3D Printing specialist
Transform CAD designs into 3D components – you’ll work on anything, from prosthetic limbs to Formula 1 cars.
Also known as: 3D printing engineer, 3D printing technician, additive manufacturing technician
About the job
What it's like
A 3D printer works in a very similar way to a traditional printer! But instead of layering ink on a page, they build layers of materials, like plastic, to create three-dimensional shapes.
They use a relatively new type of technology, sometimes called additive manufacturing. This can be used to print parts for everything from customised shoes to prosthetic limbs and Formula 1 racing cars.
You'll play a key role in producing all sorts of products – taking designs from a CAD technician and overseeing the printing process that brings it to life. 3D printing specialists make sure machines are set up correctly, so every measurement and angle is spot on. You'll need to be precise, as even a miniscule miscalculation can ruin an entire job.
Once the product is printed, you'll need to manually remove the structural supports. These extra pieces are included in the design to support complex shapes as they print. Some jobs may require additional finishing tasks. For example, you might polish a product or add textures to it.
3D printing is still an emerging technology, so you’ll need to keep up with the latest developments. Who knows what we’ll be able to print next?
Your tasks might include:
calibrating the machines, loading the materials and reviewing the designs before each job
managing printer schedules to minimise downtime
reviewing CAD designs to make sure they’re suitable to print
sanding, cutting, snapping off or dissolving the structural supports
polishing and checking the quality of each printed piece
troubleshooting when pieces don’t print correctly
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
National Centre for Addictive Manufacturing – discover training, case studies and insight from the 3D printing industry
VoxelMatters – find up-to-date 3D printing news and analysis on trends shaping the additive manufacturing industry
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Related industries
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Engineering and manufacturing -
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- making decisions
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- innovative
- designing
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Design and Manufacture
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
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Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are multiple ways you can become a 3D printing specialist.
University
A degree may be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering or Advanced Engineering
Product Design Engineering
Materials Science or Materials Engineering
Industrial Design or Product Design
Biomedical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Computing
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Product Design
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Industrial Design
Engineering Systems
Engineering Practice
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You'll get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Print Industry Occupations.
Trainee roles
You could start as an assistant in a 3D printing workshop. Your employer may allow you to train on the job and become a 3D printing specialist.
Some experience in manufacturing, model-making, printing, technology or design will help you land an assistant role.
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they might ask for relevant experience, usually work-based, that shows you have a range of transferable skills.
You'll need to display an up-to-date knowledge of hardware and software developments.
It's helpful to have experience of computer modelling and the ability to use CAD (computer-aided design).
As 3D printing is being developed in a wide range of fields, from dentistry to fashion design and even food technology, knowledge and experience of the industry you want to work in may be valuable.
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