Additive Manufacturing – International Skill Insights - Section three – International Skill Insights - Section One

What are the UKs strengths in this skill?
Students are naturally good at using IT. It’s possible to utilise this and introduce Computer Aided Engineering software solutions to them early. When given the opportunity and provided with suitable challenges they respond well.   Some may have used 3D Printers earlier in their education or at home, it’s possible to build on experiences and push them further.
What are the UKs areas for development?
Additive Manufacturing is not delivered as a mainstream qualification. It is usually delivered as part of a module or unit. Having a stronger focus on delivery would enhance exposure and improve skills  being able to reverse engineer from scanned data. More practice or examples should be used in education. more focus may be required on design for functionality, e.g. changing infill densities, being able to understand the different materials and their applications.
What are the key skills that UK Educators need to develop in their students in readiness for competitions / industry / employment?
National Competitions	Employment / Industry
Autodesk Fusion 360 familiarisation – students software skills need to be very good increase exposure to 3D printing technologies work from physical items instead of from drawings top-down design approach.	coming up with design solutions quickly being adaptable to the needs of the brief, showing flexibility being able to optimise CAE software effectively.
Training/CPD resources for UK educators
Autodesk Fusion 360 Design Training – Autodesk Fusion is free to educators and has some very good training content. Training can also be arranged depending on the demand.  Autodesk Fusion 360 Learning: https://www.autodesk.com/learn/catalog/product/Fusion  Autodesk Fusion Project: https://www.autodesk.com/learn/ondemand/collection/haas-fusion-cad-cam-cnc

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