended
assessment approach
A Examine the technology and A1 AM processes A report examining the
characteristics of additive A2 Safe working practices for technology and characteristics
manufacturing processes as AM processes of AM processes, including
used in industry sustainability and safe working
practices.
B Investigate component B1 Design considerations for A report focusing on the
design considerations and AM processes product or component design
finishing processes required B2 Component finishing considerations and finishing
to effectively use additive processes post-additive processes required to
manufacturing manufacture a component
manufacturing processes
effectively using additive
processes.
C Develop a component using C1 Component design for Design and manufacturing
additive manufacturing additive manufacture evidence for the development
processes safely C2 Manufacture of a of a product or component
component using an AM using additive processes.
process To include: a developmental
logbook, observation
records/witness statements,
the finished component,
annotated photographs and/or
drawings, set-up planning
notes, and complete quality
control documents.
534 Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas in Engineering –
Specification – Issue 7 – September 2019 © Pearson Education Limited 2019
