w h at ’ s t h e B u z z ?
SKF training gives learners at Future Mechanics Academy the edge
SKF South Africa has joined forces with
Future Mechanics Academy (FMA) to give
previously disadvantaged learners the edge
in the field of motor mechanics and auto
electrical. Since January 2003, FMA has
been giving hands-on skills to school leavers,
non-matriculants, previously disadvantaged
individuals, etc. 16 years or older. This training
enables them to qualify in the future under
section 28 at Olifantsfontein, make them
more workshop employable and help them
to become self-sustainable. Apprenticeships
are only granted to candidates who have
matriculated with Mathematics and Science
and who are in possession of a valid drivers’
licence. The training covers basic aspects
of Mechanics with modules such as Motor
Mechanics beginner, Motor Mechanics
advanced, Auto Electrical and ‘Know your
engine’.
Successful graduates are awarded
certificates in NQF1-Motor Mechanics
Beginner, NQF2-Motor Mechanics
Advanced and Practical Experience.
The SKF training is presented over
12 months and consists of three twohour long sessions. “Our training covers
the entire SKF product range supplied
to the market, including wheel bearings,
➲ Eddie Martens is happy to
share his knowledge
timing belt kits, etc.,” according to SKF
key accounts manager - Automotive
Aftermarket, Eddie Martens. “Currently our
training is theoretical which we support
with audio-visual material such as fitment
videos but there are plans to move towards
hands-on training at a later stage.” It is
only SKF’s second year of involvement in
the Academy and Eddie reports that they
are already seeing success. “52 delegates
attended our first session this year and it
was truly rewarding to witness how eagerly
our training was received. Their keen and
active participation resulted in a two hour
session becoming three hours! On the day
we issued their certificates, the successful
delegates had questions relating to the last
session and showed great interest in future
training sessions. Their enthusiasm was
infectious!” concludes Eddie.
3D printers create “Drivethrough” car part manufacturing
DemaPlasTech Rapid Prototyping and Stratasys invited aBr to an open day and a
“Tour In 3D Printing” in early March.
➲ Prototypes on display included
Stratasys is a manufacturer of 3D printers and materials for personal use, prototyping and
production. During the event we saw both Polyjet and FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) printers
in action, including a sub R40 000 machine. DemaPlasTech director, Jacques Kleynhans, gave a
brief presentation on the different technologies available and the benefits of each.
functioning shifting spanners
Attendees were shown a video of the recently
launched Objet500 Connex3 Color Multi-material 3D
Printer, which is the first and only 3D printer to combine
colours with multi-material 3D printing. It is said to be the
world’s most versatile 3D printer, delivering “unparalleled
colour product realism”. Not knowing too much about
these things, we’ll have to take their word for it…
Apparently, this new 3D printer allows better decision
making, improves design and manufacturing efficiencies
and produces better products, faster. Among others, it
features a unique triple-jetting technology that combines
droplets of three base materials to produce parts with
virtually unlimited combinations of rigid, flexible, and
transparent colour materials as well as colour digital
materials – all in a single print run.
This ability to achieve the characteristics of an
assembled part without assembly or painting is a
significant time-saver. It helps product manufacturers
validate designs and make good decisions earlier before
committing to manufacturing, and bring products to
market faster. 3D printing has and continues to be
used in the automotive sector, with most major vehicle
manufacturers using the technology to prototype parts in
special printing facilities.
| words in action
8
april 2014