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3D Printing specialist

Operate the machines that turn CAD designs into 3D components for everything from prosthetic limbs to F1 cars.

Also known as: additive manufacturing technician, 3d printing technician, 3d printing engineer

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£365

Entry level

£731

Experienced

Monthly

£1,583

Entry level

£3,167

Experienced

Yearly

£19,000

Entry level

£38,000

Experienced

4,500

people are currently employed

Low growth

100 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

3D printers work in much the same way as a traditional printer – but instead of layering ink on a page, they build layers of materials like plastic to create three-dimensional shapes. The tech, sometimes called additive manufacturing, is relatively new but is already used to print parts for everything from prosthetic limbs to F1 cars. 

You’ll be key in creating products like these, taking a designer's CAD design and overseeing the printing process that brings it to life. You’ll make sure machines are set up correctly so every measurement and angle is bang on. You’ll need to be precise – even a fraction of a millimetre miscalculation can mean an entire job being scrapped. 

Once the job 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. For some jobs you might have other finishing tasks to complete too, like polishing or adding textures.  

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? 

What you’ll do

  • Calibrate the machines, load the materials and review the designs before each job  

  • Manage printer schedules to minimise downtime 

  • Review CAD designs to make sure they’re suitable to print 

  • Sand, cut, snap off or dissolve the structural supports 

  • Polish finished pieces, if required 

  • Check the quality of each printed piece 

  • Troubleshoot when pieces don’t print correctly 

  • Order print materials and other supplies 

Hours

3D printing specialists usually work 9-5 but, depending on your role, you might work weekends or evenings for conferences or showcases.

Environment

As you'll be working with advanced hardware, you may find yourself working anywhere from a research facility to a manufacturing plant or factory.

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Related industries

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  • Engineering and manufacturing
  • Digital technologies
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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.

Here are some of the 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.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Computing Science

  • Design and Manufacture

  • Mathematics

  • Physics

  • Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering

  • Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development

  • 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 a number of ways to get qualified for this job through college, university or work-based qualifications, such as apprenticeships.

Although 3D printing is a relatively new industry, applicants will often have qualifications in subjects such as:

  • Computer science

  • Mechatronics

  • 3D modelling/Product 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. 

Employers might consider applicants without formal qualifications if they can demonstrate knowledge and experience of the industry.

Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they might ask for relevant experience, usually work based, that show a range of transferable skills.

You would need to demonstrate an up to date knowledge of hardware and software developments and it is helpful to have experience of computer modelling and the ability to use CAD (computer-aided design).

The 3D Printing Industry website is a good source of knowledge. Check out their guide on getting a job in the industry.

There's also a free beginners guide to 3D printing.

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