Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enroll in the course?
If you are interested in only attending the Wednesday lectures, enroll in the ME 137 Lecture section (if an undergraduate) or ME 237 (if you are a graduate student) for 1 unit.
If you want to take the course as a 3 unit project class, enroll in the ME 137/237 Lecture section AND the ME 137 Lab section. You must also complete the project track application before March 25th.
What is the difference between taking the course for 1 unit and for 3 units?
Students who enroll for a single unit will be taking the course as a seminar. The only requirement for credit is attendance at the weekly lecture. Students who want to take the 3 unit "project track" will need to complete an application, attend the Friday workshops, complete several assignments and a final project to receive credit for the course.
I'm not sure if I should take the 1 unit or 3 unit options, should I still apply?
YES. Only students who complete applications will be allowed in the project class. If you are selected and decide you can't take the full load, you can give you spot to the next student on the waiting list.
I'm not sure I can commit to the 3 unit track, can I still make something?
Of course! While there are not enough resources to allow 60 students to attend the Friday workshops, workshop materials (handsout, slides, tutorials) will be accessible to students who enroll in the 1 unit lecture course. Students in the project track will have more access to the teaching team, but we will still be supportive of students who wish to engage in independant projects. Project Track students, however, will be given priority as their project performance directly impacts their grade.
How will you grade the project class?
Passing the project course is pretty simple: Come to the workshops, complete the tutorials (mostly completed in the workshop), design and print something that you're really passionate about.
What kind of 3D Printers do you have?
None. Our class is not associated with a specific lab at Stanford. While we can direct you to the few machines available to you as Stanford Students, we will be emphasizing the use of service providers to complete your print jobs. This is how most small companies have their printed prototypes made. They rent, rather than buy, six-figure additive manufacturing machines. This class will not teach you how to swap out the filament or align the print head on a MakerBot. It WILL teach you how to access machines that can produce your digital designs in everything from plaster to titanium to ceramic, with the specific material properties most suitable to what you want to make.
What kind of fees/costs are associated with the project course?
There are no lab fees. The design software is a free download for students. The cost of printing your designs depends on the size of your design and the materials. A small plastic toy car could be a few dollars, a titanium exoskeleton would be...more.