Erasmus+ BIP: Polymer Additive Manufacturing

This Erasmus+ BIP is a cooperation between Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Artois University (France) and Polytechnic University of Turin (Italy). The course is designed for Master’s students and Bachelor students in higher semesters who are interested in participating in an international learning activity to improve their knowledge in additive manufacturing and enjoy unforgettable moments with peers in an international environment.

BIP-ID: 2024-1-DE01-KA131-HED-000221626-1

Field of Education: Mechanical Engineering, Printing and Packaging Technology, Material Science

Language of instruction and requirements: English, level B2

The BIP workload will be equivalent to 3 ECTS. Student participants will receive a certificate of attendance upon successful completion of the programme. Both the virtual and the physical components are mandatory.

The learning activity is structured following the framework of an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme with a virtual learning phase and a one-week physical mobility phase taking place at HTWK Leipzig. Teaching staff of all three partnering universities in Germany, France and Italy will contribute to the learning programme. It will include the following topics:

• Ansys Simulation – Model stress & deformation in polymers
• Material Testing – Tension, bending & combined loads
• Hybrid Manufacturing – Merge additive & subtractive methods
• Sustainability – Lifecycle analysis & environmental impact
• Inkjet AM – Material jetting, droplet physics, binder jetting
• 3D Data Prep – File formats, quality, and digital workflows

The objectives are to equip students with comprehensive expertise in the field of 3D manufacturing and materials science. Participants will achieve proficiency in the simulation and analysis of three-dimensional problems in polymeric materials, utilizing Ansys software for computational modeling. The course will also foster expertise in material selection and characterization under diverse stress conditions. A critical component of the curriculum is understanding and applying hybrid manufacturing processes, integrating both additive and subtractive technologies to optimize production efficiency. Additionally, the course will delve into the principles and applications of inkjet-based additive techniques, enabling students to explore innovative material deposition methods. Lastly, participants will gain proficiency in managing and processing data critical to 3D printing, ensuring a comprehensive skill set for addressing modern manufacturing challenges. 

Participating students will gain knowledge and practical skills through the use of the following methodologies: lecture-based learning, self-study, cooperation learning, challenge-based learning, work and case study presentation. The students will attend asynchronous lectures in an online learning platform accessible to all participants. In German-French-Italian teams, they will work on a project that comprises a technical design challenge for additive manufacturing, where they can benchmark their learning progress and apply their knowledge gained in the lectures. The final parts will be manufactured and tested during the workshop in Leipzig. The learning progress will be monitored by online quizzes, an examination (written group report), and a final online presentation of the project works (20 min presentation + 40 min discussion).

As a result, participants are expected to obtain:

• an overview of methodologies in material characterizations
• proficiency in the use of relevant software applications
• an understanding of hybrid manufacturing processes

The BIP workload will be equivalent to 3 ECTS. Student participants will receive a certificate of attendance upon successful completion of the programme. Both the virtual and the physical components are mandatory.

The virtual learning phase will take place before and after the physical mobility phase. It includes:

• Kick-Off online meeting with all participants (scheduled to take place in week 42 – 13-17 October 2025 – exact date and time to be announced)
• 30 asynchronous online lectures (45 min each, accessible in online learning platform)
• self-study time and project work (30 h)
• final online presentation of the project work (20 min presentation + 40 min discussion) 

The physical mobility phase will take place in Leipzig, Germany. In addition to manufacturing and testing the final project component, participants will enjoy joint excursions and cultural activities.

Dates: 23 – 27 February 2026 

Location: Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig), Faculty of Engineering, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 134, 04277 Leipzig, Germany

All participating students coming from France and Italy will be nominated by their International Office and registered at our Department of Student Affairs. After we have received the nominations, the students will be informed by email about the online registration process. They will be provided with detailed information to guide them through the registration process step by step. During registration, the students will be asked to upload the following documents:   

• Certificate of Enrolment at home institution for the time period of the BIP
• Erasmus+ Online Learning Agreement
• Copy of a valid European ID card or passport (Visa regulations apply, if relevant)
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• Confirmation of liability and accident insurance coverage during the stay in Germany

After registration, the students will receive a formal Letter of Invitation. They will not be enrolled at HTWK Leipzig, they will have guest status with access to all services and tools necessary for the completion of the BIP programme.  

Nomination Deadline: 19 September 2025

Registration Deadline: 10 October 2025