On one hand, Magalie Steinmetz worked for 10 years in a rail transport company as project leader.
During a few breaks in her professional activity, she met a 3D printing enthusiastic partner. As she likes the entrepreneurship and creative activities, she decided to set up a workshop.
On the other hand, Pascale Chabal, comes from computing field. She was giving computer courses when she began to have an interest in 3D printing. What was a passion, became her professional activity.
Then, the two women met and thanks to their various and technical experiences, they have founded a digital workshop, named A3D L’atelier numérique. Located north of Lyon (France), they offer many services regarding digital production such as trainings, the use of different 3D printers and laser cutting for prototyping and Architecture among other things.
Nora Toure: Could you let us know about your background and what brought you into 3D printing in the first place?
Magalie Steinmetz: After 10 years as project manager at Alstom Transport, I wanted to embark on entrepreneurship because I began to feel trapped by protocols and processes in this big company. I took advantage of my parental leave to focus on my interests and as I’m someone who like creativity and innovation, 3D printing appeared as obvious to me.
So I decided to create A3D with an Associate Professor of Mechanics’ friend. Next I meet Pascale and after 6 months working together on trainings, she joins the company and we open the workshop together.
Pascale Chabal: After 10 years in a big company, I made a professional retraining in 2013. I chosen to give computer courses and discovered 3D printing. I was hypnotized by 3D printer and I bought a machine to my hobby.
Three months later, I bought another one… and my meeting with Magalie convinces myself to found a digital workshop witch was specialized in 3d printing.
Read the rest at Women in 3D Printing
Elizabeth C. Engele (Lizzy) is a designer for social good, and a founder of MakerGirl.