Get to Know the A3D Team: Laura McAfee-Ramirez
At A3D Manufacturing, our team is built on real-world experience and a passion for turning ideas into high-quality parts. Today we’re spotlighting Laura McAfee-Ramirez, Customer Success Manager. Laura’s career began with an unconventional leap into 3D printing as a technician with zero experience. Six years later, she now uses that hands-on expertise to guide customers from concept to successful production.
How Laura Got into Manufacturing Laura’s fiancé was already in 3D printing, which sparked her fascination with the technology. Through networking, she was offered a chance to try it hands-on. Despite limited industry knowledge, she jumped in and never looked back.
A Day in the Life at A3D Laura spends her days evaluating files for printability, educating customers new to 3D printing, and finding the best manufacturing solutions to bring their ideas to life. “A day in the life consists of evaluating files for printability, educating customers who don’t have any experience with 3D printing, and finding the best way to make a customer’s ideas a reality.”
How Laura Joined A3D Networking again played a key role. Through mutual connections, Laura was introduced to A3D and encouraged to join the team.
What Laura Is Working On These Days Laura focuses on creating quotes, discussing projects with customers, and following up after delivery to ensure satisfaction and gather feedback.
On the Resurgence of U.S. Manufacturing Laura believes bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. is valuable. “Having the skills and knowledge to manufacture your own goods is invaluable.” She emphasizes passing knowledge to younger generations as the key to long-term success.
Use of LLMs Laura’s use of large language models has grown substantially and continues to increase each day compared to two years ago.
Highlights from the Shop Floor and Beyond
Side Quests & Personal Projects Laura loves to crochet and is still in the early stages of learning. “It’s been so fun to create little projects and learn new stitches.”
Book Every Manufacturer Should Read The Engineer’s Black Book.
What Laura Is Reading Now Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara.
What Laura Wants to Learn Next CAD creation.
What Excites Laura About the Future “The continual evolution of 3D printing from new material offerings to new technologies hitting the market at a blinding pace. Also, how the world is beginning to use 3D printing for everything from everyday tasks, to hobby projects, to full scale manufacturing.”
The Manufacturing Challenge Laura Wants to Solve Turning a physical part into a perfect digital replica that can be printed—“One we hear A LOT is ‘can you put my physical part in a printer and have it spit out a replica?’ I’d love to be a part of the team to bring that to fruition.”
Most Absurd 3D Printing Failure In her early technician days, Laura worked with a finicky machine that had a massive 3ft x 4ft print bed. “Let’s just say it’s the largest plate of (3DP) spaghetti you have ever seen…”
Advice for People Considering a Manufacturing Career “Dive in! Manufacturing is utilized for absolutely everything; being a part of its growth and advancement is so satisfying.”
Rapid Fire Questions
- Favorite dad joke: “Why does a chicken coop have two doors? Because if it had four, it would be a chicken sedan!”
- What excites her most: The rapid pace of new materials and technologies in 3D printing.
About Laura McAfee-Ramirez Laura McAfee-Ramirez is a Customer Success Manager with A3D Manufacturing. She began her 3D printing career as a technician with zero experience and has since grown to love every aspect of the technology. With six years of hands-on knowledge, Laura now helps customers achieve their goals by turning digital dreams into physical parts. Outside of work, Laura enjoys crocheting, hiking, and spending time with family.
Stay tuned for more A3D team spotlights!
Ready to bring your ideas to life with expert support? Contact the A3D team today.
