Dr Sibusiso Sibisi CEO of CSIR
Dr Paul Potgieter, Group Managing Director of Aerosud Holdings
Dr Rachel Chikwamba, Stakeholder Relationships Executive, CSIR
Dr Hoffie Maree, Group Executive: Operations, CSIR
Dr Cingo, National Laser Centre Manager
Colleagues from the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Science and Technology (DST); and
Distinguished guests
Thank you for inviting me to preside over this inauguration function here this morning.
The speed at which technology is developing in the world is mind-boggling to say the least, and we in South Africa are certainly no slouches either. In fact, in several areas we are now setting the pace, thanks to dedicated and highly skilled organisations such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Aerosud. For the Departments of Science and Technology (DST) and the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI), it is an on-going adventure to partner these and other organisations in the heady pursuit of innovation.
The Socio-Economic Partnership Programme, one of five being undertaken by my department, is by its very nature, I suppose, the programme that produces the most exhilarating changes and developments. But these advances in technology and breakthroughs in innovation are seldom so-called “Eureka” moments. They are the result of years of planning and dedicated research, driven by the belief that progress will be made, and that with perseverance breakthroughs will come.
I can tell you that my expectations of this visit, high at the outset, have already been surpassed. Before arriving here at the Centurion Aerospace Village, we were very kindly hosted by the CSIR’s National Laser Centre (NLC). The NLC presentation, with the Aeroswift project overview done jointly with the CSIR, and the viewing of the new 5 Kilowatt Laser and the newly acquired LENS facility have reinforced my belief that the scientists and technologists at these two organisations are doing some remarkable work.
That is why my department will continue to support projects like the Additive Manufacturing venture, as part of our Titanium Industrial Development Programme. We were delighted to have been part of the launch of the Titanium Additive Manufacturing Project or “Aeroswift” as it is known.
What I saw and heard during my walk-through and project viewing has strengthened my resolve to continue to work closely with our colleagues and partners at the NLC and the CSIR, as they proceed along their journey of discovery, enterprise and innovation.
I am truly honoured to be addressing you on such an important occasion: the inauguration of Phase 2 of the Aerosud Innovation Centre. The significance of this day cannot be exaggerated – the Centre has been at the forefront of aerospace manufacturing research and innovation since the launch of Phase 1 in 2007, providing for the development of capabilities and skills to support South Africa's growing position in the international aerospace industry.
We are greatly encouraged by the commendable progress that has been made since the establishment of this Centre. It has developed and commercialised a number of technologies within the aerospace sector, proudly partnered by the DST and the DTI. Another notable initiative is the centre's involvement with the Technology Leadership Programme, giving students, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, a chance to gain knowledge and exposure to the aerospace industry.
In the phase we are launching today, ladies and gentlemen, the main focus will be on enhancing the competitiveness and capabilities of the local aerospace industry, in particular in the areas of design and advanced manufacturing of aero-mechanical structures and components.
This, we believe, will produce a number of positive results, in expanding the integration of local aerospace and defence companies into global supply chains, enabling them to become suppliers of choice for original equipment manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing. In this regard, Aerosud stood out as a South African company held in high esteem in the global aerospace arena.
Aerosud is to be congratulated on its continued conformance to stringent global aerospace quality standards and its excellent track record for timeous and substantial deliveries of components to Airbus and Boeing.
Today's event is a milestone for the attainment of the objectives of two of the DST’s key initiatives, the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy and the Advanced Metals Initiative. Titanium additive manufacturing is an important technology building block of the titanium industrial development programme.
Over the past five years, the DST has supported the development of capability for a successful titanium metal industry in our country. This development of a titanium industry across the value-chain, from the raw mineral to primary metal powder and ultimately to the forming of components is one of the initiatives in a portfolio of industry development opportunities, led by research and development that the DST is championing.
This is not only crucial for the development of our country's aerospace industry, but also for enabling us to achieve the objectives of government’s New Growth Path, the National Beneficiation Strategy and the Industrial Policy Action Plan.
South Africa is the second largest supplier of the mineral ore that can produce titanium metal but adds little value to the mineral before export. Titanium is a sought-after metal especially in the aerospace industry where aircraft and satellites need to be lighter in weight to consume less fuel. The CSIR has developed a novel process whereby titanium metal powder can be produced from our abundant mineral resource. Currently the primary titanium process is being commercialised and a pilot plant will be built during this year.
Titanium additive manufacturing is an important technology building block of the DST's titanium strategy. The production of titanium near-net shaped parts directly from titanium powder is the ultimate goal and competitive advantage on which the strategy is based. We understand that additive manufacturing involves using laser technology to join multiple layered cross- sections of a material to make complex three-dimension parts, such as those used in aircraft.
This technology has the potential to introduce major efficiency improvements for the aviation industry offering the possibility of vastly reducing material wastage, compared to the conventional process in which parts are machined from a solid piece of material. Titanium powder technology is likely to revolutionise the global titanium industry and these new capabilities can position South Africa as a world leader in the cost competitive production of high grade titanium metal powder and components.
Key to the development of the departments titanium strategy are the expertise and resources in the national network of universities, science councils and private sector companies collaborating in the centre of competence on titanium. Since 2006, the department has supported the development of core capability, including 64 postgraduate students and the filing of ten patents in primary and downstream production processes of titanium.
The CSIR and Aerosud are key partners in the centre of competence and have made good progress in advancing the department’s Titanium Industrial Development Programme and strengthening the position of South Africa as a key global player in the titanium metal powder industry.
Globally, there are considerable opportunities for new industries built around specific mineral resource endowments. A titanium powder industry is estimated to have the potential to generate between R10 and R30 billion per annum once a fully-fledged industry is established.
The Aeroswift project is capable of rapidly producing large titanium parts from powder. An integral part of the pilot project was the acquisition of two high powered commercial lasers in November 2011. Since this marks the first step in the development of the additive manufacturing pilot plant, it was deemed fit to celebrate the arrival of the lasers, which you all had the opportunity to view at the NLC earlier today.
The year 2010 marked the 50th anniversary of the laser, one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century with applications ranging from advanced manufacturing and materials processing to surgery and medicine, from earth observation to entertainment. Lasers play a critical role in the application of science and technology for growth and development. Laser technology is widely regarded as a key technology for global competitiveness and is extensively implemented in the world’s industrialised nations.
The NLC has played a pioneering role in the establishment of the African Laser Centre, a virtual centre of excellence with nodes in several African countries aimed at developing the much-needed laser research capacity, infrastructure, technology transfer and application, throughout Africa. It is also is involved in cutting edge research with industry and tertiary education institutions to improve the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry in South Africa.
The laser based additive manufacturing research in collaboration with Aerosud is regarded as world leading in this field and has already attracted a great deal of interest from global aerospace players.
Because of this kind of collaboration between industry, science councils, government and academia, Aerosud and other South African companies have not only become reputable suppliers, but have also distinguished themselves by developing a number of innovations on aerospace processes and technologies.
This is crucial for sustained global competitiveness. Companies like Aerosud are therefore not only critical global players, but are also setting global standards for technological excellence and leadership in their chosen fields. One of our goals is to enable other local companies to reach this level of excellence, in the spirit of the proudly South African campaign.
There are opportunities to transfer these competencies and capabilities to benefit adjacent industries, enabling these firms to compete in the global market. This impact is consistent with key programmes that the DST is championing such as the successful Technology Stations programme and the emerging Technology Localisation Strategy.
In conclusion, few would disagree that this event is an important opportunity to celebrate the technological successes made in advancing South Africa's position in the global aerospace industry. Aerosud and the NLC, together with their partners at the Central University of Technology, are global leaders in the additive manufacturing field and must be congratulated on their achievements and collaboration.
The titanium additive manufacturing project and centre of competence show just how effective partnerships between government, industry, science councils and universities can fast-track technology development, innovations, commercialisation and integration into the global supply chains.
Although the going is tough in the face of an on-going global financial crisis, especially in Europe, government initiatives around mineral beneficiation, advanced manufacturing and local production are starting to make progress in yielding the desired outcomes of economic growth, job creation and a better quality of life for the citizens of South Africa.
If the great Greek philosopher Socrates could witness this event today, he would no doubt be delighted. He did, after all, once say, and I quote “Man must rise above the Earth – to the top of the atmosphere and beyond – for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.”
Ladies and gentlemen, this morning’s launch of the Titanium additive manufacturing project and the inauguration of Phase 2 of the new Aerosud Innovation Centre, are the result of men and women here who have risen above the ordinary, helping us all to move just that little bit closer to fully understanding the world in which we live.
Thank you.
