Ruba Hasan is the Founder of 3Dinova and currently works as a Design Manager alongside her other responsibilities of running 3Dinova. She is a passionate technology projects specialist with more than 11 years of experience in advanced design, fabrication, and production solutions across various industries. Ruba started her career in the Oil and Gas industry and then moved to the construction industry as a Structural and Design Engineer for 5 years. She is a mother of 2 kids and enjoys spending family time, working on a prototype, or watching TV during her spare time. Ruba graduated from the American University of Sharjah with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. She is serving as the Middle East & Africa Regional Director for Women in 3D Printing.
Ruba, could you let us know briefly about your background and your journey into Additive Manufacturing?
I am an engineering Graduate from the American University of Sharjah. Graduated in 2011. I started my journey as an FEA Engineer in an oil and gas company, and then I moved to a composites production company. In 2016 there was a huge boom in the news in the UAE about 3D printing; coming from a production background I found this technology to be fascinating! I have already great experience in design and production and decided to start teaching people about 3D printing. I had great support and everyone was very eager to learn, and that was when 3Dinova was born.
To date, what would you say is your greatest achievement in Additive Manufacturing?
I have become one of the most impactful women in this industry in the region. I have provided support during covid and helped produce 3D printed face shields.
Do you have any (fun or not) stories about your career to share with us?
I was once exhibiting, and a senior man approached me and said: could you create a 3D model of me so my kids won’t forget me? A photo they might lose but a sculpture I know they won’t.
When hiring, what are you looking for in a candidate?
I look for someone who is eager to try new things, experiment and learn!
What is the best advice you were given in your career?
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Only you will know what you can and can’t do.
What is the most impressive or impactful use of 3D printing you’ve seen so far?
That would be cold air intakes for automotive!
Have you run into any challenges from being a woman 3D Printing?
Absolutely, this is a very male-dominated industry. At first, customers don’t take make seriously when they see that I am a woman until I start talking and we start the work then things change!
In your experience, what are some actionable ways we can promote diversity more broadly?
Educate, educated, and more educate!
Anything exciting coming up you’d like us to know about?
An exciting UAE-wide Wi3DP event coming up! We are cooking up our first event for the ME region.
QUICKFIRE:
Favorite AM tool? The slicer
Favorite moment in your day job? Innovation and Creativity: Especially in industries that rely on innovation and unique applications, seeing a printed object that pushes the boundaries of what is possible with 3D printing can be a thrilling moment.
What’s on your 3D Printing wishlist for the next 5 years? Faster Printing Speeds: Improved print speeds would significantly reduce the time required for complex and large-scale prints, increasing overall efficiency and productivity.
Who inspires you? Women around the world who are pushing boundaries and breaking barriers in their respective fields, leaving an indelible mark on society. From technology to science, arts to social activism, women continue to challenge norms, overcome obstacles, and drive progress.
