Certifiable — Your 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Experience

So you thought you could take advantage of a growing interest in 3D printing by saying that you’re an expert in the new technology. Hell, how is anyone going to prove you’re not? Well, the US Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), America Makes and the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) are going to make you put your money where your mouth is. They’ve developed a new certification course and exam to validate the additive manufacturing skills of engineers and managers in the 3D printing industry.

American Makes, the SME and the MOE have put together a body of knowledge around modern 3D printing technology and their new certification program will offer a test and course surrounding that body of knowledge. For $379, you can take both the course and exam to prove your AM knowledge.  The course and test will cover an overview of 3D printing technology, AM inputs, secondary processes, AM technology and materials, AM design, AM business and economics and quality systems. The cashier at the local 3D printing store probably won’t be taking this test. In order to pass it, it’s likely that you’ve been in manufacturing for a while and already have knowledge of investment casting, sand casting, sheet metal manufacturing, CAD and more. If you feel unsure about your base understanding for the course, you can take the SME’s pretest here.

The test and course will be touring at a few different 3D printing and SME conferences coming up, like AMUG, MFG4 and RAPID 2014. Taking the course will ensure that you’re up to date on all of the recently developed technologies and materials, as well as refresh anything you may have forgotten. After passing the test, you’ll be able to back up your skills in the rapidly progressing AM industry with an Additive Manufacturing Certificate. For more details about the course and exam, visit the SME’s website. Good luck!

Source: metal powder report