Additive technologies speed up the prototyping process and the production of new products

Additive manufacturing (AP) is the ideal solution for industries that require quality, greater flexibility in development, lower costs and faster production

Additive Manufacturing (AP) it is an ideal solution for industries that require higher product quality, development flexibility, lower costs, shorter development and production times, and small batch or individual production. At the same time, the biggest challenge faced by numerous industries and companies is the lack of qualified workforce.

Recently implemented Research well-known foreign consulting company, concluded that the education of qualified specialists is a prerequisite for the introduction of additive manufacturing (AP) in a larger number of industries. Many manufacturers are aware of the almost unprecedented potential of AP and the change of business models, especially the shortening of the production flow, and thus the speed of delivery, but most emphasize the lack of multidisciplinary experts who are fully familiar with additive manufacturing.

The already mentioned research emphasizes the need for close cooperation between industries interested in additive manufacturing and educational institutions, and highlights 2 key areas for which there are not enough educational programs:

1. 3D designing; implies knowledge of product design, mechanics, 3D simulation, etc.
2. 3D production; implies knowledge of 3D printing processes, material selection, manufacturing procedures, quality control, quality assurance, etc.

At the same time, the industries interested in AP products highlighted 5 challenges that currently represent an obstacle for them when hiring or educating qualified experts for AP:

• A broad multidisciplinary understanding of additive manufacturing (AP) is required - knowledge of materials, design, mechanics, etc.

For AP, it is not enough to have an employed CAD expert or an employee with a degree in mechanical engineering, but knowledge of production processes, materials, machines, mechanics, reverse engineering and mechanical engineering is required. A 3D technology specialist must have basic knowledge of physics, knowledge of software tools, material and know how to think creatively, i.e. how to use 3D technologies when manufacturing a new product. The lack of such an integrated approach is the biggest shortcoming of today's labor market and education system.

• An understanding of 3D models and knowledge of modeling for manufacturing is required – DFAM

In addition to the range of knowledge that a 3D specialist must have, it is necessary to have knowledge of 3D modeling for the purpose of production, knowledge that allows to design, model and produce a completely new product, optimized for additive manufacturing. A 3D specialist does not necessarily have a mechanical education, but must have a multidisciplinary approach, an approach based on sufficient knowledge of mechanics, mechanical engineering, design, 3D modeling and 3D manufacturing (printing) through additive manufacturing.

• It is necessary to develop innovative thinking in additive manufacturing (AP)

In any production based on innovation and developing prototypes, innovative thinking about AP is needed. Sometimes narrowly specialized or classically educated engineers and other specialists do not have enough knowledge about product development and AP to be able to use AP to solve challenges in prototype development or reverse engineering. For this reason, many companies are looking for new talents and people with broad knowledge and an innovative view of the production process, people who are able to recognize obstacles and find solutions with the help of AP.

• An understanding of existing manufacturing, not just additive manufacturing (AP) is required

In addition to a good knowledge of AP, a 3D specialist must also know traditional production processes. For example, if a 3D specialist does not have basic knowledge of casting, forging or metal machining, how will he recognize in which cases AP has advantages or disadvantages? Knowledge about AP cannot exist in a vacuum or separate from classic production processes, because the full potential of AP can be realized only by understanding classic and new production technologies.

• Knowledge of economy, profitability and business models of production is required

Most educational programs are oriented exclusively on the technological aspect, and economic, ie business models of production remain in the background or are not mentioned at all in educational programs. The ideal expert for AP must be ready to accept an interdisciplinary approach, have a strong theoretical background in 3D design and creative thinking, and know the basics of the classic production process, but also the basics of business (market analysis, competition, etc.)

About 3D Academy:

3D Academy, with programs for 3D dental technician and 3D specialist, is the first educational program of its kind in Croatia. The program combines all the necessary knowledge in order to enable participants to get acquainted with 3D scanning, modeling and 3D printing through a holistic approach to additive manufacturing. IN 3D Academy you will get a unique opportunity to get to know the technologies that will help you help solve modern technological challenges. During the Academy program, you will learn all the necessary skills from experienced professionals and get to know the top equipment that will enable you to create 3D models, scan existing geometry and print your own idea.

By developing an innovative educational program, for the first time in Croatia, participants have the opportunity to acquire skills such as the basics of photogrammetry, acquire knowledge about all the necessary tools and materials, about advanced 3D scanning methods, processing digitized results and 3D modeling in CAD tools. All the aforementioned knowledge and skills are needed and in demand in today's labor market.