3D printing has rapidly evolved from a niche technology into a powerful tool for prototyping and production. At PDM, engineers Bob and Brian are at the forefront of exploring its potential. In this interview, they share their experiences, insights, and vision for the future of 3D printing.
Introducing the Experts
Bob: “I’m Bob, senior engineer at PDM, where I’ve been working for almost two years. My interest in 3D printing started during my studies, back when printers used water and plaster. Since then, the technology has advanced tremendously. I’m passionate about it—I even have three printers at home.”
Brian: “I’m Brian, and I’ve been with PDM for five years. I’ve worked with 3D printing for over a decade. In the early days, the technology was rough, and so were the prints. I ran a Fabrication Laboratory at school for three years and spent six months in Sweden on a 3D printing internship. That experience led me to PDM’s competence team, where I focus on improving how we work.”
What Makes 3D Printing So Interesting?
Brian: “Many people see it as magic, but it’s really just another production technique with its own place in the market. Its strength lies in small-batch production—it’s fast, flexible, and effective. That makes it perfect for prototyping. In just a few days, you can create unique prototypes and immediately test which fits your project best.”
Bob: “3D printing produces parts from plastics, which I think is a fantastic material. In mechanical engineering, plastics are underutilized. For many designs, milling could be replaced with 3D printing. By producing parts ourselves, we reduce dependency on suppliers and shorten the supply chain. The process is flexible in two ways: you can create products in diverse shapes and quickly test multiple options.”
The Main Types of 3D Printers
FDM Printers: The most common technique, using a plastic filament deposited layer by layer. PDM primarily uses these.
Resin Printers: Employ UV-cured resin for extremely fine details.
SLS Printers: Build objects by fusing powder with a laser.
What Does This Mean for PDM?
Bob: “At PDM, we work with complex, expensive machines. Designing parts is costly, and it’s hard to hold something tangible before investing heavily. With 3D printing, we can quickly and cheaply produce prototypes, allowing us to test functionality before committing to large investments. It also speeds up production processes and gives us more control over quality.”
Brian: “For example, we’re working on connector plates that need to accommodate a gloved hand. That’s hard to judge on a computer. With 3D printing, we quickly produced test prints to check fit and usability.”
Comparing 3D Printing to Other Technologies
Bob: “AI is comparable in terms of speed and development, but 3D printing hasn’t yet had the same consumer impact.”
Brian: “The growth of 3D printing has been unprecedented. I don’t think it compares to other technologies—it’s a niche field with unique dynamics.”
Teamwork and Growth
Brian: “Our working group is still developing. The goal is to make 3D printing more accessible. There’s so much expertise at PDM, and we want to help colleagues build their skills. Our vision is to give everyone with basic experience access to 3D printing.”
Bob: “There are two challenges: first, understanding how the printer works so your model prints correctly. Second, adopting a new mindset—3D printing requires a different approach. That’s where many people have room to grow.”
Support from PDM
Brian: “At first, I was hesitant, but now I’ve taken on a more leading role. PDM offers plenty of room to grow. Personally, I advanced from junior to technical lead in just three years. That rapid growth motivates me, and I see the same potential for others.”
Bob: “The evolution of our workshop has been a game-changer. Before, few people could hold a tangible result in their hands. Now, thanks to the workshop, colleagues can see and feel the impact of their design choices.”
Learning from Colleagues
Bob: “Brian’s technical knowledge of 3D printing is incredible. I’ve learned so much from him and from the expertise of colleagues that surfaces in side projects.”
Brian: “PDM is full of hidden expertise. When you create space for colleagues to grow, their unique skills emerge. For example, Jorg brings rare expertise from past internships, and others like Michael and Tobias have deep knowledge in hardware and software for 3D printing. It’s inspiring to see how much talent is already here.”
Pride in the Project
Bob: “I was proud when we did 15 iterations for a client to perfect a single hook so the mechanism worked exactly as intended. That wouldn’t have been possible without 3D printing.”
Brian: “We’re not yet where we want to be with the working group, but we’ve already achieved a lot. We even had a student project to build a larger printer, and now there’s a follow-up assignment to continue that work. It’s exciting to see the progress.”
Conclusion
Bob and Brian’s journey highlights how 3D printing is reshaping engineering at PDM. From rapid prototyping to unlocking hidden expertise among colleagues, the technology is proving to be more than just a tool—it’s a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and growth.
