Swati Suman is a Tech Evangelist, STEM facilitator and an EdTech Professional in 3D Printing, Robotics & AI. She is the founder & Director at EduIndustry Skills Pvt. Ltd, but also founded PETTSI.ORG,. She volunteers at Prayas, an NGO for the education of unprivileged.
Swati, could you let us know about your background and your journey to Additive Manufacturing?
I am a Mechanical Engineer with my post-graduation in Metallurgical & Materials Science Engineering. During my masters, I was into research of titanium alloys for aerospace applications. After learning various manufacturing techniques and their property evaluation, I was fascinated with the way 3D printers were being used for manufacturing and prototyping almost everything. Hence, 3D printing materials became one of my interests which includes titanium alloys for medical implants
What is PETTSI (Prayas Emerging Technologies Training & Seeding Initiative) and what is the story behind it?
PETTSI is a non-profit organization which works towards providing Certificate courses and training workshops in Emerging Technologies (Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Additive Manufacturing technologies) to the students of engineering colleges. These courses include Classroom Lecture Sessions, Practical Sessions, Hands-on Training, Group Discussion sessions, Projects and Seminars and interaction with industry professionals. Through this venture, we propose an additional agenda to the existing teaching curriculum which in turn will dramatically enhance the placement prospects of the students.
To date, what would you say is your greatest achievement in Additive Manufacturing?
I think Bio Printers have been one of the significant achievements we have.
Have you run into any challenges from being a woman 3D Printing?
Yes I have. Collaborations are tough. 3D printing is still stuck at prototyping level. People still believe that 3d printing techniques are expensive and time taking irrespective of their niche application in certain fields.
What makes the 3D printing industry particularly interesting for you?
The fact that the technology keeps on upgrading itself every year, be it the kind of new filaments or printers.
What is the most impressive or impactful use of 3D printing you’ve seen so far?
I am really impressed the way NASA is using 3d printers in space and they are planning to use the dust of planet Mars to build up infrastructures up there.
What do you consider game-changing technologies in Additive Manufacturing?
Bio-printing, undoubtedly is going to be a life saver among all the other technologies.
Where do you think the industry will move to in the next 10 years?
I believe it will take a step ahead from prototyping and will be more user friendly and will require less post-processing efforts.
What advice do you have for women looking to get started in 3D Printing?
There are lot of open sources for 3D Printing, I would suggest starting there.
In your opinion, how could we encourage more women to become involved with Additive Manufacturing?
I guess the encouragement remains the same for both genders. The immediate challenge newcomers face with 3D printing technology is distinguishing between the different processes and materials available.
Anything exciting coming up you’d like us to know about?
Planning to work on PCB printers with E-waste Management techniques.
Favorite 3D tool?
Grasshopper in rhino
Favorite moment in your day job?
Printing Toys for kids
What’s on your 3D Printing wishlist for the next 5 years?
Multiple filament materials, eyeware galsses, eco-friendly printers.
Another inspiring woman you’d like us to interview?
Shilpi Sen, India Co-Founder & CEO of Prayasta 3D Inventions Private Limited.
