3D Printing uses digital files and additive materials to print solid, three-dimensional objects. The art of creating these digital files, sourcing suitable materials, and manufacturing functional 3D objects requires expertise in design, manufacturing, 3D software, slicing software, and so on.

If you have proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, additive manufacturing, or graphics design, you can explore the following career options in 3D printing.

1. 3D Printing Design Engineer

3D Printing Design Engineering Process with a CAD file aiding in printing a model on a 3D printing machine attached to a laptop.

Experience in CAD software, graphics design, and a background in mechanical engineering can help you bag this role. Even if you don't have these qualifications, a CAD-certified professional with a good hand in graphics and 3D modeling experience can also apply to this role.

It entails evaluating 3D design requests, creating 3D model designs per client specifications, working with suppliers to source the appropriate design materials, scheduling and tracking 3D printing projects, and administering the CAD software. Design engineers must also oversee minor technical and administrative tasks until a 3D model is printed and delivered.

2. CAD Modeling

The 3D final design of the model after activating add thickness tool of SelfCAD

Computer-aided design helps manufacturers create a prototype of a 3D object before printing it. CAD software is an essential tool in both traditional manufacturing and 3D printing. It's most widely used in the automotive industry.

Various CAD software like AutoCAD, Onshape, LibreCad, TurboCad, etc., are used to create digital files for custom 3D models with the exact shape, size, dimensions, and texture of the structure with detailed instructions about materials, substrate, and the printing procedure. Experience in CAD makes a career switch to 3D printing pretty easy.

3. 3D Printing in Construction

3D Printing in Construction. Person using 3D printing software to visualize building construction design on a desktop.

3D printing in construction is quickly gaining ground owing to low-cost and low-wastage manufacturing techniques. Whether it's a 3D-printed bridge, a 3D-printed house, or a 3D-printed office building, it's the future of construction 2.0 and uses the latest advancements in 3D printing technology.

If you have a background in mechanical engineering, construction engineering, and experience with building materials manufacture and design, you can apply to 3D printing roles in the construction industry and work for companies like Wasp, Alquist, Cobod, Icon, Apis Cor, etc.

4. 3D Printing in Architecture

3D Rendering in Architecture. Image of a house rendered using 3D software.

3D printing in architecture uses software like Graphisoft Archicad, Cedreo, Chief Architect, etc., and the best 3D printers to design, draft, and model building structures. Architects can visualize their designs, effectively communicate their ideas to the construction teams, and experiment with various materials for layered 3D printing.

3D Architectural Design Drafter, 3D Architectural Visualizer, 3D Architectural Artist, 3D Design Rendering, Virtual 3D Architecture, and so on are a few profiles you can explore.

5. 3D Printing in Medicine and Pharmacy

3D Printed Prosthetic Forearm and Hand in White

Additive manufacturing is quickly gaining ground in medical and dental sciences owing to advancements in printing biofunctional anatomical structures. 3D printing is also being deployed in clinical research to develop better surgical devices, drug delivery systems, and prosthetics. Polypills—3D printed pills with multiple medicines also open this field to pharmaceutical professionals.

Education in the life sciences, medicine, dentistry, or pharmacology and experience in the manufacturing field are the prerequisites to explore these career options. 3D Printing Technologist, 3D Printing Healthcare Specialist, Biomedical Engineer, 3D Lab Technician, etc., are standard profiles you can apply to.

A screenshot of a creative license attributed to the company CreativeTools

Although this profession is still in its nascent stages, drafting 3D printing laws, rulings on intellectual property rights for 3D designs and manufacturing processes and techniques, working on copyright laws for industrial manufacturing in 3D printing, licensing 3D software tools and designs, etc., require legal expertise and have dedicated people working on these issues.

Legal education and experience with copyright laws are necessary if you want to explore careers as a legal counselor, adviser, or litigator in the 3D printing sector.

3D Printing a New Career

3D printing is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, reducing wastage, and helping designers and artists visualize and execute their ideas in previously impossible ways.

If you have a keen eye for design, the right educational background, and the will to learn, exploring career options in 3D printing would be the way to go. Begin by understanding what is 3D printing and how it works.