Skip to content
Overview
Ridgemonkey is a UK-based outdoor and fishing lifestyle brand, designing and supplying thousands of products across fishing, camping, cooking, luggage and apparel. With a strong focus on product innovation, the business relies on rapid iteration, ergonomic testing and clear communication across a small, specialist team.
Dan Golding, a Product Developer at Ridgemonkey, joined 3D 360’s Merseyside 3D Printing, 3D CAD and Industry 4.0 Skills Bootcamp to refresh his skills, explore how digital manufacturing had progressed and bring faster, more efficient prototyping in house.
Background
With a background in Industrial Design and nearly five years at Ridgemonkey, Dan was already experienced in CAD and product development. However, much of his knowledge was self-taught and external prototyping often required outsourcing, adding time and cost to development cycles.
“It was about ten years since university and I wanted to see how much it had changed. I wanted to keep myself up to date and make sure what I was practising at work was fresh.”
While Ridgemonkey had previously used third parties for 3D printing, the lack of internal control limited speed, experimentation and day-to-day design collaboration presented challenges.
Programme Delivery
Dan enrolled on 3D 360’s 3D Printing, 3D CAD & Industry 4.0 Skills Bootcamp after seeing the opportunity promoted online. Supported by his employer, the programme provided a blended learning experience covering:
- 3D printing technologies and materials
- Practical 3D CAD using Fusion 360
- Industry 4.0 principles
- Big data, cyber security and digital manufacturing workflows
- In-person practical sessions alongside online learning and assessments
The structured delivery helped formalise skills Dan had previously developed independently.
“I was self-taught in Fusion 360, so to actually go through it properly from scratch and learn the correct way of doing things, what I call 'CADetiquette', was really valuable.”
Outcomes & Impact
Following the Bootcamp, Ridgemonkey introduced regular in-house 3D printing as part of its product development process. The impact was immediate.
Faster prototyping and iteration
Design concepts that previously took weeks to outsource can now be modelled, printed and tested within the same day.
“We can have a development meeting, draw it up and have three different versions printed by the end of the day.”
Improved product refinement
Handles, internal components, jigs and fixtures are now rapidly adjusted based on physical testing rather than assumptions.
“You can just print it and have a go. You know straight away what works and what doesn’t.”
Better collaboration across teams
Physical prototypes have improved understanding among colleagues who do not work visually in CAD.
“You can show drawings all day, but once you put it in their hands everyone understands instantly.”
Increased efficiency and cost savings
By reducing reliance on overseas suppliers and external print services, development cycles are shorter and more responsive.
“Having control internally speeds everything up massively and saves time and cost.”
Industry 4.0 Knowledge Development
Beyond 3D printing and CAD, the Bootcamp expanded Dan’s understanding of wider Industry 4.0 concepts.
“Even the term Industry 4.0, I knew of it, but I couldn’t really explain it properly before. Now I understand what it means and where industry is heading.”
Topics such as big data and cyber security, while not previously central to his role, provided a more rounded understanding of modern manufacturing environments.
Future Developments
Dan continues to use 3D printing weekly for prototyping, ergonomic testing and jig creation. The success of the Bootcamp has also influenced attitudes towards training within the business.
Dan has already shared learning materials with colleagues and actively advocates for continued upskilling.
Looking to build practical 3D printing skills that deliver real impact and fast?
3D 360’s 3D Printing & Industry 4.0 Skills Bootcamps offer hands-on, industry-focused training that equips product developers like Dan, other professions and even beginners with the tools to solve problems, increase productivity, improve efficiency and drive innovation.
Places go quickly, so register your interest to secure a funded place(s) or request a call back to find out more.
Delivered in partnership with Liverpool Region Combined Authority across Merseyside.
Programmes also available in Cheshire and Lancashire
Objective
Refresh digital manufacturing skills, modernise and improve prototyping methodology and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
Solution
Participation in 3D 360’s Merseyside 3D Printing, 3D CAD and Industry 4.0 Skills Bootcamp, combining structured learning with hands-on practical delivery.
Outcome
Faster product development, improved collaboration, increased internal capability and a stronger understanding of modern manufacturing technologies.
“I’ve been singing its praises at work and beyond. The course was superb. The in-person days were especially important, actually building things and getting stuck in.”
“It was engaging, well delivered and genuinely useful. I’d recommend it without hesitation.”
