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 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
Environment
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Digital technologies
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.
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:
Computing Science
Design and Manufacture
Maths (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.
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