A USE FOR 3D PRINTING IN THE CORPORATE SECTOR

A USE FOR 3D PRINTING IN THE CORPORATE SECTOR

I’ve often wondered about the relevance of 3D printing in the corporate sector...

Share This Post

Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
Share on twitter
Share on email

A USE FOR 3D PRINTING IN THE CORPORATE SECTOR

I’ve often wondered about the relevance of 3D printing in the corporate sector because we rarely produce a thing. Our products – such as bank accounts and insurance policies – are essentially 1’s and 0’s floating in the ether.

Then I attended a webinar presented by Jon Soong from Makers Empire. This Australian startup is active in the K12 sector, helping teachers bring 3D printing into their classrooms.

With the right hardware, software and guidance, teachers and their students can visualise abstract concepts (Mathematics, Science), produce replica objects (History, Geography) and create original objects (Art).

As the following video demonstrates, the technology can also be applied to problem-based learning.I like what I see at St Stephen’s School, not only because of the pedagogical benefits that 3D printing affords, but also because it makes sense to familiarise our children with emerging technology.

This particular technology is already impacting manufacturing. A diverse range of products is currently being 3D printed, including clothes, jewellery, candy, teeth, prosthetics, tools, car parts, architectural models, furniture, toys and accessories.

I predict one day in the not-too-distant future, hospitals and medical device companies will dispense with their warehouses. Instead of stockpiling surgical equipment in big rooms – or worse, waiting for products on backorder – a hospital will be able to build the device it needs on-demand. No more need for storage and transport; just a licence to print the proprietary design.In the corporate environment, however, we don’t make widgets.

In this context, I suggest we turn to the students from St Stephen’s for inspiration. When the kids use 3D printing to solve a problem, a by-product of that activity is collaboration. Following their lead, we could split our colleagues into teams and task them with producing a 3D artefact; whether or not that artefact has practical application is irrelevant. What is relevant is how the team members work together to achieve the goal.

The technology is the vehicle with which a collaborative situation can be engineered, experienced, observed, and reflected upon.

And we can go further. Consider a methodology such as Human Centered Design. By baking HCD into the task, the team members can practise it in a low-stakes scenario – for example, creating an office mascot. If the artefact doesn’t gain the target audience’s approval, it’s relatively cheap to make the necessary modifications or even go back to the drawing board.

After the team members build up their experience with the methodology via this seemingly silly exercise, they can apply it to the organisation’s real products and services.

Written by our Guest Blogger, Ryan Tracey

Ryan Tracey is the E-Learning Manager at a well-known financial services organisation in Australia. He is a former Editorial Board Member for eLearn Magazine, and is currently a council member for the Australian Institute of Training & Development.

Ryan has worked in corporate e-learning for over a decade, following several years in the higher education market. He holds a Master’s degree in Learning Sciences and Technology from the University of Sydney, is a regular contributor to industry magazines, and has won a bunch of training awards.

_________________________________

(Visited 253 times, 1 visits today)

More To Explore

E-Learning

Why Humility is a Strength in Leadership

Great leadership isn’t about always having the right answers—it’s about building trust and earning respect. Humility is a powerful but often overlooked trait that strengthens relationships, encourages learning, and promotes teamwork. Humble leaders build credibility by valuing diverse perspectives, sharing credit, and owning their mistakes. By creating an environment where employees feel heard and empowered, they drive innovation and long-term success. Embracing humility doesn’t diminish authority; it enhances leadership effectiveness, making teams more engaged and organizations more resilient. In a world that values confidence, humility stands out as a true leadership superpower.

Develop and Retain Top Talent with Strategic L&D Initiatives
E-Learning

Develop and Retain Top Talent with Strategic L&D Initiatives

Attracting top talent is just the beginning — retaining and growing that talent takes strategy. This blog explores how a strong Learning and Development (L&D) approach can boost engagement, drive internal mobility, and build lasting loyalty. From cross-functional skill-building to leadership development, embedded learning, and meaningful recognition, the piece offers practical ways to turn L&D into a powerful tool for organizational growth. When development becomes part of the culture, people feel empowered to thrive — and your business reaps the rewards.

Overcoming_Common_Challenges_in_Digital_Learning_Implementation-Learnnovators1
E-Learning

Overcoming Common Challenges in Digital Learning Implementation

Implementing digital learning comes with its share of challenges, from employee resistance and lack of engagement to technical barriers and difficulties in measuring effectiveness. Overcoming these obstacles requires clear communication, interactive and gamified content, user-friendly platforms, and robust analytics. By proactively addressing these issues, organizations can create an engaging and accessible learning experience that drives real impact. Digital learning isn’t just about technology—it’s about fostering a culture of continuous growth and performance. This article explores common challenges and practical solutions to ensure a seamless transition to effective digital learning.

Strategies for Creating a Feedback-Driven Learning Environment - Learnnovators
E-Learning

Strategies for Creating a Feedback-Driven Learning Environment

A thriving workplace learning strategy hinges on continuous improvement, and at its core lies a culture of actionable feedback. Organizations that prioritize open communication, train leaders in effective feedback techniques, encourage peer-to-peer input, and leverage technology for real-time insights can create an environment where learning is dynamic and responsive. But feedback is only valuable when acted upon—closing the loop ensures trust and sustained engagement. By integrating these strategies, businesses can cultivate a feedback-driven learning culture that nurtures growth, innovation, and agility, ultimately empowering employees and strengthening organizational success.

Promoting Mental Health And Wellbeing - Learnnovators
E-Learning

Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing Through L&D Initiatives

Mental health is fundamental to a thriving workplace, yet it often gets overlooked in favor of business priorities. Learning and Development (L&D) can play a pivotal role in creating a supportive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to manage their mental wellbeing. By normalizing mental health conversations, equipping managers with empathy-driven leadership skills, and integrating wellbeing practices into everyday learning, organizations can create a culture of resilience. Prioritizing mental health through L&D initiatives not only enhances employee engagement and trust but also drives long-term organizational success by ensuring a healthier, more motivated workforce.

How to Create Inclusive Learning Programs for Diverse Teams_Learnnovators
E-Learning

How to Create Inclusive Learning Programs for Diverse Teams

Creating truly inclusive learning programs means designing opportunities that empower every team member, regardless of background, abilities, or learning preferences. By offering flexible content formats, ensuring accessibility, and representing diverse voices, organizations can make learning more engaging and equitable. Encouraging open dialogue strengthens collaboration and understanding, while continuous feedback helps refine and adapt programs to evolving needs. Inclusion isn’t just about meeting requirements—it’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported in their growth. This post explores key strategies to build learning experiences that drive meaningful impact across diverse teams.

REQUEST DEMO