- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of maths
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- taking customer orders and giving job quotes
- advising customers on which materials to use
- creating digital models and prototypes based on customer requirements
- operating 3D scanning and printing machinery
- applying finishes to products
- checking quality
- servicing and repairing equipment
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a factory or at a research facility.
Your working environment may be noisy.
You could move into research, investigating new materials for use in 3D printing and how to make them commercially workable. You could also train to work in 3D printing software and hardware development.
You might work for a company that specialises in printing particular items, for example custom-made prosthetics, construction prototypes, or models of archaeological remains and historical buildings.
There are also opportunities in print equipment sales and training.
You can get details about working in 3D printing and design engineering from the British Printing Industries Federation and Tomorrow's Engineers.
