South Africa introduces Laser Tech for SMEs

Do you want to manage Laser Industry between EU and Africa?

Contact us here, mayado@sylodium.com for be our blogger managing the niche you choose: Tanzania – Berlin, Nigeria – London, Africa – EU, – Africa in HR.

www.EUAfrica.mobi

We are in HR and Laser Industry between EU and Africa,

if you are a good thinker, visionary, hard studious, you can become our blogger in the niche you choose so we (you and us) will win money together.

Tap our unique Crossing System.

New from itWeb

CSIR intros laser tech to SMEs

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has introduced laser-based technologies to over 30 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from across Gauteng.

The CSIR, which recently hosted an open day for the emerging businesses, believes these technologies can support SMEs' manufacturing operations.

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 the country's people.

According to Dr Luyolo Mabhali, CSIR research group leader of the laser-enabled manufacturing (LEM) group, the open day was hosted to introduce laser-based manufacturing technologies and processes as a viable advanced manufacturing solution to local manufacturers.

"Laser-based manufacturing allows designers and manufacturers with a new manufacturing technology to improve the competitiveness of product lines, as well as improve on turnaround times," he says.

Other than introducing SMEs to LEM technology and services, small companies were provided with an opportunity to identify which LEM technologies they might have an interest in and also had an opportunity to engage with CSIR researchers on some of their technical challenges that can be addressed with laser-based processing techniques.

Some of the small business owners who attended the open day said they found it informative.

"As a business owner in the jewellery industry, I was particularly interested in laser cutting and laser welding. I think these are laser technologies that can be of great use to my business. The platform was also brilliant in the sense that it provided us with the opportunity to network. I look forward to having a follow-up meeting with the CSIR and SEDA to further explore possible business opportunities," says Hennie Boshoff, owner of Bossau Finesse Jewellery.

Over the years, the CSIR has successfully developed laser-based manufacturing technologies that enabled industry to develop new products.

"We understand that the costs of using laser-based technologies are high for most SMEs. To bridge the gap, we are offering our capabilities, which include access by SMEs to our laser-based manufacturing equipment and expertise to support them in new process development ventures for their manufacturing processes," says Hardus Greyling, commercialisation manager at the CSIR National Laser Centre.

In the field of laser technology, the CSIR offers a number of technology solutions and services for SMMEs, such as laser welding, laser hardening, laser cladding and 3D laser cutting, as well as a mobile laser system for on-site processing applications.

"These diverse technology solutions have the ability to reduce costs, enhance performance, provide opportunities for innovative design and can extend the lifespan of equipment in the industrial market," adds Greyling.

The CSIR also renders technology assistance to companies in the automotive, aerospace, tooling and power-generation manufacturing industries.

With more than 1 800 researchers and an operating budget of about R2.4 billion, the CSIR is one of the biggest scientific research institutions on the continent.

The CSIR receives an annual grant from Parliament, through the Department of Science and Technology, which accounts for close to 40% of its total income.

The remainder of the CSIR's income is generated from research contracts with government departments at national, provincial and municipal levels, the private sector and research funding agencies in SA and abroad. Additional income is derived from royalties, licences and dividends from intellectual property management and commercial companies created by the CSIR.