3D4ALL

3D4ALL is an educational initiative provided by Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, Turku University of Applied Sciences, the University of Oulu, and the University of Eastern Finland. The initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of companies to utilize additive manufacturing technologies in industrial applications. 3D printing is an emerging manufacturing technology that plays a significant role, particularly in the defence and energy industries. By strengthening expertise in additive manufacturing, SMEs can improve their ability to participate in, for example, defence industry supply chains.

The 3D4ALL training programme builds on existing degree education and established learning materials while piloting standardized training developed by the European Welding Federation (EWF). The programme also incorporates the results of a company-oriented needs assessment conducted within the Finnish Additive Manufacturing Ecosystem (FAME). The training consists of both theoretical instruction and practical exercises. The objective is to develop and pilot a national 3D printing training programme that complies with European standards. The open sharing of learning materials and joint plans for sustaining the activities through a continuous training model will increase the project’s impact beyond its immediate scope. In addition, the project’s guidance and counselling activities include coaching companies and identifying opportunities where 3D printing technologies can support and improve production processes.

The participating institutions provide a variety of 3D printing environments and software solutions for product design, modelling, and simulation. This enables 3D4ALL trainees to gain experience with a broader range of technologies than would be possible in a project delivered by a single provider.

3D4ALL will engage participants from at least six regions and facilitate cross-institutional learning opportunities. For example, a company from the Tampere Region may complete certain practical exercises in Ostrobothnia if the available facilities and technologies better meet its needs. Through its extensive geographical reach, diverse technology portfolio, and multidisciplinary implementation team, 3D4ALL is expected to reach at least 124 trainees.