Oman

Digital-based training programme for craftspeople conducted in Bahla

 
The Business Incubator Centre in the Wilayat of Bahla, at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, conducted a training programme on 3-D printing to the benefit of entrepreneurs and craftspeople.

The programme aimed to introduce modern technologies in the manufacture and development of handicraft products, introduce craftspeople to digital manufacturing techniques and digital pottery production. It also aimed at changing the participants’ mindset and training them to utilise digital technologies, 3-D design to create complex innovative designs using 3-D printers to convert digital models into prototypes.



The participants received training on 3-D design and printing using the Solid Works programme, a leading programme in the field to 3-D design and modelling. It provides an integrated solution for viewing engineering designs in a 3-D manner and is considered an ideal simulator that helps in creating a clearer vision of engineering designs. Solidworks programme is used for designing various models such as vases, cups, plates, etc and designing equivalent templates for them to be manufactured later.

The participants acquired numerous skills, most importantly learning about digital production techniques and stages of digital production in pottery, learning the basics of digital and 3-D design programmes as well as 2-D design in Solidworks. They realised a number of results through using Solidworks programmes in their crafts industries and acquired new skills such as speed and accuracy in production, and the use of modern technologies in designing products.