Additive manufacturing is no longer just an emerging technology, it has established itself as a key tool to transform the industry. In this context, training future professionals in 3D printing is not an option, rather a necessity. Technological training centers such as IMH Campus, located in Spain, are leading this change from classrooms and workshops. In this interview, we spoke with Ruben Odriozola, a professor of additive manufacturing at the IMH Campus, to learn firsthand how this technology is integrated into the training of technicians and engineers. Also, how teaching is in a sector that is advancing at great speed, and why 3D technologies have become an essential competence for the industrial profiles of the future.
3DN: Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Ruben Odriozola, professor and Head of the Additive Manufacturing Department of the IMH (Machine Tool Institute) of Elgoibar in Gipuzkoa. I have been a mechanical workshop teacher at the IMH since 2000, teaching conventional machining, CNC, automated systems, etc. But three years ago, I switched to additive manufacturing.
Photo Credits: Ruben Odriozola
This is my third course as an AM professor, teaching the subjects of modeling, laminating and 3D printing, post-processing and handling, repair and costs of additive manufacturing. In addition, I am responsible for the Advanced Manufacturing and Autonomous Robotics Nodes of the Tknika center and I am involved in two projects. One in Metal Additive Manufacturing with Tknika and another one called Additive vs. Machining in collaboration with other vocational training centers in the Basque Country.
3DN: How did you discover additive manufacturing?
10 years ago the IMH became part of the IKASLAB project, which promoted the first 3D printing classroom with five Tumaker FDM 3D printers, two scanners and computers. I was part of the project and discovered the world of 3D printing.
From there I was amazed with the power of the printing world, its capacity to print impossible geometries, the different materials, etc. After continuing with the project, we acquired machines from Makerbot, Ultimaker, Stratasys, JCR 1000, JCR 600, etc. And today, we have six technologies, three in polymers and three in metals.
3DN: What is your current role and what is your day-to-day life like?
As I mentioned, I am currently a professor in additive manufacturing at the IMH, which is a one-year higher vocational training specialization. In addition to teaching, I coordinate this specialization and manage the Additive Manufacturing Department of IMH (Machine Tool Institute). I also collaborate with the innovation center Tknika, as head of the Advanced Manufacturing and Autonomous Robotics Nodes. There, we develop a technology watch and foresight work in different strategic areas, and we share the results of it.
My day-to-day work combines teaching with project management. I am currently involved in two projects. The first one is in Metal Additive Manufacturing, where we are investigating the integration of simulation systems in DED (Direct Energy Deposition) technologies. The second one, Additive vs Machining, involves manufacturing parts with two different metallic technologies, LMD and SLM, with different materials (titanium and an aluminum alloy AlSi10Mg) and machining those parts comparing times, costs, etc.
3DN: Why do you think it is crucial to include additive manufacturing in the curricula of engineering and manufacturing programs?
It is clear that it is a leading technology and if we talk about advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing always appears at the top. In the case of the IMH, we have been teaching additive manufacturing courses for many years, but the qualitative leap was made three years ago with the Specialization in Additive Manufacturing Vocational Training. It was the first one at national level and the only one in the Basque Country. Anyone who went through the program went out to the working world with sufficient training, 270 hours of practice and an approved degree.
3D printed Polyformer (left) and 3D printed inserter (right) (photo credits: Ruben Odriozola).
3DN: How do you ensure that students are prepared to adapt to evolving 3D technologies?
In an additive manufacturing program, you have to offer comprehensive training. In ours, for example, we address all phases of the 3D printing process. We include AM technologies; structure design and topological optimization in manufacturing; modeling, lamination and 3D printing; 3D mesh scanning and repair; post-processing; and handling, repair and costs of additive manufacturing.
In each module, the topics are updated, so students learn about the evolution of these technologies. In addition, students have 270 hours of practical training in a company, in which they learn about and work with the technologies used by companies in the sector.
Moreover, we work with a variety of technologies, from FDM, SLA, MJF, LMD, SLM to Binder Jetting. And combined with hands-on practice with structured light and laser scanners, we make sure that students see, know and are prepared in different technologies.
3DN: In which sectors or industries do you see the greatest demand for professionals trained in additive manufacturing?
There are a lot of companies that are integrating additive manufacturing for end-use parts, for example dental implants or parts for third parties, such as with tooling, prototyping, etc. For that, we have metal additive manufacturing. Others work with HP MJF or SLS technology.
In general, companies working with metal are the ones who have adopted AM as a complementary technology in production. We also have research centers such as Tekniker, Tecnalia, Ideko, etc. that have 3D printers and research both in polymer and metal.
There are also companies that have adapted post-processing technologies for 3D printed parts, such as sandblasting, steaming, dyeing, etc. All these companies need operators who are familiar with 3D printers, in addition to knowing how to design and scan to create parts and prototypes valid for these technologies.
3DN: What advice would you give to a person who wants to become a professor of additive manufacturing?
The first thing would be to be curious about the world of 3D printing, passionate even. Of course, you have to master the technology and its applications, learn about the different processes of additive manufacturing, scanning and reverse engineering, know well the materials, post-processing and keep up to date with trends and developments in the industry.
Gain hands-on experience, using different 3D printers, scanning parts and designing parts with 3D design software. Participate in trade shows and conferences, consult with industry professionals, connect to webinars and forums on additive manufacturing. Also visiting specialized websites such as 3Dnatives, connecting to social networks, YouTube or specialized blogs. And above all, create practical projects so that students learn by doing.
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