Swati Suman is a dedicated professional with a passion for education, skill development, and social impact. With a strong background in learning experience design and training, she has made significant contributions as a co-founder of The Art of Making Foundation. This social enterprise aims to revamp trends in higher education and foster innovation through its various programs.
Swati’s expertise lies in leveraging industry 4.0 technologies and rapid prototyping to create engaging learning experiences. As an EdTech startup hustler, she has successfully built an e-learning platform offering courses in 3D designing and printing, empowering students and educators to enhance their skills in this emerging field. Her curriculum design prowess and instructional design expertise have been instrumental in developing captivating content, including videos, quizzes, and activities.
Swati, could you let us know briefly about your background and your journey into Additive Manufacturing?
Certainly! I have a diverse background with a strong focus on research and education. My journey into Additive Manufacturing (AM) began during my academic pursuits in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering at IIT Kharagpur, where I conducted extensive research on mechanical testing and materials characterization. It was during this time that I developed a keen interest in the field of AM and its potential to revolutionize manufacturing processes.
My journey took an entrepreneurial turn when I co-founded The Art of Making Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting skill development and education in emerging technologies, including 3D printing. As the COO of the foundation, I have been actively involved in creating an online platform for skill development, designing training programs, and fostering collaborations with industry partners and educational institutions.
Describe your “AHA” moment with additive manufacturing:
One of the most memorable “AHA” moments I had with Additive Manufacturing was when I had the opportunity to witness the transformative impact it had on an individual from a completely unrelated industry. This particular incident involved a young girl working in the restaurant industry. At first, she had no prior knowledge or exposure to the technology and was unsure of what to expect.
To demonstrate the practical applications of AM, I showcased how it could be used to create customized and personalized products, such as jewelry and accessories. The girl’s eyes lit up and she began exploring the various design software and tools we provided, experimenting with different shapes, sizes, and materials. Eventually, this girl transitioned from the restaurant industry to becoming an educator in the AM space.
This “AHA” moment exemplified the transformative power of AM. It showcased how this young girl, with no prior experience or background in technology, was captivated by the potential of AM and completely transformed her career path.
To date, what would you say is your greatest achievement in Additive Manufacturing?
To date, my greatest achievement in Additive Manufacturing is the establishment and successful growth of The Art of Making Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the field of AM. Through this initiative, we have made significant contributions to the industry and created a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
Through the training videos and resources we have created, we have empowered individuals to learn and harness the potential of AM in various sectors. Additionally, our collaboration with Women in 3D Printing and the management of 9 chapters in India has been a significant achievement. By actively engaging with this international community, we have fostered a supportive network, provided mentorship opportunities, and advocated for diversity and inclusion in the AM industry.
Do you have any (fun or not) stories about your career to share with us?
Certainly! One memorable experience from my career involves conducting an Army training workshop at Garhwal Rifles in Dehradun. The workshop aimed to introduce the soldiers to the applications and benefits of Additive Manufacturing in their training and operations.
We organized interactive sessions and hands-on demonstrations to showcase the capabilities of AM technology. I introduced them to the concept of 3D printing and its relevance in the military context. We discussed how AM can be used to rapidly prototype equipment, create customized tools and parts, and even develop intricate models for strategic planning and analysis.
To make the workshop engaging and practical, we designed a project specifically for the soldiers. We divided them into teams and provided them with a challenge: to design and 3D print a customized equipment accessory that could improve their operational effectiveness.
At the end of the workshop, the soldiers presented their 3D printed prototypes, showcasing their ingenuity and adaptability. The prototypes included custom equipment holders, tactical gear attachments, and even miniature terrain models for training simulations. The Garhwal Rifles commanders were impressed by the soldiers’ innovative solutions and recognized the potential of AM in enhancing their operational capabilities.
This workshop at Garhwal Rifles highlighted the transformative impact of Additive Manufacturing in the military sector. It was a rewarding experience to contribute to the soldiers’ training and witness firsthand how AM can empower them to be more self-sufficient and resourceful in their missions. It further solidified my commitment to promoting the adoption of AM in defense and security applications to support our brave servicemen and women.
When hiring, what are you looking for in a candidate?
When hiring, I value candidates who possess a strong urge to learn and grow. While specific skills and qualifications are important, I believe that a candidate’s willingness and enthusiasm to acquire new knowledge and adapt to evolving technologies and methodologies are crucial in a field like Additive Manufacturing.
What is the best advice you were given in your career?
The best advice I was given in my career is to embrace the mindset that it’s never too late to start doing new things and not wait for perfection.
By understanding that it’s never too late to explore new avenues, take risks, and learn new skills, I have been able to push myself beyond my comfort zone and achieve personal and professional growth.
Moreover, the advice to not wait for perfection has been transformative. Waiting for a perfect solution or waiting until everything is flawless can hinder progress and limit innovation. Instead, I have learned to embrace the concept of “fail fast, learn fast” and iterate on ideas, designs, and processes to continuously improve and optimize outcomes.
What is the most impressive or impactful use of 3D printing you’ve seen so far?
One of the most impressive and impactful uses of 3D printing I have seen so far is in the field of healthcare, particularly in the production of customized medical implants and prosthetics.
With 3D printing technology, it is now possible to create patient-specific implants and prosthetics that are tailored to the individual’s unique anatomy and needs. This has revolutionized the medical field by providing personalized solutions that offer better comfort, functionality, and outcomes for patients.
Have you run into any challenges from being a woman 3D Printing?
As a woman in the field of 3D printing, I have encountered various challenges like the underrepresentation of women in the field of 3D printing. Finding role models and mentors who could understand and relate to my experiences was not always easy. Maintaining a work-life balance has also been a challenge. The demands of a technology-driven field like 3D printing can be demanding, but I have learned to prioritize self-care and set boundaries to ensure that my personal life does not suffer. I have found strength in being resilient, adaptable, and resourceful, finding innovative ways to manage my time and responsibilities effectively.
My journey as a woman in 3D printing has taught me the importance of resilience, determination, and a strong support network.
In your experience, what are some actionable ways we can promote diversity more broadly?
By fostering a culture of education and awareness by organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions that address topics such as unconscious bias, diversity, and inclusion. This helps individuals understand the importance of diversity and provides them with tools to challenge their own biases.
Actively seeking diverse candidates during the recruitment process by utilizing a variety of channels, networks, and platforms that reach underrepresented communities.
Implementing mentorship and sponsorship programs that pair individuals from underrepresented groups with experienced professionals who can provide guidance, support, and advocacy. By promoting individuals from underrepresented groups into leadership roles, organizations send a powerful message that diversity is valued and that everyone has equal opportunities for growth and development. Engage in partnerships with organizations, institutions, and communities that promote diversity and inclusion. Collaborate on joint initiatives, share resources, and learn from each other’s experiences to create a broader impact.
Anything exciting coming up you’d like us to know about?
I am thrilled to share that we are in the early stages of organizing an in-person Women in 3D Printing Conference in Bengaluru next year. This conference aims to bring together women professionals, enthusiasts, and leaders in the 3D printing industry to network, collaborate, and share their experiences.
The conference will feature engaging keynote speakers, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and hands-on demonstrations, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest advancements, trends, and opportunities in the field of 3D printing. We are working towards curating a diverse and inclusive program that showcases the achievements and contributions of women in this dynamic industry.
We are dedicated to making this conference a memorable and impactful event, and we are excited to welcome individuals from various backgrounds and disciplines to join us in Bengaluru next year. Stay tuned for further updates as we finalize the details and announce the dates and registration information.
QUICKFIRE:
Favorite AM tool? Ultimaker Cura
Favorite moment in your day job? It’s the moment when an idea or design takes shape and becomes a tangible reality.
What’s on your 3D Printing wishlist for the next 5 years? Utilization of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to optimize printing parameters, automate design optimizations, and enhance overall printing performance.
Who inspires you? Animal activists who tirelessly advocate for the rights and well-being of animals inspire me.
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“Being a part of this incredible community has been an absolute game-changer for me. The support, encouragement, and knowledge-sharing among members have truly transformed my journey in 3D printing. The collaborative spirit and inclusivity of this community have given me the confidence to push boundaries, explore new possibilities, and grow both personally and professionally. This community is a testament to the power of unity and the unlimited potential of women in 3D printing. Together, we are unstoppable!” – Swati Suman
