Science Park exhibits at annual prototype conference
Science Park exhibits at annual prototype conference
Mr Conrad Beukes: Simulation Engineer, presented on Minimum mould thickness design specifications for printed sand moulds
Selina Rapulane
The VUT Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park once again participated in South Africa’s largest rapid prototyping conference, organised by the Rapid Product Development Association of South Africa (RAPDASA) showing off their amazing machinery and how equipped they are for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The 19th annual RAPDASA Conference was jointly hosted by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Resolution Circle and was held from 7-9 November 2018 at Protea Hotel Parktonian in Johannesburg.
The theme for the conference was: Additive Manufacturing as a key driver of the 4th industrial revolution.
Prof Thorsten Becker, Mr Gideon Potgieter and Prof Didier Nyembwe, all from the RAPDASA Management Committee, took turns opening the various days of the conference.
The conference was attended by a range of interested parties such as entrepreneurs, inventors, engineers, product designers, toolmakers, production staff, technical directors and managers from industry involved in design, development and manufacturing of products and components. Participants from international product development communities, academia, national R&D and educational institutions were also among the delegates.
The conference consisted of plenary and industry sessions and technical presentations. The topics covered were both interesting and engaging, whereby every speaker took to the podium to showcase their work and what they are planning for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Most topics covered their point of view regarding the future of Additive Manufacturing and insight into the AM landscape.
Four members from the VUT Science Park presented on different topics:
Ms Khathutshelo Nemavhola: Casting and Simulation Intern, presented on the New Foundry Generation Forum; Mr Francois du Rand: Technician, presented on Review of an Active Re-Coater Monitoring System for Powder Bed Fusion Systems; Mr Conrad Beukes: Simulation Engineer, presented on Minimum mould thickness design specifications for printed sand moulds; and Mr Jacobus le Grange: Centre of Footwear Entrepreneurship (COFE) Manager presented on Determining the effect of Three-Dimensional Printing Orientation on the bending strength of sand moulds and cores when using a Voxeljet Additive Manufacturing Machine.
Mr Heinrich van der Merwe: Operations Manager at the Science Park presented on Empirical verification of the pricing algorithm for laser sintering additive manufacturing, under the theme Additive Manufacturing Business Development.
Two of their specialists, Mr David Mauchline and Dr Malan van Tonder each chaired a session during the conference.
At the exhibition site, Mr Zacharia Moalahi: HOD Idea 2 Product Lab and Ms Welile Nyembe: HOD Additive Manufacturing showcased 3D-printed models from their departments.
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is encouraging the integration of intelligent production systems and advanced information technologies. Additive manufacturing (AM) is an essential ingredient in this new movement. In this regard, staff at VUT Science Park is always equipping itself with the latest trends and technologies to stay up-market. Through conferences, science shows and exhibitions, they get to know what happens in the world of additive manufacturing,” said Ms Nyembe.
The exhibition was open to the public.
