Home Industry South Africa Launches Additive Manufacturing Strategy

South Africa Launches Additive Manufacturing Strategy

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the South African government has launched a 3D printing strategy, which is part of their aim to create new manufacturing industries.

By identifying future market opportunities based on additive manufacturing technology, the DST wants to make South Africa competitive on the global market.

Garth Williams, director of the department, explained that 3D printing can be used in the industry for applications including prototyping, product development and manufacturing. He continues: “It is also a digital technology alongside other fourth industrial revolution technologies such as big data, the industrial Internet of things, cyber security, autonomous and collaborative robots, and augmented reality.”

The government started investing in the technology in the early 1990s and has spent around ZAR 358 million (EUR 22 million) for research and development in the last two years. Additionally, the DST will commit ZAR 30.7 million (EUR 2 million) towards a collaborative research and development programme.

“This programme focuses on R&D and innovation support in AM of titanium medical implants and aerospace components and polymer AM in design,” the DST states. “It also seeks to increase the adoption of AM as an accepted and viable manufacturing technology. This investment has imbued SA with specific world-class capabilities, positioning the country to participate in sub-sectors with high growth potential in AM, such as aerospace applications and medical and dental devices and implants.”


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