You're aiming to excel in the 3D printing industry. Which skills should you prioritize learning for success?

3D printing is common for low volume, complex parts. By building a quality CAD model and setting parameters to rely on input from design, you are able to iterate quickly. This might look like assigning dimensions as variable and linking design engineers to the prototype results.

Knowing which additive manufacturing technology to use for which parts and what materials to choose is one of the most important factors driving the cost of your parts. A very detailed print might not give a good result on a filament based machine. But the ease of use and broad material selection of FDM means that you can print almost anything in your office. Browsing the catalogues of online printing services is a good way to get an idea of what combination of printing technology and materials can achieve your desired result.

Material knowledge is crucial and often undervalued. New composite materials become available all the time, so do your research, communicate with peers in your field and test, test, test. To choose the ideal material for a product you must understand the strengths and weaknesses of the materials available to you. Never throw away those MDSE sheets, and if you’re forgetful like I am, make yourself cheat sheets with material properties.

Slicing software is crucial in the 3D printing industry, as it converts 3D models into instructions for printers. To excel in this field, you should master popular slicers like Cura and PrusaSlicer, understanding how different settings influence print quality and efficiency. Learn to troubleshoot and optimize prints through slicer adjustments and G-code modifications, tailored to various filament materials. Additionally, skills in 3D modeling and scripting for automation can enhance your efficiency. Effective communication with clients about how slicing decisions impact their projects is also key to achieving success in the industry.

Learning your slicing software for your printer is crucial to your model design as well. Modern desktop printers are capable of 0.050mm later heights but the wall thickness varies depending on nozzle size and filament type. Designs can be optimized when your printer's capabilities are factored.

Basic, electronic and mechanical repair skills are vital to keeping the prototyping process fast and worry free. Even with costly home printers, it's necessary to have a set of small, metric tools, some mechanical troubleshooting skills and a lot of patience.

Finishing is what makes your 3d print beautiful and it's the most labour-intensive part. There are many methods to do post processing to achieve similar results. You will have to experiment with this. Some people might prefer using spray can while others use compressor spray painting. Regardless, you should focus on gaining knowledge on different methods to fix the surface.

Modelling and printing something is one thing. You should also be skilled in post-processing your prints. Proper sanding knowledge and techniques are required for the best look of your prints. Be mindful when sanding and use personal protection like respirators and good ventilation.