VUT’S TECHNOLOGY STATION FOR MATERIALS AND PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES STRENGTHENS TIES WITH INDUSTRY
By: Selina Rapulane – 22 September 2023
Mr Robert Malatsi: Acting Operations Manager and Mr George Fumba: AM Team Leader, discussing with KSB Pumps clients
Nothing can take the place of an in-person visit – not only does it give the parties involved a chance to get better acquainted, but it also builds trust and credibility, which often takes time. On the 14 September, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT)’s Technology Station for Materials and Processing Technologies (TSMPT) had a meeting and a site visit with KSB Pumps, one of the world’s leading suppliers of pumps and valves and related services, to discuss how they can further strengthen their business collaboration.
This visit was a means to build rapport and trust for a long-lasting professional relationship, and to share ideas on how the two entities can solve current challenges faced by the local companies and collaborate with foundries to resolve their status quo. The KSB Pumps also had a chance to view the new infrastructure and the capabilities that the TSMPT machines has to offer.
Additionally, the visit was an opportunity for TSMPT to endorse and promote the rare skill of 3D Printing in South Africa and internationally. Notably, 3D Printing has evolved so much in trying to assist foundries as well as playing a major role in the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) by reducing manufacturing costs, printing complex molds and decreasing time in pattern making in the industry, and for TSMPT, mastering this skill is crucial, to keep their clients happy and bring in new business.
“It’s an honour to engage with the industry and show them where the station is heading. Our engagement centered around the importance of TSMPT at VUT and in South Africa as a whole, as well as the value it adds to the industry”, commented Mr George Fumba: Additive Manufacturing Team Leader. He further mentioned that “understanding the problems that the industry is facing and knowing that we have the capability to resolve them is something that we pride ourselves with as TSMPT, because it proves our worth”.
The TSMPT team believes that their clients are their biggest asset and maintaining good relationships with them is essential. The team vows to use every effort to attract and retain their clients to promote their brands and businesses, and ensure they reach a hundred percent client satisfaction.
TSMPT focuses on assisting students, small and medium size enterprises & manufacturers in attaining their maximum potential, enabling them to contribute to economic growth, job creation and skills development in South Africa. To achieve this, they provide solution-orientated expert and training services in composites and metals-based products through technology transfer.
TSMPT offers the following services:
- Industrial design
- Testing & analysis
- Product & process improvement
- Prototyping
- Training & technology demonstration