When Will AI Replace Maquettiste en métal et en plastique ?

AI's influence on Model Makers, Metal and Plastic, is unfolding in stages. By 2032, expect around 55% of tasks to be automated. This transformation is driven by 3D printing, CNC machining, and digital prototyping, technologies that now manage routine prototype fabrication, which previously consumed 50-60% of a traditional model maker's time.

The early wave of AI impact will see an increased reliance on advanced additive manufacturing, including metal 3D printing and high-resolution plastic printing. Automated CNC machining centers are also becoming more sophisticated, capable of handling complex designs with greater speed and precision.

The mid-wave of AI's impact will involve the full integration of digital design tools with automated production. This shift will allow for faster iteration and more complex prototypes, fundamentally changing the workflow for model makers. The focus will move from manual creation to system oversight and advanced problem-solving.

Entry-level model makers focused on routine pattern making and simple prototypes are most at risk. Automation is expected to displace 30-40% of these roles as machines can produce these outputs faster and at a lower cost. This necessitates a shift in skill development for new entrants.

Senior model makers with over 7 years of experience are better positioned. Their expertise in complex custom fabrication, precision hand finishing, material science troubleshooting, and hybrid digital-manual workflows allows them to extend viable careers to 2037 and beyond. These professionals will evolve into managing advanced manufacturing systems.

To thrive in this evolving landscape, model makers must embrace continuous learning and adaptation. Focus on developing expertise in managing advanced manufacturing systems, such as automated CNC machining centers and additive manufacturing technologies. This includes understanding material science and troubleshooting complex production issues.

Cultivate specialized skills that AI cannot easily replicate, such as complex custom fabrication, intricate hand finishing, and creative problem-solving. Hybrid workflows, combining digital design with high-precision manual skills, will also be invaluable. By evolving into specialized technicians and embracing advanced craftsmanship, careers can extend well into the future.