Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM)
The Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM) at Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) specializes in Additive Manufacturing (AM), better known as 3D printing. The CRPM was established 1997 as a centre for commercial work as well as research using Rapid Prototyping, Rapid Manufacturing, Rapid Tooling and Medical Product Development technologies.
The AM technologies open the possibility to go directly from Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to a physical prototype/model. These prototypes are used by product/industrial designers for form and function test as well as final prototypes before tooling commences. The CRPM can manufacture prototypes in plastic, metal and sand.
The process used to create prosthesis for a medical implant. From design (creating the digital prosthesis), to Additive Manufacturing (using Direct Metal Laser Sintering), to the final prototype.
CRPM currently has ten AM machines which makes it one of the best equipped AM Centre’s of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere!
View our AM machines.
View our AM technologies.
The industries we serve.
Engineering Technology Building, President Brand Street, Bloemfontein, Free State
CUT’s Prof. Deon de Beer achieves national recognition with Tier 1 NRF-SARChI Chair in Medical Product Development
CUT News Research and Innovation CRPM PDTSOn Thursday, 24 April 2025 the Central University of Technology announced that Prof. Deon de Beer has...
CUT ‘s NRF Research Chair Status has been upgraded to Tier 1
CUT News Research and Innovation CRPMThe Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has achieved a significant milestone by being...
CUT and SA’s top ranking Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University plan to collaborate on Medical Additive Manufacturing training programme to benefit local communities
CUT News CRPM Research and Innovation PartnershipsFrom left: Dr Gerrie Booysen, Director: CRPM, Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor:...