What is the 3D Printing Technician Certificate?
The 3D Printing Technician certificate offers students an exciting opportunity to enter the dynamic world of additive manufacturing. With a focus on hands-on training and cutting-edge technology, this program prepares individuals for rewarding careers in various industries where 3D printing plays a crucial role.
What are my career choices?
Upon completion of the program, graduates can pursue a range of positions as 3D printing technicians, including:
- 3D Printer Operator: Responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining 3D printers to produce high-quality parts and prototypes.
- CAD Designer: Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 3D models and prepare files for printing.
- Quality Control Technician: Inspect finished products to ensure they meet specifications and standards, troubleshoot any issues, and optimize printing processes.
- Materials Specialist: Work with a variety of materials used in 3D printing, such as plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites, to develop new applications and optimize print parameters.
- Production Manager: Oversee the entire 3D printing process, from design to manufacturing, ensuring efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery of products.
Graduates of our program are well-equipped to enter diverse industries where 3D printing technology is revolutionizing manufacturing and innovation, including:
- Automotive: Rapid prototyping, custom part production, and tooling optimization.
- Aerospace: Lightweight component manufacturing, complex part production, and on-demand spare parts.
- Healthcare: Custom prosthetics, patient-specific implants, and medical device manufacturing.
- Consumer Products: Customized consumer goods, personalized fashion items, and novelty items.
- Engineering and Architecture: Architectural models, prototype development, and design validation.
What are my certificate options?
3D Printing Technician – Level I - Certificate
Length of Program
The program is a total of between 16-18 credit hours. Depending on scheduling, students should be able to complete the certificate within a year.
Program Information
The demand for skilled 3D printing technicians is on the rise as industries continue to adopt additive manufacturing technologies to streamline production processes, reduce costs, and drive innovation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of industrial machinery mechanics, including 3D printing technicians, is projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
