Interview: 3D Printing Keys Applied To Training
Marina Portabella believes that 3D printing has multiple applications in training careers such as architecture, medicine, or mathematics.
Q: Tell us how was the emergence of your project and how you apply it to training.
A: The project grew out of a course that I received about 3D printing; I was struck by the number of chances you have now and in the near future, so before the end of the course, I was circling the project. As I give training, I saw another possible outputs: Providing courses and telling everything related to 3D.
Q: So what is a 3D printer exactly?
A: A printer that creates 3-dimensional objects, rather than being flat as seen in the printers we have at home. Let’s say it draws all faces of the object including its height. Once you know its operation, it is very simple.
3D printer
Q: What applications does it have? What is something printed in 3D?
A: Applications... everything you can think of can be printed: We think about sectors as design, architecture, engineering, automotive, fashion, medicine, dentistry, etc. Home appliances, parts that are no longer found, broken objects... A 3D object can be a decorative or functional piece. In medicine, for example, they scan the patient to practice before an operation; The same printer is supplied with printed pieces.
Q: How do you think this 3D printing can be applied to training? In a training process, in school, in college, in a training center, in a business school, how would you use this to apply it to training?
A: Inside the printing field, training is a very important part: If you do not know what it is or how a printer works, you are not going to be able to use it. Where this training applies?
In schools: It is easier to teach a child with an object than with a drawing on paper. For example, in English, it is easier to learn vocabulary viewing some parts, in math, the formulas... In the end, they are three-dimensional objects.
In college, students also should know printers, as they help them both in their work and in their studies.
In training centers, as well as they are providing training on certain materials, printing also has a place. Stores that sell printers also have to get to know the product.
Q: If someone wants to pursue this professionally, what do you really need to know?
A: You should start with a course, have a printer to practice and practice.
3D object
Q: What projects have you come from? What request did you have from companies that need this for their training within the company, or business schools or universities that have told you "Hey, we need you to teach us or that you use this with our students"?
A: The type of project is very varied: People who come to print, companies that request us any parts, printers rental for events, printers selling for a training center, several tidbits by now. At universities we are doing presentations to let them know about us.
Q: What future do you see to 3D printing? In Spain, in the Spanish situation, what use is being given?
A: 3D printing is little known in Spain, although in some TV programs they are giving some reports. Future? This is starting; Until the usefulness of the machines get to be seen, it won’t be implemented. The good news is that when you count the multiple applications of a printer, is when people start thinking about what they can do with it.
3D objects
Q: Any recommendations for people who are interested in this sector?
A: The first thing is to have a good base through training: We offer introductory workshops to printing, to know the machine, its possible faults and how to fix them, some program design, etc. These courses are hold throughout the year.
Q: What does it cost for someone starting from scratch?
A: The workshops are affordable for anyone, we meliorate the courses for workers and printers are well priced; we do a promotion every month.
Q: Are you planning to provide online training to reach all countries?
A: Yes, yes, we have some courses placed on the platform indeed, so anyone from anywhere can approach it and it is also subsidized.
