Metal Casting Conference Exhibition

VUT models that were exhibited at the South African Metal Casting Conference

The Vaal University of Technology Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park exhibited at the South African Metal Casting Conference 2017 from the 14-17 March. The theme of the conference programme was World Cast in Africa – Innovate for Sustainability. The South African Institute of Foundrymen (SAIF) in partnership with the UJ Metal Casting Technology Station (MCTS) and the National Foundry Technology Network (NFTN) were the hosts of the conference.

Foundry men, industry suppliers, casting buyers and other stakeholders in the domestic metal casting industry benefitted from this prestigious international event. The event provided a unique forum to share the latest international and national technological developments driving competitive advantage in the foundry industry, as well as an invaluable opportunity to network with foundry experts.

Dr Malan Van Tonder: Additive Manufacturing Specialist, Mr David Mauchline: Design Specialist, Mr George Fumba: Lab Technician Assistant, Mr Steven Bond: Designer and Mr Moeketsi Montshitsi: Public Relations Coordinator attended on behalf of the precinct. As exhibitions allows companies to showcase the best qualities that they provide, the team did well with the Voxeljet binder jetting technology and the marketing of the precinct.

Since commissioning the Voxeljet, the VUT SGSTP has been offering support to the South African foundry industry. The technology allows the direct manufacturing of moulds, cores and patterns, which can be used in existing foundries to create metal parts with complex geometry.

The binder jetting technology allows the South African foundry industry to become more competitive, both locally and globally. The technology is particularly useful when developing new products, as lead times and costs can be significantly reduced compared to convention research and development processes.