The research team at the Centre of Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM) adds the latest acquisition of the state-of-the-art Objet Connex™ 350 3D printing machine, which is described as versatile tool of the new industrial revolution.

3D printing has been described as the tool that will be used in the new industrial revolution (which if predictions are correct, we are in the middle of). Additive Manufacturing makes it possible to print objects out of almost any material. The traditional versatile paper product has been replaced by titanium, sand, nylon, glass even chocolate - if you do some internet research! However one critical aspect that the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM) could not do up to a week ago was to print multiple materials simultaneously – a mixture of materials. 

This will for example be an object consisting of hard plastic and soft rubber which can now be printed as a single part. This will greatly contribute to the prototyping ability of CRPM and the CUT’s strong focus on science, engineering and technology. The research team at the CRPM now have the state-of-the-art Objet Connex™ 350 3D printing machine. “An application made to the Research Infrastructure Support Program (RISP) at the National Research Foundation (NRF) for the new technology was successful.” said Director at the CRPM, Mr Gerrie Booysen. He continued that the team from the Medical Device Innovation Platform identified the shortcoming in the centre and applied for the additive machine, which was successful. The total cost of the machine was R1.938 million. Two thirds of the cost was granted by RISP and one third by CUT. Prof. Michelle Truscott, team leader of the Medical Device Innovation Platform is confident that the new machine will add to the centre’s already impressive line-up of 3D printing technologies and will ensure that the institution remains in the forefront of research into 3D printing technology internationally.