Front Page News 2019

November 2019

Doosan Machine Tools exhibits product line-up ranging from 5-axis multitasking tools to large-size machine tools

During EMO 2019, Doosan Machine Tools placed particular emphasis on hands-on experiences that allowed visitors to experience the actual application of multitasking technologies and automation solutions that are currently attracting keen attention in the industry, and the enhanced operator convenience provided by the latest cutting-edge machine tools.
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Aerosud Aviation commissions state-of-the-art CMS Antares 5-axis CNC machining center

South Africa’s leading manufacturer of parts and assemblies for production lines of some of the world’s major aerospace manufacturers, as well as a supplier of aircraft interior systems, has recently commissioned a new state-of-the-art CMS Antares 5-axis CNC machining center. The machine will be used initially to machine complex carbon fibre components for the company’s aerospace customers.
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Qinisa Steel increases cutting and processing capacity with the purchase of two additional BLM CO2 tube lasers

Qinisa Steel Solutions (Pty) Ltd is a BEE Level 1 black-owned business based in Alrode, Gauteng that specialises in tube laser cutting, robotic welding and component manufacture. The move into tube laser cutting began in 2017 with the purchase of a new BLM LT Fiber tube laser from Italy, which is adept at cutting mild steel, aluminium and stainless steel tubes at high speeds and with great accuracy.
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Fight or flight? Raptor Rescue and the race against time for the Cape and White-backed Vulture

Laser sintered AM tracking device in the fight to save a species. With vulture populations in decline, Raptor Rescue director Ben Hoffman uses a tracking device to respond quickly to emergencies. Design of the component posed ergonomic, weight and durability challenges that only DfAM and laser sintering technology could solve.
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Bystronic South Africa inaugurates new showroom and offices

Bystronic South Africa, a subsidiary of Bystronic Laser AG, a Switzerland-based company that develops and sells systems for processing sheet metal, has celebrated the opening of its new showroom and offices facility in Spartan, Gauteng with over 150 clients, suppliers, staff and friends attending the opening function.
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Albrecht Präzision appoint Hi-Tech Machine Tools as their distributor

German precision chuck manufacturer Albrecht Präzision GmbH & Co. KG has announced a partnership with Hi-Tech Machine Tools as the new exclusive distributor for the sales and service of Albrecht Präzision products in South Africa. Family-owned Albrecht Präzision was established in Esslingen, Germany in 1908 as a small precision mechanics workshop, under the name of Josef Albrecht Bohrfutterfabrik.
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Job losses in the metal and engineering industry to continue

Numerous studies and articles have been published in recent years about the extent of job losses and high levels of unemployment in South Africa and the main reasons therefor. Many of these point to the fact that a major cause of these is unsustainably high wage levels, particularly for unskilled positions. Legislated high entry level wages in some sectors also prevent many companies from taking on young inexperienced workers.
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Extreme Machines appointed agents for Der Shin Metal Technology EDM wire

Extreme Machines have been appointed the agents for Taiwanese EDM wire manufacturer Der Shin Metal Technology. The company’s EDM wires, including brass EDM wire, coated EDM wire (DSZ type and DSH type) and other copper related wires are sold in more than 40 countries. All Der Shin Metal Technology’s wires are very suitable for wire cut EDM machines such as CHMER, Agie Charmilles, Sodick, Mitsubishi, Fanuc, Makino, Seibu, Accutex, Exetek and many others.
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Pfisterer changes name to Vexila

“In keeping with our strategy, we are pleased to confirm that the company has rebranded as a leading, independent South African, electrical technology enterprise. Our new brand represents our commitment to continue delivering exceptional service to our customers with the most sustainably innovative products at our disposal. We strive to be the standard setting and leading enterprise in the industry that we serve,” says newly appointed CEO, Gary Whalley.
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Robor Steel closes its doors

One of South Africa’s biggest steel pipe producers blames Eskom and cheap Chinese imports, among other factors. Tiso Blackstar said it would write off its R137.6 million investment in Robor. The 90-year-old Robor, once one of Southern Africa’s largest suppliers of steel, tube and pipe, has closed its doors resulting in the region of 900 employees looking for new positions.
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Duncan Macdonald to market pL Lehmann rotary tables and clamping systems

Duncan Macdonald Company Ltd, an importer of engineering tools and accessories for the metalworking industry, as well as a local manufacturer of Tapmatic cutting fluids and coolants, has added Swiss manufacturer pL Lehmann’s products to the list of international companies and products that they market in South Africa. pL Lehmann, based in Bärau, Switzerland, has been developing and producing CNC rotary tables for over 45 years.
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WD Hearn appointed agents for dimensional metrology solutions provider Mahr

Cape Town-headquartered WD Hearn Machine Tools have announced that they have been appointed the agents for Mahr, a worldwide operating, medium-sized family-run business whose name is traditionally connected with the terms dimensional metrology, quality and innovation. Even today, the family business is still owner-managed.
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EMO Hannover 2019 finishes on a positive note but are there nasty’s lurking in the background?

EMO Hannover 2019, the world’s leading metalworking trade show, which was themed ‘Smart technologies driving tomorrow’s production’ finished recently on a high note, but the the current state of the economy in Europe and the shifting trends in the automotive industry are making the machine tool OEMs jittery.
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Mazak declares EMO 2019 an ‘enormous success’

Yamazaki Mazak has returned from EMO 2019 buoyed by strong machine orders and record visitors to its stand. The company has reported a stand visitor increase of circa 5% in comparison to 2017 numbers during the five-day Hannover show, along with strong enquiries for the 27 machines and 15 different automation solutions exhibited.
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Cape Metal Pressings installs new 200 ton metal press

Cape Metal Pressings, based in Capricorn Business Park in Cape Town, has recently reaffirmed itself as a preferred component supplier to leading brands in the automotive industry including Gabriel. With a combined total of 130 years of experience in the tool making and metal pressings industries, Cape Metal Pressings is poised to chalk up any future market share the global automotive industry may send South Africa’s way.
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Metal Chip Machinery to host technology open house on 27 and 28 November 2019 to celebrate opening of new showroom

Metal Chip Machinery, a provider of precision electric CNC press brakes, welding, laser and plasma cutting machines will be hosting its Technology Open House on 27 and 28 November 2019, at the company’s newly-expanded facility in Wadeville, Gauteng. The event is highlighted by the grand opening of its new showroom.
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September 2019

Set new benchmarks with the Bystronic 12kW fiber laser

Higher speed and an expanded cutting spectrum. The ByStar Fiber from Bystronic is being enhanced with a 12kW laser and the new ‘BeamShaper’ function. In addition, a newly designed cutting head ensures consistent cutting quality up to a sheet thickness of 30mm. To compete for cutting jobs, sheet metal workers need to manufacture quickly, flexibly, and cost-effectively.
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Afrit introduces more advanced technology into their manufacturing processes

South Africa’s leading trailer and side tipper manufacturer Afrit, has recently introduced the latest equipment and processes available into their manufacturing facility in Rosslyn, north of Pretoria, that will see the company realise substantial efficiency improvements and cost savings in their already technologically advanced capabilities.
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TH Machine Tools appointed agents for Hurco

Hurco Europe Ltd have announced that they have appointed TH Machine Tools cc as their exclusive agents for sales and service of Hurco CNC machining centers and turning centers in South Africa from the 1st October 2019. TH Machine Tools (THMT) is a family-owned South African company established in 1999 by founder Theron Hugo. The company specialises in the sales and service of new and used CNC and manual machine tools.
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Somta Tools flies South African flag at EMO Hannover 2019

This year marks the 11th time that KwaZulu-Natal-based Somta Tools will participate at the international metalworking exhibition. Somta Tools will once again be flying the South African flag by exhibiting at the internationally renowned EMO exhibition, which is taking place from 16 to 21 September 2019 in Hannover, Germany.
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Africa Wire, Cable & Tube 2019 conference taking shape

The first major gathering designed to boost wire and cable trade and productivity across Africa. As international interest in African development continues to grow, the inaugural CRU Africa Wire, Cable & Tube Conference is perfectly timed to address the opportunities for companies looking to boost their business with clients and partners in the African wire and cable industries.
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Trumpf open dedicated showroom in South Africa

High-tech German family-owned company the Trumpf Group, with its head office in Ditzingen near Stuttgart and one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of machine tools has recently opened a dedicated showroom at the premises of its long-term South African representative Retecon Machine Tools.
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Akhani 3D commercial additive manufacturing service bureau launched by local experts

“Akhani 3D, a newly established venture between Rapid 3D and Kemtek, has been created to meet the rising demand from within the manufacturing sector for a turnkey AM (Additive manufacturing/3D printing) production service that translates ideas into objects as efficiently as possible,” said Akhani 3D Managing Director David Bullock.
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LRS helps two patients in Israel

A medical first in Israel: 3D printed ankle-bone implants allow two women to walk freely again. South African companies LRS Implants and Executive Engineering involved in design and manufacturing of implants. Two Israeli women who were told they’d never have full ankle movement again following accidents they each suffered are the first Israeli recipients of 3D printed ankle bones that will allow them to move freely.
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Leuze electronic appoints Technological Environmental Project Managers as their distributors

Switching and measuring sensors manufacturer Leuze electronic has appointed Technological Environmental Project Managers as their distributors in South Africa to market their range of optical sensor products that also include identification, image processing, data transmission/control and safety at work products.
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EMO Hannover 2019 organisers VDW give journalists an insight into what to expect at the show in September 2019 [WATCH]

Metalworking News takes part in EMO 2019 Press Preview. More than 80 international editors and journalists from over 30 countries were guests of the VDW (Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabrikenn – German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) at the EMO Hannover 2019 Preview held in Germany at the Hannover exhibition grounds on the 3rd and 4th July.
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Local suppliers get together to showcase their latest innovations and technology for metalworking in September 2019

Nine leading suppliers to the manufacturing and engineering industry, with an emphasis on metalworking, have joined forces to hold their first Manufacturing Innovators Showcase (MIS). The event will take place on Thursday, 5 September 2019 at the Stillam CNC Programming Solutions premises in Sunnyrock, Germiston.
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Mazak to celebrate its 100th anniversary at EMO Hannover 2019

In its centenary year, Yamazaki Mazak is heading to EMO 2019 with plans for its biggest ever stand, hosting the largest number of machines and automation solutions ever exhibited by the company. The international trade fair for the metalworking industry, EMO 2019 will see Mazak give seven machines their world debuts, along with two further European debuts.
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Organisers say wire 2020 and Tube 2020 will be even bigger

30 March to 3 April 2020 – Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre will turn into the global information and communication hotspot for the key players in the wire, cable and tube industries. In 2020 the trade fair heavyweights for these industries will again bring together some 2 600 exhibitors on a total net space of 115 000m² in 15 exhibition halls.
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Macsteel enables B2B e-commerce platform

Saying that it is a first for the steel sector, Macsteel has launched an e-commerce B2B platform to sell steel online, giving customers access to a sales and an enquiry environment all day, every day throughout the year. “Business is no longer constrained to the hours between 8am and 5pm, and we found that many of our customers handle their administration and place their orders after hours.
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FEIMEC 2020 – Brazil international machinery and equipment exhibition

New economic measures in Brazil promise to rejuvenate the economy and favour the Latin American market. The third edition of the machinery and industrial equipment trade show FEIMEC will have even more exhibition space than in previous years. Its official launch occurs within a time moment of positive expectations for the Brazilian market. The exhibition will take place in Sao Paulo from 5 to 9 May 2020 and will have 700 exhibitors.
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July 2019

TaeguTec launches new products

Korean cutting tool manufacturer TaeguTec has recently launched new products with promises that there will be new developments that will be launched at the upcoming EMO 2019 exhibition that takes place in Hannover, Germany in September 2019. First introduced two years ago the TaeguTec Chase2Mill series of end mill tools is being extended with the arrival of two additional insert designations.
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First Cut appointed agents for Garboli tube finishing machines and Comac tube and section profiling and bending machines

First Cut, one of South Africa’s leading distributors of capital equipment, cutting consumables and precision measuring tools for the metal, timber, textile, meat, DIY, paper and plastic industries has announced that they have been appointed as the South African representatives of Italian companies Garboli Srl and Comac Srl.
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OSG Corporation gives Somta Tools factory thumbs up with R60 million investment

OSG Corporation, regarded as a global leader in the manufacture of round cutting tools and a company that is listed on the Tokyo stock exchange, has given the thumbs up to its South African manufacturing operation by earmarking a further significant investment in the Somta Tools factory in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
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Inaugural Africa Wire, Cable & Tube Conference launched

To be held from 11 to 13 November 2019 at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg. The global supply chain for steel, copper and aluminium products is set to gather in Johannesburg for the inaugural Africa Wire, Cable & Tube Conference. Metallic wire, cable, tube and pipe products are crucial to industries that are key pillars of economic development across Africa such as mining, power supply and construction.
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RAPDASA 20th Annual International Conference

The Rapid Product Development Association of South Africa (RAPDASA) will hold its 20th Annual International Conference from 6 to 8 November 2019. The conference will be hosted by Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) and will be held at the Emoya Estate, Bloemfontein in the Free State province. 3D Printing has matured from a prototyping technology into a fully-fledged manufacturing technology.
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What comes after industry 4.0?

Artificial intelligence is the next big step for manufacturers, and it’s happening now. But the implementation of Industry 4.0 in a plant or factory is not an end-point or checklist exercise. Rather, it is an ever-evolving philosophy that will continue to incorporate new concepts and to branch out into different, unexpected directions. So what comes next?
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Could Mercedes C-Class US production be heading to South Africa?

In a move that speaks volumes about the evolution of Mercedes-Benz and US consumers, the luxury automaker is considering booting its best-selling sedan out of US production, say sources familiar with the situation, to make way for the vehicles Americans want most – light trucks, according to a report in Automotive News.
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United Grinding Group hosts grinding symposium

The United Grinding Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of precision machines for grinding, eroding, laser, measuring and combination machining held its celebrated Grinding Symposium in Thun, Switzerland over three days from 8 to 10 May 2019. This is only the fourth time in the group’s history that such a symposium has been held and it brought together over 1 500 international visitors.
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A look at EXPOMAFE 2019 – Brazil’s machine tool industry is fully embracing Industry 4.0

Metalworking News was privileged to be invited by ABIMAQ – The Brazilian Machine Tool Builders’ Association – to attend the second edition of the highly successful and largest Latin American trade show for the machine tool and industrial automation industries in Brazil – EXPOMAFE 2019. Brazil looks to grow revenue both locally and abroad.
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Yamazaki Mazak Corporation announces leadership transition


Manufacturing technology leader Yamazaki Mazak Corporation has announced that President Tomohisa Yamazaki will become the company’s chairman while Vice President Takashi Yamazaki has been named the new president. The transition, which will take effect June 24 and coincides with the company’s 100th anniversary, is the result of a long-planned leadership evolution designed to position the company for continued growth.

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May 2019

CoroBore BC from Sandvik Coromant is easier to order and less expensive than engineered tools

Latest boring cutters offer up to four operations in a single tool. Cutting tool and tooling system specialist Sandvik Coromant is introducing its CoroBore® BC (Boring Combination) range of solutions, which comprises Tailor Made tools for high-volume applications. Using CoroBore BC it is possible to perform different operations such as semi-finishing and chamfering with a single tool.
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Bystronic opens South African subsidiary

Looks to the future and expresses confidence in South Africa, while at the same time conveying the importance with which it regards the local market and customers. Bystronic Laser AG, a Switzerland-based company that develops and sells systems for processing sheet metal, has announced that it has opened a fully fledged subsidiary in South Africa.
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New Doosan vertical machining center cuts production time at Matthew And Son Engineering

Matthew And Son Engineering, a Sebenza Gauteng-based general engineering machine shop that specialises in CNC multi-axis machining and milling, has recently invested in a new Doosan DNM 750L II CNC vertical machining center that was supplied by Puma Machine Tools.
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Hypertherm seizes tens of thousands of dollars of fake product in China

Hypertherm is pursuing legal action against four manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit product in China. This action is the result of four separate raids, the arrest of five executives, and the seizure of tens of thousands of dollars of fake Hypertherm consumables. Hypertherm is concerned about the impact and safety risks of counterfeit product for its customers and their businesses.
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Optimising your tube cutting experience at Qinisa Steel Solutions

“It’s hard to imagine achieving optimal tube and pipe cutting, whether the finished parts are round, square or rectangular in shape, without lasers. Laser systems have revolutionised the process of tube cutting, especially when cutting complex shapes. This type of machine requires a significant initial investment, especially if your investment is in best of breed equipment,” says Grant Mackenzie, a Director at Qinisa Steel Solutions.
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Business rescue for AHRLAC?

Not so say developers Aerospace Development Corporation. In a statement issued on March 26, South African private-sector company Aerospace Development Corporation (ADC) clarified that it, and not the Paramount group, was the original equipment manufacturer, design authority and manufacturer of the AHRLAC aircraft. (AHRLAC is an acronym for Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft.)
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GOM acquired by Zeiss Group

Customers will benefit from combined industrial quality and research portfolio. Zeiss is expanding the industrial metrology and quality assurance portfolio of its Industrial Quality & Research segment by acquiring GOM, a leading provider of hardware and software for automated 3D coordinate measuring technology. Both Zeiss and GOM have enjoyed strong growth in the past years and proved successful on the market.
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Yaskawa opens new production facility in Slovenia

Following two years of construction, Japanese technology group Yaskawa has now opened its new robot production facility with the European robotics development centre at Kočevje/Slovenia. Yaskawa had already started European production of its Motoman robots at the end of 2018. The investment volume is about 25 million euros. The new plant supplements the existing production facilities in Japan and China and will satisfy about 80% of the European demand for Motoman robots.
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Hypertherm acquires Omax

Omax Corporation, a manufacturer of abrasive waterjet systems, and Hypertherm, a US-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, have announced the successful closing of a previously announced agreement to establish Omax as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hypertherm. The agreement, first announced on March 20, formally combines Omax’s direct drive pumps, software, and applications technologies with Hypertherm’s.
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TW Tube Laser and Processing increases service offerings

A dedicated beam processing line has been purchased. Ficep Orient CNC controlled beam drilling and cutting line introduced. When TW Tube Laser and Processing was established over four years ago, management did not realise that the demand for its specialised services would increase to the extent that it would have to invest in more equipment to cope with processing orders.
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March 2019

Mitsuibishi Wire EDM – an electrifying innovation

For decades wire cutting has been synonymous with the efficient, high-precision machining of electrically conductive materials. Machine manufacturers regularly introduce innovative refinements such as automatic wire threading and the tubular shaft motor. However, no less important for cost-effective eroding processes are suitable software solutions.
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Gueffroy and Hanwith-Horden join forces and launch Spectrum Machine Tools Africa

Company to focus on marketing the Durmazlar (Durma) range of forming equipment and Hyundai Wia CNC machining equipment. Two well-known personalities in the metalworking equipment sales environment in South Africa have teamed up to form a joint partnership company – Spectrum Machine Tools Africa.
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Big-time cutting adds new dimension to TWR Steel Service Centre

TWR Steel Service Centre has emerged as a metal cutting service centre that wants to offer more than the rest and where very few others dare to venture. With the addition of a new large format TTM Bystronic fiber laser with a 12.4 x 3.4 metre bed the company can now take on large and complex jobs that other service centres might not want to or, frankly, might not have thought of taking on.
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Rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing in orthopaedics

On 15 February 2019 approximately 50 delegates from various industries ranging from jewellery manufacturers to academics gathered at Zevenwacht Wine Estate’s conferencing facilities to experience the exciting world of rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing in orthopaedics.
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First Renishaw Equator™ 500 gauging system in Africa installed in Cape Town

When quality and efficiency are what you measure your business and personal growth by on a daily basis, then only the best will do. To achieve this goal Superexcel Precision Engineering CC, based in Blackheath, Cape Town purchased and installed the first Renishaw Equator™ 500 gauging system on the African continent in February 2019.
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New strategic shareholders invest in General Profiling for further growth

General Profiling has announced the successful introduction of two new shareholders into the General Profiling Group, effective 1 November 2018. Nedbank Private Equity (part of Nedbank Limited) and Heritage Capital have each acquired a strategic stake in General Profiling. The rest of the company is still owned by the existing management team.
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Local Manufacturing Exhibition 2019 to take place 21 to 23 May 2019

Organised by the South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC), in association with Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, and endorsed by the Premier of Gauteng the exhibition is scheduled to take place at the Expo Centre, Nasrec, Gauteng from 21 to 23 May 2019.
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EMO Hannover 2019 around the corner – start packing your bags

EMO Hannover 2019 which exhibits a whole new range of products ranging from that of turning machines, drilling machines, boring machines, milling machines, flexible manufacturing cells and systems, transfer machines, grinding machines, tool grinding machines, planning, shaping, slotting and broaching machines, gear cutting and finishing machines, sawing and cutting off machines, and screwing and threading machines.
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Trade Fair Tours and Castings SA tour to GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS and NEWCAST 2019

As focus begins to shift toward the most important international exhibition for the foundry industry – GIFA/NEWCAST/METEC/THERMPROCESS 2019 (GMTN) – that takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany, if you are involved in any way in the South African foundry industry you are encouraged to attend the world’s number one foundry exhibition and its accompanying conferences.
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Western Cape surgeons use 3D printing to plan and practice procedures

Doctors from Tygerberg Hospital’s Division of Orthopaedics along with those from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University have created a 3D printing laboratory and are now utilising 3D printing techniques to create models of patients’ anatomy as preparation for surgical procedures.
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January 2019

A virtual approach to CNC machine training – Ikusasa addressing skills shortage

Company launches CNC training centre to train employees in G-Code programming, CNC setting and CNC machine operating. Training centre includes a 10 and a 12- seater training room and a 3-axis CNC milling machine and a 2-axis CNC lathe that are located alongside the lecture rooms.
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First Cut appointed distribution partner for Messer Cutting Systems

First Cut has announced the addition of Messer Cutting Systems’ plasma, oxyfuel, and large-plate processing equipment to its metal fabrication equipment product lines. The machines are suitable for solutions for various sectors, such as automotive and vehicles, construction, custom cutting/steel service centers, energy, material handling, mechanical engineering, metal products and more.
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In memory of a true visionary – Professor Dimiter Marinov Dimitrov (1944 – 2018)

It was with great sadness that we learned about the passing of Professor Dimiter (Dimitri) Marinov Dimitrov on Thursday 8 November 2018 after a short illness. The timing of his passing was poignant as it happened during the RAPDASA 2018 Conference – an association and conference where he had a great influence.
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Atlantis Foundries casts its one-millionth Daimler HDEP engine block

Earlier this year, the Bosnian family conglomerate Hastor acquired the Saarbrücker Foundry Group Neue Halberg-Guss (NHG) through its Prevent Group. A further restructuring of Atlantis Foundries within the new group means that Atlantis Foundries is now 100% owned by a South African based investment company Ukuvela Holdings (Pty) Ltd.
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French Engineering Works celebrates 100-year milestone

French Engineering Works (FEW) is a manufacturer, exporter and importer of standard and premium quality high-speed steel cutting tools. Established as a manufacturer of rock drill spares in 1918 the family-owned company celebrates being a pioneering enterprise and serving the manufacturing industry, both here in South Africa and internationally.
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Autonomous factories are the future – EuroBLECH 2018

The 25th International Sheet Metal Working Technology Exhibition, EuroBLECH 2018 has always has been the industry’s technological forum for you to view the world’s sheet and plate machine manufacturers and software developers’ new products and innovations aimed at reducing the time between component development and final delivery.
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Accelerating technology through IoT connection at JIMTOF 2018

Having just visited EuroBLECH 2018 in Hannover, Germany where there was a big emphasis by exhibitors on digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and Industry 4.0, I did not expect anything less at JIMTOF 2018, especially as the theme for the exhibition was ‘Connected by technology for the future’.
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Battery Ventures acquires manufacturing and fabrication software company SigmaTEK Systems

Battery Ventures, a global, technology-focused investment firm, announced it has acquired software company SigmaTEK Systems, the maker of SigmaNEST, a “nesting” product with advanced CAD/CAM functionality that helps professional fabrication and manufacturing companies operate more efficiently on the shop floor.
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Impacting Airbus aircraft design

University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers from the Industrial Computational Fluid Dynamics (InCFD) Research Group have made their mark in the field of international aircraft design, specifically the Airbus A320. The group’s novel CFD software Elemental enabled Airbus to effect a design improvement to their A320 aircraft that won the research team the Best Innovations in Flight Physics award for 2017/18.
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Robotic system introduced to help fight cancer at Cape Town hospital

Called the da Vinci X, the robot is the first of its kind to be introduced not only to the South African operating sphere, but it is also the very first model in Africa. The da Vinci Surgical Systems are designed to help surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery. Patients benefit too from shorter hospital stays, minimised post-operative pain and reduced recovery time.
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Robor given the all clear to acquire Macsteel’s tube and pipe business but with conditions

The Competition Commission has recommended to the Competition Tribunal that it approve Robor’s proposed acquisition of Macsteel’s tubes and pipes business (MT&P), but with conditions. Robor intends to acquire Macsteel, in respect of its tubes and pipes business (MT&P). As a consideration for the acquisition of MT&P, Robor will issue controlling shares to Macsteel.
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