For many years, 3D Printing was an abstract concept. The
technology “could” be used to advance innovation, streamline design cycles, and
power manufacturing, but there was little or no proof. Industries started to
explore how to align additive manufacturing across business, but there were few
use-cases to lean on. Fast-forward to present day and industrial-grade additive
manufacturing is having a real and significant impact on markets
ranging from aerospace to consumer packaged goods. But with this maturity comes
an entirely new set of challenges.
The industry is at a place where 3D printing can actually reshape
traditional manufacturing processes. As proven by Stratasys use-cases,
the technology is quite effective at disrupting legacy models to boost
innovation and design, power time-to-market. and accelerate revenue. But be
careful – there’s still a ton of work to be done in education and training to
bridge the gap between industry and academia.
The new Deloitte
Insights report (co-authored by Stratasys and the Lanterman Group) stresses
the critical nature of collaboration across business and education environments.
Only by working together can the two better prepare and train the
next-generation of additive manufacturing talent - effectively scaling AM into
production uses. Based on countless interviews with both academics and industry
experts, the piece analyzes best approaches to achieving a highly-capable
additive manufacturing workforce through education.
Deloitte’s report notes today’s educational institutions are
in a unique position to bridge this skills gap. Tools at their disposal include
curriculum development, construction of world-class facilities, cutting-edge
research, and accelerated internships – each exposing students to the right AM technology,
know-how and real-world implementations. The missing element is real and
long-lasting partnerships across industry leaders, educators, and even
students.
But good news - the market is well aware of this gap, and
seems willing to advance both design and process knowledge. To make this
possible, both market and academic leaders must start directly focusing on five
“musts” in workforce evolution:
- Multi-disciplinary
understanding of core AM knowledge sets, including material science, design and
engineering
- Robust
design education and knowledge – specifically Design-for-AM (DfAM)
- Programs
to nurture powerful and innovative thinkers
- Awareness
of AM’s link to transforming legacy manufacturing processes
- Construction
of a business-case and ROI mindset
And while there’s no single approach to fit every
circumstance, there are readily available methodologies, approaches and
strategies that every company and academic institution CAN and SHOULD adopt –
moving from opportunity to implementation. Now’s the time for each to step back
and uncover the best approaches to connecting and collaborating with one
another. That’s the only way true transformation is possible.
Want to take a closer look at the Deloitte research and use
cases from Stratasys users? Learn more about the power of Stratasys’
industrial-grade technology – and then access the Deloitte
paper here.
