Background 

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) commissioned the development of a South African Additive Manufacturing Strategy. The Collaborative Programme in Additive Manufacturing (CPAM) is a direct response to this strategy and consists of a network of universities and research organisations conducting research and development projects aligned with the focus areas defined in the strategy. 

Formally adopted by the DSI, the CPAM aims to increase the production readiness of additive manufacturing, leading to its adoption and utilisation as an accepted and viable manufacturing technology. 

Leading the way in scientific research 

The programme focuses on research, development and innovation (RD&I) support for additive manufacturing of metals and polymers. It specifically focuses on titanium printing of medical implants and aerospace components, industrial applications of polymer additive manufacturing and supports new programmes in design for additive manufacturing.  

Vision 

Driving manufacturing readiness of additive manufacturing through research, development and innovation. 

Mission 

To support industry in the adoption of this new manufacturing technology and develop the next generation of engineers that will utilise Additive Manufacturing in the private sector. 

CPAM technologies at a glance 

• CPAM serves as an RD&I network in the additive manufacturing space for industry. 
• The research conducted supports industry in adopting this new manufacturing technology. 
• Focus is on supporting postgraduate students in this field to cultivate the next generation of engineers who will apply additive manufacturing in the private sector. 

 
Publications

• Beautiful and Functional: A Review of 1 Biomimetic Design in Additive Manufacturing - Additive Manufacturing
• X-Ray Microcomputed Tomography in Additive Manufacturing: A Review of the Current Technology and Applications - 3D Printing and additive manufacturing 
• Mechanical Properties and In Situ Deformation Imaging of Microlattices Manufactured by Laser Based Powder Bed Fusion - Materials 
• Qualification of Ti6Al4V ELI Alloy Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion for Biomedical Applications - JOM 
• Microstructure & Material Properties of LENS Fabricated Ti6AL4V Components - R&D Journal of the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering 
• Laser Based Manufacturing of Ti6Al4V: A Comparison of LENS and Selective Laser Melting - Materials Science Forum 
• CFD Model of Laser Additive Manufacturing Process of Cylinders - South African Journal of Industrial Engineering 
• Residual Stress Modeling and Experimental Analyses of Ti6Al4V ELI Additively Manufactured by Laser Engineered Net Shaping - Procedia Manufacturing