Feb 7, 2017 | By Tess
Imaging and electronics company Ricoh USA, Inc. and global safety science company UL have teamed up to offer an additive manufacturing training program to their respective clients. Together, the companies say they will promote the advancement of additive manufacturing technologies by combining UL’s additive manufacturing training and Ricoh’s services and training expertise.
The 3D printing training program will integrate UL’s three-tier training system, which covers everything from introductory industry topics, to advanced design, to technical, hands-on learning. As part of the collaboration, UL will equip Ricoh experts with the tools necessary to pass on this training. In other words, UL will offer its “train-the-trainer” program to Ricoh 3D printing specialists who will then give 3D printing training classes to UL and Ricoh clients.
According to both companies, Ricoh will first begin by offering the first two tiers of the training program, which are “foundational level learning” and “more complex design, material, process, business and quality and safety courses.”
"Ricoh and UL are working to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing through our shared manufacturing and innovation services,” said Simin Zhou, UL Vice President of UL Digital Manufacturing. “By leveraging Ricoh's extensive expertise in services and training, along with its significant infrastructure of manufacturing centers, we can drive AM knowledge into the manufacturing sector faster and more consistently.”
The AM training program will first be introduced at Ricoh’s U.S. training locations and, if successful, will be scaled up and offered elsewhere in the Americas. Ricoh and UL will launch the new training program next month in Lawrenceville, Georgia, not far from Atlanta. Others, including Ricoh’s location in Irvine, California, will follow.
Glen Mandernacht, Senior Vice President, Service Advantage, Ricoh USA, Inc., said of the collaboration: “Ricoh is a key supplier to the AM industry and has a rich history of service and manufacturing innovation…We’re committed to helping organizations transform by leveraging Ricoh's capabilities to innovate their business. Our relationship with UL is a direct outcome of this commitment.”
Ricoh USA, Inc., part of Tokyo-based Ricoh Company, Ltd., has been a mainstay within the office electronics industry for decades. And while it may still best be known for its copiers, paper printers, and projectors, it has, in recent years, made a significant foray into the 3D printer market. Recently, for instance, Ricoh launched its AM S5500P 3D printer in Europe, as well as unveiled a new metal 3D printer with resin binder sintering capabilities.
Founded in 1894, UL has long been established as a leader in safety consulting and certification. Operating in over 100 countries worldwide, UL’s safety testing processes, validations, and certifications are trusted and reliable. In the realm of 3D printing technologies, UL has been active in terms of researching the safety of metal 3D printing, 3D printer emissions, and more.
UL and Ricoh USA, Inc.’s collaborative AM training program is now open for registration.
Posted in 3D Printing Service
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