Young scientists are using 3D printing technologies to enthuse the next generation of engineers at the National Science Festival, also known as Scifest, currently underway in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape.

Scifest is an annual science festival aimed at stimulating the public’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation. This year the theme of the festival is “Innovation 4.0”, which alludes to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which speaks to technological advancement and transformation.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) Rendani Nemagovhani, 22, and Khoro Malabi, 28, are showcasing some of the 3D printing technologies developed by the CSIR to encourage learners to pursue careers in science and technology.

The two young scientists are at the forefront of conducting research for the development of manufacturing and repair process for high value metallic engineering components used in the medical, automotive and aerospace industries using 3D printing platforms.

With 3D printing becoming one of the fastest growing laser-based technologies in the manufacturing industry, the CSIR is exhibiting sampled 3D metal components produced by the Optomec LENS (Laser Engineered Net Shaping) and Aeroswift platforms.

Also at display is a gas turbine, an aeroplane model, building model, and battery pack designed at the CSIR’s Advanced Manufacturing Centre to offer industry custom- designed solutions to unique challenges using the Technology for Specialised Operations (TSO).

Speaking at the festival, Nemagovhani stated that exposing learners to technologies could assist them in choosing the right careers at an early age.

He said that the festival provides an opportunity to engage with the youth about the importance of science and career choice at grass-roots level.

“The world is in need of world-class solutions that will contribute to the sustenance of not only scientific, but industrial research. 3D printing is becoming one of the fastest growing laser-based technologies that can be used in the manufacturing industry. This technology is manifested through a manufacturing process that deposits materials layer-by-layer to form a tangible product. Leading at the forefront of this 3D printing service for local industry is the CSIR,” he said.

Malabi also hopes to open the eyes and minds of learners to a world of science and technology.

“We want to show these youngsters the value of science and how it can be used to improve the quality of life. In this way, we hope to hook them to this field so that they can be part of people who bring solutions to the challenges we are facing as a nation. I will also highlight to them some of the career opportunities in the science and technology field,” said Malabi.

In addition to the exhibitions, the scientists will engage learners from IRhini township as part of the Scifest’s science outreach programme. They will sharemore information about the CSIR’s bursaries, as well as internship and studentship opportunities to the township learners.

The CSIR invites the media to visit its exhibition stand, situated at the Thomas Pringle Hall, 1820 Settler National Monument, Grahamstown, 6139 to get some technical insights into 3D printing and the TSO.

The festival will end on Tuesday, 13 March 2018.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

David Mandaha: CSIR Media Relations Manager
Tel: +2712 841 3654
Cell: +272 126 8910
Email: dmandaha@csir.co.za

About the CSIR:

The CSIR is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research, technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more info visit www.csir.co.za