PFLUGERVILLE, TX—Following a successful launch in Europe, EOS is expanding its Additive Minds Academy online training program to the American market. The new program consists of a series of learning paths, supported by EOS’ Additive Minds consulting team, offering effective and affordable additive manufacturing (AM) instruction suitable for varying skill levels. EOS is a leading supplier of industrial 3D printing technologies for metals and polymers.

“We identified education as one of the biggest barriers to AM adoption, and the Additive Minds Academy online offerings really help us scale our ability to close that gap,” says Gregory Hayes, senior vice president at EOS North America. “Additive manufacturing is a sophisticated, advanced manufacturing technique that requires understanding, practical experience, and the ability to ‘think AM.’ These learning programs will impart the critical knowledge required for success in additive manufacturing.”

The program offers individual learning modules as well as more extensive learning paths to prepare engineers, designers, and aspiring creators to effectively serve in various additive manufacturing roles—ranging from machine operator to application specialist to production manager. Additive Manufacturing Academy customers receive training for onboarding new employees, as well as for existing employees.

"When we piloted our Additive Minds Academy in Europe, we received such an overwhelming response, we could feel the pent-up demand almost immediately,” says Patrick Schrade, head of Additive Minds Academy at EOS. “We are seeing all walks take advantage of new learning paths: students, those seeking professional development, and entire organizations that understand the benefits of AM and are looking to accelerate their industrial 3D printing adoption.”

Additive Minds Academy’s offerings currently consist of more than 18 topic-based learning modules and three full courses, including AM Data Preparation Specialist Metal, which focuses on improving job prep and reducing failed build; AM Application Specialist Metal, which focuses on enhancing application development and reducing employee onboarding time; and AM Data Preparation Specialist Polymer, which focuses on reducing training time and reducing build job determination.

Courses are designed to fully equip learners with the skills they will need to succeed in additive manufacturing. Through a combination of educational videos and web-based training sessions led by EOS’ trained consulting team, paired with independent learning segments, students receive easy-to-apply learning based on real case studies. Participants are supervised throughout the course, receive one-on-one feedback, and are certified by the Additive Minds Academy upon completion of the program.

In 2016, EOS founded its Additive Minds applied engineering group to help organizations succeed leveraging industrial 3D printing. Additive Minds helps organizations develop strategies to effectively validate and scale their AM production and performance through application selection, business case analysis, design enhancement, quality management and more.