Summary
The course focuses on the use of computer-aided manufacturing techniques to quickly design objects specifically designed for your intended use
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Research often requires custom setups and tools for proper functioning, and existing products are not always suited or optimized for the individual research project. Luckily, the rise of computer-aided manufacturing techniques has made it easier than ever to quickly design objects specifically designed for your intended use. 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling are manufacturing techniques that make it possible to go from an idea to a physical object within a day. These techniques have become relatively affordable and accessible. More importantly designs can easily be shared and reproduced by other researchers, making them an essential tool for Open Science and Open Hardware. Using these techniques for your own research can make experiments faster, easier, and more affordable, while increasing the impact of your research.
| Organised by | VLAG Graduate School, in co-operation with BioNanoTechnology Laboratory (Wageningen University and Research) |
| Date |
28 September, 2 October, 5 October and 9 October 2026 (3 days, 2 full days and 2 half days) (include some self study time on the 29th of September and 3rd of October) |
| Course load | 1.2 ECTS credits |
| Venue |
Wageningen Campus (Wageningen University, The Netherlands) |
Registration
Early bird registration deadline is on 10 July 2026. The final date for registration is 28 August 2026.
Applicants will be informed of acceptance of their registration as soon as possible, but at latest 7 August 2026. They will then receive instructions for payment, a notice of acceptance and further course details.
After acceptance of your registration, the VLAG Cancellation Conditions for course participants will apply.
>> Register for this course <<
Course fee
The course fee includes coffee/tea during breaks, lunches, and one dinner, but does not cover accommodation.
| Registration type | Early bird fee | Regular fee |
| VLAG/WUR PhD candidates* | € 225 | € 275 |
| All other PhD candidates | € 450 | € 500 |
| Postdocs and staff affiliated with VLAG | € 450 | € 500 |
| All other academic participants and participants from non-profit organisations | € 625 | € 675 |
| Industry / for-profit organisations | € 1200 | € 1250 |
* WUR PhD candidates affiliated with VLAG, WIMEK, WASS, WIAS, PE&RC with an approved TSP.
Target group
This course is designed for PhD candidates/researchers/technicians from different backgrounds without any previous experience in the design and use of manufacturing instruments or those who want to gain more autonomy and confidence in using these tools.
About the course
This course will teach participants how to use 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling for use in their research. In the course, participants will familiarize themselves with the steps from idea to manufactured object. For this, there will be a lecture about each of the three techniques, focusing on how the methods work, and pros and cons of each one of them. This will be followed by tutorials on how to use the required software for 3D design, making sketches, and slicing programs, and how to optimize a design for the relevant manufacturing method. Participants are encouraged to bring a design problem from their own research line, but it is by no means a requirement. The course can also be followed effectively out of general interest.
Course aim
After following this course, the participants should be able to:
- Design sketches for custom objects that can be used in laser cutting
- Design 3D models of custom objects for later use in 3D printing and CNC milling
- Fabricate custom objects for research use utilizing 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling
- Consider the limitations and possibilities of each of the three individual techniques
- Assess the suitability of the individual techniques and determine which is most suited for their application
- Adapt 3D models and sketches to circumvent the limitations of the techniques
- Identify safety risks of 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling
- Debate the benefits of and requirements for Open Hardware in research
Course design, content and topics
The course is conducted in two full days and two half days over two weeks. Part of the course hours will be devoted to theoretical lectures to understand the operation, materials, and theory for each of the manufacturing devices. The remaining part of the course will be conducted in the laboratory and focused on the use of 3D printers, laser cutter, and the CNC. Between the theoretical and practical lectures, students will receive mandatory assignments regarding the design of objects that can be prepared with the available devices, based on a real case from a group members’ design problem. Please reserve some time on the 29th of September and 3rd of October for self-study.
Preliminary program
|
September 28th |
Morning |
Lecture and computer practical |
3D printing (FDM - SLA) |
|
Afternoon |
Lecture and computer practical |
Laser cutting | |
|
October 2nd |
Morning |
Practical lesson |
3D printing & Laser cutting |
|
Afternoon |
Lecture and computer practical |
CNC milling | |
|
October 5th |
Morning |
Practical lesson |
CNC milling |
|
October 9th |
Morning |
Practical lesson |
Finishing up |
Course faculty
Course coordinator:
- Dr Vittorio Saggioma, BioNanoTechnology, Wageningen University & Research
Course lecturers:
- Dr Vittorio Saggioma, BioNanoTechnology, Wageningen University & Research
- Dr Sander Baas, BioNanoTechnology, Wageningen University & Research
Contact
More information about the contents of the course can be obtained from the course coordinator, Dr Vittorio Saggiomo
For organisational matters, please contact Cornelia van Bree.
Information on accommodation options can be found here.
testimonials from previous participants:
" I now have a whole new tool available to my skill set, as I now know which problems I can fix through 3D printing and how to do this " (course participant 2025)
" Buy a 3D printer! & Just go for it " (course participant 2025)
" Many physical problems I have in my research can be solved by myself with clever design " (course participant 2025)