Leading PBF manufacturer EOS is expanding its Additive Minds Academy online training program to the US market, following its successful launch in Europe.
Supported by EOS’ Additive Minds consulting team, the program is designed to offer effective and affordable industrial 3D printing education suited to a variety of skill levels, in order to open up access to additive manufacturing training to a broader audience.
“We identified education as one of the biggest barriers to AM adoption, and the Additive Minds Academy online offerings really help us scale our ability to close that gap,” said Gregory Hayes, Senior Vice President at EOS North America. “Additive manufacturing is a sophisticated, advanced manufacturing technique that requires understanding, practical experience, and the ability to ‘think AM’.
“These learning programs will impart the critical knowledge required for success in additive manufacturing.”
Promoting 3D printing education
In November last year, a study by the SAM (sector skills strategy in additive manufacturing) consortium highlighted a critical shortage in training around additive manufacturing processes which is subsequently leading to skills gaps in the sector. The 3D printing industry has long wrestled with issues surrounding employee skills gaps, representation, and long-term workforce development, and improved additive manufacturing education is a key pillar in addressing these challenges.
EOS has been actively involved in providing 3D printing training for some time, having launched student design challenges with the likes of the Texas Rocket Engineering Lab (TREL) at the University of Texas, and entering into joint venture partnerships to provide technical knowledge on topics such as Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), part screening and selection, topology optimization, and business case generation.
Most recently, EOS announced the launch of a new student scholarship program, EOS Affirms, to open up STEM education opportunities to minority groups and people of color, in order to expand the talent pool and drive greater diversity within the additive manufacturing sector.
Expanding the Additive Minds Academy training program
EOS founded its Additive Minds applied engineering group in 2016, with the aim of helping organizations succeed in leveraging and scaling their industrial 3D printing activities. The company’s Additive Minds experts are now lending their experience in consulting and technical training to support the Additive Minds Academy Program.
Following the launch of its Additive Minds online training program in Europe, EOS is now expanding access to the US market in order to reach a broader audience of engineers, designers, and aspiring creators looking to fill a variety of 3D printing roles.
The training program offers individual learning modules and extensive learning paths to prepare trainees for roles ranging from machine operators to application specialists and production managers. Additive Manufacturing Academy customers will also receive training for onboarding new employees, and further train their existing employees.
The training program currently consists of more than 18 topic-based learning modules and three full courses, the first of which is titled ‘AM Data Preparation Specialist Metal’ and focuses on improving job preparation and reducing failed builds. The second course, ‘AM Application Specialist Metal’, provides training on enhancing application development and reducing employee onboarding time, and the third, ‘AM Data Preparation Specialist Polymer’ focuses on reducing training time and build job determination.
The online program is delivered through educational videos, independent learning segments, and web-based training sessions led by EOS’ consulting team. Upon completion of the program, participants will be certified by the Additive Minds Academy.
“When we piloted our Additive Minds Academy in Europe, we received such an overwhelming response, we could feel the pent-up demand almost immediately,” said Patrick Schrade, head of Additive Minds Academy at EOS. “We are seeing all walks take advantage of new learning paths – students, those seeking professional development, and entire organizations that understand the benefits of AM and are looking to accelerate their industrial 3D printing adoption.”
Hayes added: “Through educational programs, like Additive Minds Academy, our team is consistently working to empower professionals to explore and fully realize the long-term benefits and vast potential AM provides.
“I encourage those seeking to understand and perfect AM to explore our learning paths and become the expert.”
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Featured image shows EOS is expanding its Additive Minds training program to the US. Photo via Tobias Hase / EOS
