How can you continuously learn to stay ahead in 3D Printing?

Mantenerte a la vanguardia es hoy mucho más factible que nunca a nivel de conocimientos. En mi experiencia, LinkedIn es precisamente la mejor respuesta. En LinkedIn encontrarás redes completas de profesionales con experiencia activos de toda índole en la cadena de negocios que representa la manufactura aditiva en el mundo: Desarrolladores de tecnología, expertos en manufactura, en materiales, representantes de ventas, usuarios y un larguísimo etcétera de personas dispuestas a compartir el conocimiento de nuestra industria. A nivel de práctica podría ser un poco más complicado estar en contacto con tecnologías industriales, pero existe hardware asequible de diversos fabricantes que te ayudarán a forjar tus primeros pasos en nuestro mundillo.

If I were to give one piece of advice to newcomers in the FDM 3D printing world, it would be to check out CNC Kitchen on YouTube. This channel stands out as one of the most creative and informative sources on the internet, especially for those who want to move beyond just printing toys. CNC Kitchen dives into practical and technical aspects of FDM printing, offering insights that are both accessible for beginners and valuable for experienced users. Whether it's about improving print quality, understanding material properties, or experimenting with new techniques, CNC Kitchen provides a wealth of knowledge that can really elevate your 3D printing skills.

To stay ahead in 3D printing: Follow industry news and trends. Attend workshops and conferences. Join online communities and forums. Take online courses and tutorials. Experiment with new technologies and materials. Practice hands-on projects. Collaborate with peers and experts. Join maker spaces and fab labs. Explore open-source projects. Stay curious, experiment, and learn from failures.

To excel in 3D printing, adopt these strategies: 1. Take Online Courses: Enroll in esteemed courses (e.g., MIT, LinkedIn Learning) for in-depth knowledge on evolving 3D printing technologies. Explore diverse methods, including SLS, MJF, DOD, DMLS/SLM, EBM, and Binder Jetting. 2. Continuous Skill Development: Enhance skills in CAD, materials science, and software like Materialise. Familiarize yourself with design guidelines for each technology to boost proficiency. 3. Engage in Online Communities: Join 3D printing forums and social groups to connect, discuss, and share experiences. Stay updated on industry trends through active participation. These strategies empower effective navigation of the dynamic 3D printing landscape.

While there are countless paid courses online, many tend to cover only the generic aspects of 3D printing. Starting with free resources for the basics is a smart move. These can provide a solid foundation without the upfront cost. After grasping the fundamentals and if there's a clear business benefit, investing in a high-quality paid course makes sense. For beginners, I recommend checking out the YouTube channel Made With Layers. Thomas Sanladerer, a well-known figure in the 3D printing community, offers an excellent series for beginners there. His videos are insightful, covering a range of topics from setup and calibration to material choices and troubleshooting.

Dans les entreprises, la diffusion des cours en ligne ne doit pas se limiter aux personnes travaillant directement sur des projets d'impression 3D. D'abord, car générer de la valeur grace à la fabrication additive nécessite des changements culturels et organisationnels, et ces changements doivent être compris par l'ensemble des collaborateurs. Ensuite, car les idées d'applications de l'impression 3D seront plus nombreuses si tous les services de l'entreprise ont été sensibilisés à ces technologies.

In my opinion following industry news and trends is the most vital aspect of staying at the pulse of AM. Various newsletters, magazines, and podcasts can be a low-effort way of achieving this, but the most effective way is the participation in the main industry events such as eg formnext and the active engagement with the professionals working in the industry.

Keeping abreast of the latest industry news and trends is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in 3D printing. By following specialized news sources, magazines, and podcasts, we gain insights into emerging technologies, innovative techniques, and market shifts. Participation in events and webinars further enriches our understanding, connecting us with thought leaders and pioneers. This continuous stream of information not only informs our current projects but also inspires innovation, allowing us to adopt best practices and integrate cutting-edge solutions. Staying informed is not just about keeping pace; it's about leading the charge in transforming ideas into tangible advancements.

Staying up with new information is very important. 3D printing/Additive Manufacturing is an industry that is maturing very quickly, so keep up with the new emerging technologies and discoveries.

I suggest working on various projects to understand 3D printing in depth. As much as people like a horizontal gain of knowledge, projects give you that depth of subject regardless of the type of skill/technology you are willing to learn. Work on projects that involve various areas like the toy industry, fashion, medical, aerospace, automotive component design, etc. Helping people with their 3D Printing-related engineering projects, hackathons(makeathons), etc., is an excellent area for learning and staying ahead in the 3D printing industry. Remember, application-based projects are the best ones to contribute and learn from!

Teamwork! AM is a complex field that spans materials, software, engineering, design, simulation, and more. Try to understand all relevant topics, but do not try to be an expert in everything.

Mentorship and feedback are a critical aspect for anyone's success! The more you can soak in and absorb the better. Mentors are a great way to leap a decade worth of knowledge. In the AM industry, there is a de-centralized ownership of critical technologies throughout the NPD cycle -- this leads to a single team with A LOT of work to do. To overcome these hurdles, collaboration among AM industry leaders is critical for printed parts at scale.

Seeking feedback and mentorship is a cornerstone of professional growth in the 3D printing realm. Constructive criticism from peers, instructors, or clients unveils areas for improvement and new perspectives. Moreover, a mentor offers invaluable guidance, bridging the gap between where we are and where we aspire to be. Their experience and insights can illuminate our path, helping us navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Conversely, becoming a mentor enriches our own understanding, as teaching is a profound way to solidify knowledge and give back to the community. This reciprocal learning ecosystem fosters a culture of continuous improvement and shared success within the 3D printing industry.

Sometimes, the key to success in using 3D printing comes from understanding when NOT to use it and when standard manufacturing methods makes the most sense. 3D printing requires the alignment of process, materials, design, application, speed and cost. Often you can get 2/3 of the project factors aligned, but other areas such as volume and time derail the project. For example, you want to make a one piece part with high complexity that consolidates multiple pieces that have to be assembled into one part in a material the fits into your needs. You want to print all those features at once. But if your project exceeds the capacity of available printers it may not be a great fit. Verify the variables plus compare production vs. prototyping.

- Follow youtube channels for latest updates on 3D Printers - Follow Linkedin pages of 3D printing experts and 3D printing firms - Attend webniars focusing on niche applications of 3D printing - Visit trade shows and expo to have live experience on 3D printers, materials, software and products. - Experiment printing with open source 3D models Finally share your experience and knowlege to the beginners. So that more curiosity will be created which in turn makes them to think “WHY” and that leads to innovation.