Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Implementation Intern
About The Business: PWL Price Western is seeking a digitally capable undergraduate student or recent graduate to support the adoption and implementation of a new professional 3D-printing capability. The project forms part of PWL Price Western’s wider digital-manufacturing journey and is intended to expand the company’s capabilities.
Overview: The intern will help PWL Price Western establish not only which machine to purchase, but also the processes, digital workflow, skills, documentation, quality controls and commercial model required to operate the technology effectively. The project should leave PWL Price Western with a usable and repeatable manufacturing capability rather than simply an installed item of equipment.
Desirable Skills: FDM, FFF, SLA, SLS or other additive-manufacturing technologies SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Autodesk Inventor, Creo or similar software; Design for additive manufacturing.
Job Description:
The principal aim is to assess, specify, support the procurement of and commission a new additive-manufacturing system that is appropriate for PWL Price Western’s commercial and operational requirements.
The Intern will support PWL Price Western to:
- Identify the most commercially valuable applications for additive manufacturing within the business.
- Translate those applications into a clear technical and operational requirements specification.
- Evaluate appropriate 3D-printing technologies, materials, software and suppliers.
- Develop an evidence-based recommendation and investment case.
- Assist with preparing the site and organisation for implementation.
- Support installation, configuration and acceptance testing of the selected system.
- Develop and test a digital workflow from CAD model through to completed component.
- Produce representative prototypes, manufacturing aids or small-batch components.
- Establish appropriate operating, safety, maintenance and quality procedures.
- Transfer knowledge to PWL Price Western employees so that the capability can be sustained after the internship.
- Identify future opportunities to generate revenue, reduce outsourcing, shorten lead times and improve customer service.
Desirable criteria
It would be advantageous for the applicant to have experience or knowledge of:
- FDM, FFF, SLA, SLS or other additive-manufacturing technologies
- slicing or build-preparation software
- SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Autodesk Inventor, Creo or similar software;
- design for additive manufacture
- engineering polymers, resins or composite materials
- jigs, fixtures and production tooling
- dimensional inspection
- manufacturing quality systems
- process mapping
- cost-benefit or return-on-investment analysis
- project risk management
- COSHH and workshop risk assessment
- digital file management and version control
- technical procurement
- working in a university laboratory, makerspace, Formula Student team or manufacturing business.
Personal competencies
The successful candidate will be:
- analytically minded
- practically oriented
- curious about new technology
- commercially aware
- methodical and attentive to detail
- comfortable solving unfamiliar problems
- able to work independently within agreed boundaries
- confident engaging with employees and suppliers
- capable of translating academic knowledge into practical action
- enthusiastic about helping a manufacturing SME adopt and embed digital technology.