AME-3D’s expert team

Working at the 3D Printing and Low Volume Production Powerhouse needs some specialist skills. Accuracy, speed, efficiency and technical know-how all play an important part.

But what does it really mean to be  one of AME-3D’s highly skilled Product Development Technicians?

To answer this question we’ve asked our production team to travel down memory lane and tell us how  they became  technicians at AME-3D.

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Name: Keith Hadfield

Time at AME:  24 years

Specialist  work subject:

Vacuum Casting

Q. How did you  become a Product Development  Technician?

A. I joined straight after university, where I’d studied design. I joined AME as a CAD specialist and soon got involved  in the workshop .

Vacuum Casting was and still remains one of the best options for prototypes. There are many factors that affect the quality of a vacuum cast part and I have learnt over the years how to get the best out of the part geometry, required material, and technology. I have cast parts similar in size to pen nibs through to car dashboards.

And as the company grew, so did the team and the client base. I became the Head of Prototypes and held this position for several years.

It’s a very physical job, which when I was younger and playing for Scunthorpe’s Rugby Team was one thing but as you get older, it’s good to take a step back.  Now we have Andy Hall heading up our work with the additive machines and Matt Schofield overseeing the work we do in casting. That’s why I can focus on ensuring that I use my experience to create the best possible tools for the casting team and to generate the optimum components for our customers.

Q. What changes in the industry or at the company are you most looking forward to?

A. I’m looking forward to  AME-3D’s future workshop plans. It’s all still very hush-hush, so you didn’t hear anything from me. But I can say that I’m looking forward to these changes and  to the next chapter in AME-3D’s  journey.

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Name: Lee Heath

Time at AME:  7 years

Specialist work subject:

Secondary operations (Product & part finishes)

Q. How did you  become a Product Development Technician?

A. After I finished my design degree, I worked at my local supermarket for awhile before a role at AME came up. I’ve always been interested in creating and making finished items.

When I joined the team, I was trained in all aspects of 3D printing and Low Volume Production. Which has come in handy since the role has evolved since I started and I’m now one of the team’s most versatile technicians.

My interest in creating has remained throughout my time at AME, and I’ve been able to take my product finish skills to a high-level. I’ve added tooling to my overall skills too, and have finished products from a wide variety of industries over the years.

Q. What advice would you give the next generation interested in  manufacturing and technician roles?

A. Experience is more valuable than education in this industry.

While education can open some doors, when it comes to tooling and working on high-level finishes, it’s best to learn by doing. Having an open mindset is important too, as  the only way to become an expert is by being willing to learn.

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If you’d like to know more about  Keith’s expertise in Vacuum Casting, why not explore our Vac Casting capability page?

And if you’d like to learn more about Lee’s skills in product finishes, why not download our handy Finishes Guide?

For one-to-one advice on how to utilise 3D printing for manufacturing or Low Volume Production at your  business, contact the team online today.