Olena Belkins

As a Dental Technology graduate, I mastered conventional methods of manufacturing dental devices. When I realised how far Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technology had been implemented in my profession, I decided to learn how to use digital tools in order to future-proof my career.

I feel fortunate to have been in the very first cohort of the MSc Industrial Digitalisation course. I believe it helped me to further explore my creative potential and passion for sciences, as well as enabling me to become more conversant with the advancements in additive manufacturing.

I enjoyed a new feeling of instant creativity while practising Fusion 360 software and using the range of state of the art facilities at PrintCity. Before commencing the course, I never had the opportunity to use such up-to-date technology and I built my confidence step-by-step.

I found the course extremely informative and inspiring, although some aspects were challenging. I was helped to cope with more daunting parts by the exceptionally supporting and encouraging staff from PrintCity. In addition, it was a pleasure to exchange ideas with other students from many different backgrounds, who approached tasks from difference perspectives.

There were a variety of guest speakers from different manufacturing backgrounds, who shared invaluable insights into how they have implemented Industry technologies into their organisations.

I also had the opportunity to visit complex technical organisation, such as the Autodesk Technology Centre in Birmingham and Byrnes Dental Laboratory in Oxfordshire. At both, I was very impressed by the disruptive power and futuristic approach to manufacturing things quickly and economically with a minimal impact on the environment.

My short-term ambition was to become a proficient user of specialised dental software and obtain employment in a state of the art laboratory. I believe this course enabled me to make a solid contribution to the more extensive implementation of additive manufacturing into the dental restoration field.