CUT Annual Report 2013

Another highlight of 2013 is the relationship that was established
with Dr Cules van den Heever, a well-known prosthodontist
from the University of Pretoria. The significance of
this contact is that he is performing numerous implants on
the maxillo facial region, as well as external implants such as
ears and noses. He was seeking new manufacturing possibilities,
and has partnered with CRPM in developing these new
implants. Eight projects were completed during 2013, including
titanium implants and pre-operational planning models
and prototypes for ear-replacement surgery. A collaborative
project by Dr van den Heever and the CRPM resulted in
a medical first in South Africa when Ennica Makge, a young
woman from Gauteng who was born without a nose and nasal
passages, received extensive jaw and facial surgery and
a new nasal prosthesis. The CRPM played a vital role in the
reconstructive surgery, by using AM technology to construct
two models of Mahkge’s skull, so that the team of doctors
could perform pre-operative planning and comprehensively
simulate the operation.
The commercial value of the 557 projects completed at the
CRPM during 2013 was R3 799 172 (excluding VAT). The
number and value of the commercial work increased by 14%
relative to that of 2012.
The roll-out of the Sustainable Development Project (SD) continued unabatedly, with frequent interactions by the responsible
individuals within different operational units of the university. A special edition of the Interim concerning the roll-out of the SD
project has been submitted to Research and Innovation for publication.
The Medical Device Innovation Platform (MDIP) was established to ease the development of commercially viable medical
devices through collaborative efforts of participating universities and its students. The initiative is financed by the Medical
Research Council, and all projects are to be executed jointly by staff and postgraduate students of at least two participating
universities.
Value of commercial projects
R4000,000.00
R3500,000.00
R3000,000.00
R2500,000.00
R2000,000.00
R1500,000.00
R1000,000.00
2012
2013
3D printing at CUT more versatile than
ever with new innovative
technology.
The state-of-the-art Objet Connex 350
3D printing machine, which is described
as versatile tool of the new industrial revolution
allows printing multiple materials.
Pictured is Dr Kobus van der Walt, senior
researcher at CUT,
Prof. Michele Truscott, and
Mr Gerrie Booysen.
R500,000.00
R-
Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Total
The research team at the CRPM’s application to the NRF’s Research Infrastructure Support Programme (RISP) for a new
state-of-the-art Objet Connex 350 3-D printing machine was successful. The new machine adds to the CRPM’s line-up of
3-D printing technologies. The total cost of the machine was R1.938 million. Two-thirds of the cost was covered under the
RISP initiative of the NRF, and the remainder by the CRPM.
CUT ANNUAL REPORT | 78
At the Product Development Technology Station (PDTS),
technology demonstration projects were undertaken on a
regular basis to showcase and potentially transfer new technology
to industry. During the third quarter of the 2013/14
financial year, the PDTS met with 36 small and medium
enterprises (SMEs)/individuals. All the proposals that may
result in a development project will follow the sequence of
steps as laid down in the NPDP of the PDTS. As PDTS and
SAMTI are sharing equipment, the workshop layout was
changed in an attempt to create more space.
The FabLab is an initiative of the Department of Science
and Technology (DST), with the purpose of introducing students
to the value of engineering and manufacturing. Private
individuals may also make use of the facilities to test and
79 | CUT ANNUAL REPORT
develop their own innovative ideas. The Bloemfontein FabLab
is currently in its eighth year of operation since its official
opening on 23 October 2006, and is primarily sponsored
by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), with
a limited in-kind contribution from CUT. The FabLab had an
average of 203 monthly users, and a total of 2 440 users
from January to December 2013.
The Bloemfontein FabLab assisted two local artists in projects
that were selected as regional finalists for the 2013
Absa L’Atelier competition. Pauline Gutter – “Die huweliksaansoek”,
exhibited at the Oliewenhuis National Art Museum,
and was the winner of the 2013 Absa L’Atelier competition.
Mandi Bezuidenhout – “Blurred intimacy”, also exhibited
at the Oliewenhuis National Art Museum.