How To Start a Professional Career in 3D Printing

3D printing is an incredible industry that almost feels like it’s a form of sorcery. Creating objects out of thin air because of a certain technology is one of the best magic tricks. However, there is no magic, and you can learn the tricks of the trade yourself. By following these steps, you can start a professional career in 3D printing.

Back to School

For most 3D printing positions, you must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering. If you have a diploma in the pure sciences, such as a bachelor’s in chemical science or organic chemistry, you may also opt for a job in 3D printing.

If you’re applying for 3D printing jobs that include prototyping, you might also benefit from having a degree in the arts. If you lack the required degree or work experience, your abilities and expertise in sketching or animation may help you overcome any lack of credentials. Fortunately, obtaining an education has never been easier with online schooling options, and there is no shortage of institutions specializing in the trade.

Improve Your Craft

Possessing the appropriate degrees and certifications is a wonderful place to start, but mastering a few technical abilities is necessary to pursue a career in 3D printing. Depending on how well you grasp the technical aspect, you’ll benefit from these abilities at work and take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves. 3D printers are forever changing, so you should strive to improve as much as possible. Knowledge is power, which could land you the job of your dreams.

Build a Portfolio

You can have all the skills in the world and create beautiful pieces of work. But it can be challenging to showcase your talents if you don’t have a portfolio demonstrating your best work. There are several avenues you can take to build your portfolio, although the more money you invest, the better off you are.

While there are free websites to help you design for additive manufacturing, you will limit your reach. Promoting your work through social media channels is also a smart tactic because you never know who is going to see it.

Get Your Foot in the Door

Unless they were born with a silver spoon in their mouth, everybody had to start from the bottom and work from the ground up. This theory is true in numerous industries, not only in the 3D printing world.

To begin your journey, you should apply for designing- and sketching-based employment that falls under the prototyping category. This is the process of conceiving, ideating, testing, and translating concepts into actual models. As you get more expertise, you may apply for manufacturing-related positions, including mold-making, tooling, and component printing.

Learning how to start a career in 3D printing gives you a road map to follow to get into this rewarding career. The potential is limitless in what you can design and accomplish in the field, so you’re making the right decision in starting your journey.