3D printing technician
3D printing technicians make different products, such as medical implants, car parts, aircraft parts or fashion accessories.
- Starter salary£25,000 a year
- Experienced£40,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a 3D printing technician you might:
- make digital models and prototypes based on a customer's needs
- operate 3D scanning and printing machines
- clean, sand, polish or apply finishes to products
- work out how much it will cost to create parts or products
- inspect products to check quality and pack them for delivery
- service and repair equipment
Working environment
You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a factory or at a research facility.
Your working environment may be noisy.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- knowledge of maths
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a 3D printing technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in a subject like:
- 3D design
- product design
- engineering
- materials science
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could take a course in creative design, model making or engineering to help you to find a job.
Specific courses you could take to become a 3D printing technician include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Computer Aided Design
- Level 3 Award in 3D Computer Aided Design
- Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technology
- T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships you could take to become a 3D printing technician include:
- Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Digital Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to start as an assistant in a 3D printing workshop and train on the job to become a technician.
You'll find it helpful if you have some experience in manufacturing, model making, printing, technology or design.
Career path and progression
With experience you could:
- move into researching new 3D materials
- train to develop new 3D printing software and hardware
- specialise in a certain area of 3D printing, such as prosthetics or models
- train others in 3D printing techniques and methods
Career tips
You could learn more about the basics of 3D printing . This might help you decide if you'd enjoy a career as a 3D printing technician.
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