Why are we still talking about the additive manufacturing (AM) skills gap? TCT sat down with John Hart (JH), Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Laboratory for Manufacturing and Productivity and Center for Additive and Digital Advanced Production Technologies (APT) at MIT, to talk about building an AM curriculum focused on application-based problem solving, and a new manufacturing initiative that closes the loop between academia and industry.
TCT: I’ve heard arguments from both sides about whether we should treat AM as its own specialism when it comes to skills and workforce development. What are your thoughts on that? Should we be singling AM out as its own specialism?
JH: Additive manufacturing, as we know, is one mode of making parts. It has its unique dimensions in terms of design freedom and process technologies and workflow. But it also can only be successful if it’s combined with other process technologies. In my experience, while additive invites many new entrants from different professional backgrounds and disciplines, often the best ideas come from folks who are trained in understanding established industries and conventional manufacturing processes.
