South Africa 2007 Additive Fabrication (AF) Landscape

Additive manufacturing is continuing its development pattern in South Africa – both in terms of applications, as well as in terms of technology platforms available. Designers are pushing the boundaries and each year new exciting case studies are reported, with the SA industry reaping the benefits of having competitive products. Direct manufacturing is gaining popularity and acceptance.

The number of additive machines installed in the country continued to grow in 2007.

An estimated total of 23 new machines were installed during 2007, following 36 in 2006, 27 in 2005 and 12 in 2004.

The acceptance of 3D Printers seems to be good, as similar as in 2006, 92% of these machines were 3D Printers. Of the 23 machines installed in 2006, 21 were 3D printers.

An estimated 112 new and used systems were in operation in South Africa through the end of 2007. All indications are that these numbers will once more grow in 2008.

Figure 1 – Availability of AF technologies in SA since 2000. Top line represents all new and used systems installed in South Africa, while the bottom line represents 3D printers only.

Industry ownership of machines is continuing to outpace academic ownership, although an increase interest can be reported in academe, with a number orders already processed for 2008. The continuous drop in 3D printer prices is, together with the increase in part quality and ease of handling is contributing to a wide variety of industries entering additive fabrication. Another contributing factor is South Africa’s national R&D strategy, which attempts to draw SMMEs (small, medium, and micro enterprises) into the country’s Innovation Network.

The immense growth in available AF technologies in SA is also affecting the input side, namely CAD/CAM, where CAD vendors are reporting increased sales. In terms of software support for AF, specialized software such as Materialise’s Magics RP and MIMICS are gaining popularity as well, where last mentioned shows the increased focus on medical-related product development. Interesting figures are that a total number of 17 Magics RP licenses were sold in South Africa since 2000. Two Magics RP licenses were sold per year until 2007 when sales went up to 8 new licenses per year, and which is likely to continue. Eight MIMICS licenses were sold in South Africa since 2000, with annual growth in the number of licenses being used.

Figure 2 – Breakdown of AF technologies in South Africa per OEM.

To support industry and academia’s efforts, the South African national government has launched several initiatives to stimulate the use of additive fabrication technologies in manufacturing. Through the government’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy (AMTS), six FabLabs have been started across the country. In this way, South Africa is taking the lead in drawing individuals into principles of product development. FabLab reports show that kids are amongst the top visitors and most frequent users, and in this way the future of South Africa’s manufacturing industry is developed.

SA’s product development community still faces the challenge of providing world-class products to a diverse user community in quantities that cannot justify conventional processes. Rapid tooling and rapid manufacturing paradigms are therefore very applicable to South African industry. Continuous successes have been achieved in both areas. The direct sintering/melting of titanium for medical and aerospace applications offers further strategic opportunities.

Compiled by Deon de Beer:

© DJ de Beer - 2008