Best Manufacturing Courses Online & Certification (December 2024)

Modern manufacturing refers to the contemporary methods, technologies, and practices used in the production of goods. It encompasses a range of cutting-edge techniques that optimize efficiency, enhance productivity, and improve quality in the manufacturing process. Presented below are some of the best Manufacturing courses available that delve into foundational principles and leading-edge technologies, offering participants a thorough grasp of modern manufacturing methodologies.

Importance of Manufacturing

Manufacturing constitutes an indispensable driver of economic vitality worldwide, accounting for a significant share of global economic output. According to recent data from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), manufacturing contributes approximately 16% to 20% of global GDP. It stands as a primary source of employment, providing livelihoods for over 30 million workers globally. Notably, the sector’s influence transcends mere production, serving as a catalyst for technological innovation. Research by the World Economic Forum indicates that manufacturing industries contribute approximately 70% of private-sector R&D expenditure.


A career in manufacturing presents an exciting landscape for individuals passionate about innovation, technology, and problem-solving. With diverse roles, evolving technologies, and a global scope, the manufacturing sector offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

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Best Manufacturing Courses, Certification, Tutorials, Training, Classes Online

Principles of Manufacturing [edX]

The Principles of Manufacturing Certification stands as a foundational cornerstone for individuals seeking expertise in the dynamic realm of manufacturing. This rigorous program offers a comprehensive exploration into the essential principles governing the manufacturing industry, emphasizing critical metrics like rate, quality, cost, and adaptability within volume manufacturing contexts.

Course Instructor

The expert instructors leading this Manufacturing certification course include distinguished professionals such as Stanley B. Gershwin, Duane Boning, Sean Willems, David Hardt, Jung-Hoon Chun, Abbott Weiss, and Stephen Graves, each renowned for their specialized expertise in various facets of manufacturing, providing invaluable guidance and insights crucial for the comprehensive understanding and application of the course material.

Pros & Cons

Key Highlights & Learning Objectives

• The program distinguishes itself by extensively covering both basic and advanced statistical methods, providing learners with a robust toolkit to analyze and control manufacturing processes effectively.
  
  
• The program focuses on practical application, equipping learners with the skills needed for effective design and operational decision-making.
  
  
• Offering courses on engineering management, strategy, and leadership specifically tailored for manufacturing, this program equips learners with a strategic mindset.
  
  
• This MicroMasters Program comprises a series of video lectures, supplemental articles, resources, assignments, exams, and a MicroMasters Credential upon successful completion.

Who is it for?

This manufacturing class is ideally suited for graduate-level engineers, product designers, and technology developers aiming for career advancement or seeking a comprehensive understanding of advanced manufacturing principles. Those seeking to enhance their expertise in manufacturing operations, from controlling unit processes to managing enterprise-level variations, will find this program highly beneficial for propelling their careers in the manufacturing industry.

Digital Manufacturing & Design Technology Specialization [Coursera]

The Design Technology & Digital Manufacturing Certification represents a transformative journey into the realm of Industry. Through its comprehensive nine-course series, this program offers a profound exploration of how manufacturing is evolving with the advent of digital-based technology. 

Course Instructor

This manufacturing course with certification is led by esteemed instructors, including Ken English, Amy Moore, Sara Behdad, Shambhu Upadhyaya, and Rahul Rai, each bringing extensive expertise and experience in various facets of manufacturing, engineering, and digital technology to enrich the comprehensive curriculum.

What you’ll learn

Here’s a brief overview of each course included in the Digital Manufacturing & Design Technology Specialization:

1. Digital Manufacturing & Design: This course introduces the transformation occurring in the manufacturing industry from paper-based processes to digital processes.
   
   
2. Digital Thread: Components: Focused on the digital thread, this course elucidates its role as the backbone of DM&D transformation.
   
   
3. Digital Thread: Implementation: Delving deeper into the implementation of the digital thread, this course provides practical insights into embracing this transformation throughout the design process.
   
   
4. Advanced Manufacturing Process Analysis: This course emphasizes the significance of advanced analysis in manufacturing environments.
   
   
5. Intelligent Machining: Focusing on intelligent machining, this course introduces learners to machine tools that are self-aware and capable of making decisions related to machining processes.
   
   
6. Advanced Manufacturing Enterprise: This course familiarizes learners with the complexities of enterprises in advanced manufacturing.
   
   
7. Cyber Security in Manufacturing: Addressing the importance of a secure infrastructure in DM&D, this course focuses on protecting operational technologies, systems, and resources.
   
   
8. MBSE: Model-Based Systems Engineering: Exploring model-based systems engineering (MBSE), this course emphasizes the value of the model throughout the product life cycle.
   
   
9. Roadmap to Success in Digital Manufacturing & Design: The culminating course involves creating a personalized roadmap to achieve career goals in the DM&D profession.

Pros & Cons

Key Highlights & Learning Objectives

• The specialization comprehensively covers Industry 4.0, exploring digital manufacturing, design practices, the digital thread, intelligent machining, cybersecurity, and model-based systems engineering.
  
  
• The specialization culminates in a project where learners create a personalized roadmap to achieve their career goals in the digital manufacturing and design profession.
  
  
• This specialization comprises multiple resources, including lectures, readings, discussions, and an estimated total of over 100 videos, numerous articles, and a shareable certificate of completion.

Who is it for?

This manufacturing certification course is best suited for a diverse audience that caters to beginners with no prior experience in the field, as well as seasoned professionals looking to expand their knowledge, offering valuable insights into Industry 4.0 for those eager to thrive in modern manufacturing environments and harness the potential of digital advancements.

Autodesk CAD/CAM/CAE for Mechanical Engineering Specialization [Coursera]

The Autodesk Specialization offers a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience tailored for individuals seeking proficiency in mechanical design, engineering principles, and manufacturing training using Autodesk Fusion 360. This specialized series aims to equip learners with the essential skills required in today’s dynamic engineering landscape.

Course Instructor

This online manufacturing course is offered by Autodesk, the renowned software company. Industry experts and professionals within Autodesk provide comprehensive instruction, leveraging their extensive knowledge and practical experience in utilizing Fusion 360 for mechanical engineering design, simulation, and manufacturing processes.

What you’ll learn

This specialization include the following four courses:  

1. Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Design and Manufacturing with Fusion 360: In this foundational course participants gain an invaluable understanding of the design-to-manufacturing process using Fusion 360.
   
   
2. Modeling and Design for Mechanical Engineers with Autodesk Fusion 360: This course delves into the intricate world of mechanical design using Fusion 360. 
   
   
3. Simulation Analysis for Mechanical Engineers with Autodesk Fusion 360: Exploring the realm of simulation, this course empowers learners with the knowledge to perform comprehensive analyses within Fusion 360.
   
   
4. CAM and Design Manufacturing for Mechanical Engineers with Autodesk Fusion 360: This course focuses on the critical aspect of design-to-manufacturing continuity. 

Pros & Cons

Key Highlights & Learning Objectives

• Each course emphasizes a hands-on learning approach, allowing participants to apply theoretical concepts directly within Fusion 360, fostering practical skills.
  
  
• Learners acquire expertise in computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), aligning their skillset with industry demands.
  
  
• A notable aspect is the emphasis on simulation-driven design principles, equipping learners to understand and apply simulation workflows effectively in product development processes.
  
  
• This Specialization comprises a total of approximately 80 video lectures, supplemental articles, practical resources, hands-on projects and career certificate from Autodesk.

Who is it for?

This manufacturing certification is best suited for intermediate-level individuals aspiring to advance their proficiency in mechanical engineering design, simulation, and manufacturing using Autodesk Fusion 360. Ideal candidates are those with a foundational grasp of engineering concepts looking to deepen their practical skills in digital design, simulation-driven processes, and manufacturing workflows. 

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Specialization [Coursera]

The 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Certification Specialization by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is an immersive five-course program designed to equip learners with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the realm of 3D printing.

Course Instructor

The authors, instructors at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, including Vishal Sachdev, Jeffrey Smith, Matthew Griffin, Alex Larson, and Aric Rindfleisch, collectively offer expertise spanning 3D printing’s foundational principles, applications, software, hardware, and comprehensive practical understanding within this 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing class.

What you’ll learn

Here’s a brief overview paragraph for each course within the 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Specialization:

1. The 3D Printing Revolution: This course introduces the foundational aspects of 3D printing technology. Learners explore the mechanics of 3D printers, witness real-world applications, and anticipate the transformative impact of this technology.
   
   
2. 3D Printing Applications: Delving deeper, this course examines the diverse applications of 3D printing across multiple sectors.
   
   
3. 3D Printing Software: Focusing on software utilization, this course equips learners with practical skills in 3D modeling.
   
   
4. 3D Printing Hardware: Exploring the hardware side of 3D printing, this course offers an in-depth understanding of desktop 3D printing mechanisms.
   
   
5. 3D Printing Capstone: As the culminating experience, the capstone project integrates the knowledge acquired from previous courses into a hands-on endeavor.

Pros & Cons

Key Highlights & Learning Objectives

• Through hands-on exercises and guidance in popular software like Tinkercad and Fusion 360, participants gain proficiency in 3D modeling, enabling them to create digital designs for physical production.
  
  
• In-depth knowledge of desktop 3D printing mechanisms is imparted, empowering learners to operate, maintain, and optimize 3D printers effectively.
  
  
• The culmination involves a practical capstone project where learners conceptualize, design, and produce a 3D printed object, applying acquired knowledge and skills.
  
  
• This Specialization comprises approximately 150 video lectures, supplemental articles, and diverse learning resources, concluding with a shareable certificate of completion.

Who is it for?

This online manufacturing course is ideally suited for individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of 3D printing, including beginners aspiring to delve into this transformative technology. Entrepreneurs, designers, engineers, and professionals from various industries looking to incorporate 3D printing into their skill set or explore its applications in design innovation and manufacturing will find this program highly beneficial.

Introduction to process control and instrumentation [Udemy]

The Process Control and Instrumentation course provides a comprehensive exploration of the crucial mechanisms and instruments used in industrial processes. Covering key concepts such as control loops, controller actions, and diverse control strategies, this course emphasizes the importance of precise control in managing temperature, pressure, flow, and level.

Course Instructor

The authors of this course, WR Training, are a team of professional engineers specializing in diverse disciplines (chemical, petrochemical, mechanical, electrical), leveraging their extensive expertise to deliver comprehensive academic and industrial online courses aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of scientific and engineering topics.

Pros & Cons

Key Highlights & Learning Objectives

• Engaging 3D animations, detailed diagrams, and practical demonstrations illustrate the workings of instruments used to measure temperature, pressure, flow, and level.
  
  
• The course bridges theoretical knowledge with practical insights, offering a nuanced understanding of control mechanisms and instrumentation used in the real-world.
  
  
• Covering an extensive range of topics including control loops, controller tuning, P&ID interpretation, and various control strategies.
  
  
• This course comprises 74 lectures divided into 10 sections with 3 hours of video content. Additionally, it offers 10 downloadable resources, quizzes, and provides a certificate of completion upon finishing the program.

Who is it for?

This manufacturing course is best suited for engineers, technical professionals, and individuals aspiring to deepen their understanding of process control and instrumentation within industries. It particularly benefits those with some prior knowledge or experience in engineering or related fields, seeking to enhance their expertise in regulating temperature, pressure, flow, and level within industrial processes.

Manufacturing Operations – Planning, Management and Control [Udemy]

Discover the cornerstone to surpassing competition in the manufacturing realm with this manufacturing course online. Delve into a comprehensive learning journey curated by Operational Excellence Training, a distinguished platform specializing in Industrial Management and Supply Chain Operations.

Course Instructor

The manufacturing training is led by Operational Excellence Training, an instructional team comprising seasoned professionals with over 15+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, logistics, and operations, each holding Master’s Degrees in their respective fields.

Pros & Cons

Key Highlights & Learning Objectives

• Learn advanced methodologies to design efficient production schedules, optimize resources, and implement effective production control systems for reduced lead times.
  
  
• Tailored for professionals worldwide, the course offers insights into modern management requirements, adapting strategies to meet diverse global manufacturing demands.
  
  
• Strategies taught in the course aim to streamline operations, minimizing work-in-progress (WIP), optimizing inventories, and accelerating processes to meet customer requirements promptly.
  
  
• This course encompasses 100 lectures across videos totaling 9 hours, along with 9 supplementary articles, 23 downloadable resources, and provides a Certificate of Completion upon finishing the program.

Who is it for?

This manufacturing certification course is ideally suited for manufacturing professionals, students, or individuals entering the field seeking a comprehensive understanding of production management. It caters to those at various career stages, from novices to mid-level practitioners, offering foundational principles and advanced techniques.

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