VUT Technology Transfer and Innovation introduces 3D printing to VUT French South African Schneider Electric Education Centre (F’SASEC) Students
By Thomas Rasehloka 29 March 2022
F’SASEC students and Mr. Godfrey Nwanekah
On 17 March 2022, students studying at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT)’s French South African Schneider Electric Education Centre (F’SASEC) received basic training in Additive Manufacturing (3D printing). The training was offered by Mr Godfrey Nwanekah from the VUT’s Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) department.
3D printing is a technology that builds objects based on digital model files, using bondable materials such as powdered metal or plastic and printing them layer by layer.
This training was designed to give electrical engineering students an insight into 3D printing and teach them how 3D printing can assist an electrical engineer’s career.
As technology is ever evolving and the world has moved to the 5th Industrial revolution (5IR), Nwanekah strongly believes that this new method of product design can enhance students’ approach to designing and printing. Also, it is efficient and less time-consuming.
“The reason why electrical engineering students need to partake in this training is because I am confident that it will form part of their efficiency concerning their field of study,” he explained.
Mr Godfrey Nwanekah facilitating the training
Looking at the low employment challenges currently facing the country, Nwanekah’s goal is to inspire upcoming entrepreneurs through 3D printing. According to him, “with this method of printing, an individual can manufacture a part and sell it, depending on the individual’s creativity. 3D printing can also be viewed as another manner of starting up a business”, he added.
One of the FSASEC students who attended the training is Mr Kamogelo Ditlhokwe. When asked for comment he said: “The additive manufacturing basic training is important to us now, as we are all aware that technology all over the world has evolved so that we are reliant on machines. The new design method can also assist me in creating electrical equipment in the future.”
Through this training, students learnt that they could also create electrical components and equipment such as Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), antennae, capacitors and sensors.
Training will run throughout the year at the Vanderbijlpark campus to enable students to print their creative designs after the training.