In every resilient industry, transformation begins when companies shift from reacting to problems to anticipating them – when they evolve from simply supplying materials to creating comprehensive solutions. DZanetech’s journey has always been defined by this principle. In 2024, we turned that philosophy into infrastructure with the launch of CoreTech – a purpose-built facility designed to bridge the gap between theory and practical application in core and mould manufacturing.
Far from being a profit-driven venture, this pioneering space represents a new approach to how a foundry supplier can contribute to the sector’s growth – by not just selling consumables, but by embedding itself in solving production challenges, running trials, and delivering hands-on technical support on the floor, with the sand, and with the castings.
DZanetech offer tailored core-making services to match unique foundry specs, including binder preferences, sand types, and dimensional requirements. The custom core manufacturing service allows foundries to outsource their core production, reducing the burden of maintaining in-house core-making facilities
DZanetech understands that innovation doesn’t just come from supplying quality products – it’s about being an integral part of clients’ production journeys. That’s why the company has evolved from just being a leading supplier of consumables to a strategic solutions partner, offering not only custom core manufacturing and material testing but also advanced 3D printing capabilities for prototype development and design validation.
Establishment of the CoreTech centre
South African foundries continue to face complex challenges – from inconsistent core quality and binder performance to limited testing environments. CoreTech was created to provide a controlled, educational space where clients can learn, conduct trials, and refine their processes without the time pressure or risk associated with full-scale production.
“We heard these concerns, repeatedly. Foundries need more than materials – they needed a partner who could help solve these problems hands-on, outside the pressure of daily production. That’s why we built CoreTech. It’s a hub for applied learning, testing, and real-world problem solving. Where challenges are brought to the table, not hidden from them. Where technical support is not an afterthought, but the core offering. Our clients now have access to practical support, industry expertise, and modern technology under one roof,” said Jacques Swanepoel, National Sales Manager at DZanetech.
In 2024 DZanetech launched CoreTech, a purpose-built facility designed to bridge the gap between theory and practical application in core and mould manufacturing
Phase 1 of CoreTech is now fully operational, and DZanetech have already begun producing and delivering cores and moulds to various foundries across the country. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to hands-on industry support. Phases 2 and 3 of the development – set to enhance technological capacity and expand production capabilities – are scheduled for completion between mid and late 2026.
Forward integration: Not just a strategy – a standpoint
“Our decision to invest in forward integration is not a business tactic. It’s a philosophy. It’s the belief that we cannot truly support the foundry industry from the side lines. We must be in the arena – with our hands in the sand, our minds on the process, and our eyes fixed on the future. By internalising core manufacturing, material testing, and rapid prototyping, we are not just increasing control over quality and timelines – we are dismantling dependency and empowering local excellence. We are reclaiming agency over our industrial destiny.”
By leveraging DZanetech’s expertise and equipment, clients can focus on casting operations while DZanetech handles core production, ensuring consistency, reliability, and quality. This service is particularly beneficial for foundries experiencing capacity constraints, workforce shortages, or technical challenges in core manufacturing
“We are evolving from a supplier to a solution architect. In times of increasingly strained global supply chains, local, integrated, and responsive service matters more than ever,” says Swanepoel.
“CoreTech represents this belief. It’s where we test new materials, troubleshoot stubborn defects, prototype with 3D printing, and develop process improvements alongside foundry professionals. It’s a place where production support meets purpose, and where the future of core production is being fortified.”
What CoreTech offers:
1. Custom core manufacturing
DZanetech offer tailored core-making services to match unique foundry specs, including binder preferences, sand types, and dimensional requirements. The custom core manufacturing service allows foundries to outsource their core production, reducing the burden of maintaining in-house core-making facilities. By leveraging DZanetech’s expertise and equipment, clients can focus on casting operations while DZanetech handles core production, ensuring consistency, reliability, and quality. This service is particularly beneficial for foundries experiencing capacity constraints, workforce shortages, or technical challenges in core manufacturing.
2. Quality assurance and process optimisation
DZanetech provide quality assurance checks on every core manufactured through a dedicated in-house laboratory, staffed by trained professionals who specialise in material testing and core evaluation. Each core undergoes stringent quality assessments to ensure dimensional accuracy, sand composition, and structural integrity to meet the highest industry standards. The lab team also offers expert advice on coating compatibility, venting, and binder ratios. In addition, DZanetech provide tailored recommendations on core coatings, venting solutions, and optimal binder ratios to enhance performance and minimise defects. The goal is to optimise the core-making process for each client, reducing defects, improving casting precision, and ultimately help foundries achieve greater efficiency.
3. 3D printing and rapid prototyping
As part of DZanetech’s forward integration strategy, DZanetech now offer 3D printing solutions for core boxes, patterns, and prototype validation. This allows foundries to test designs faster, reduce tooling costs, and improve turnaround times. Unlike traditional tooling methods, which often require long lead times and expensive metal tooling, 3D printing enables rapid design iteration and shorter development cycles.
Using state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technology, DZanetech can produce moulds and patterns directly from CAD models, allowing for quick modifications and alterations without the need to restart from scratch. This is particularly valuable in prototype development or when trialling new designs. If a pattern requires dimensional adjustments or if a defect is detected in the initial casting, the design can be revised and reprinted in a matter of hours – not weeks.
The 3D printing capability also opens the door to producing complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional methods. Whether you’re developing a one-off prototype or refining a complex shape, this process eliminates many of the limitations and inefficiencies associated with conventional mould production.
DZanetech’s team collaborates closely with clients to translate their design needs into functional 3D models, ensuring that every print aligns with casting specifications and performance requirements. With 3D printing, clients are empowered to innovate faster, test smarter, and produce with greater agility – ultimately reducing risk and increasing competitiveness in a demanding industry.
4. Technical problem-solving support
Bring your challenges to DZanetech. Experts will help with casting defects, process inefficiencies, and technical troubleshooting – both on-site and in a lab environment.
5. Material and equipment trials
Evaluate various ceramic sands, binders, and coatings before committing to large-scale orders. DZanetech’s in-house lab conducts a wide range of tests including tensile strength, specific gravity, transverse strength, permeability, and comprehensive sand analysis – covering pH, AFS grain fineness, clay content, and loss on ignition (LOI). Receive detailed performance insights, comparative testing reports, and personalised recommendations to guide your selection process with confidence.
6. Personalised consultations and training
One-on-one sessions with specialists to help optimise strength, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency. Training workshops are also available for upskilling your team.
A hands-on approach to industry advancement
“DZanetech has always been dedicated to technical excellence and providing solutions beyond just supplying consumables. With CoreTech, we go a step further by offering practical demonstrations, troubleshooting assistance, and training sessions, ensuring that our clients are equipped with the knowledge needed enhance their foundry processes.”
DZanetech’s in-house lab conducts a wide range of tests including tensile strength, specific gravity, transverse strength, permeability, and comprehensive sand analysis – covering pH, AFS grain fineness, clay content, and loss on ignition (LOI)
As part of DZanetech’s forward integration strategy, DZanetech now offer 3D printing solutions for core boxes, patterns, and prototype validation. This allows foundries to test designs faster, reduce tooling costs, and improve turnaround times. Unlike traditional tooling methods, which often require long lead times and expensive metal tooling, 3D printing enables rapid design iteration and shorter development cycles. Using state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technology, DZanetech can produce moulds and patterns directly from CAD models, allowing for quick modifications and alterations without the need to restart from scratch
“One of the key benefits of our hands-on approach is the ability to simulate real-world production conditions in a controlled setting. By allowing foundry professionals to interact with different core-making materials, test various formulations, and adjust processing parameters, we enable them to develop a deeper understanding of how small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in overall quality and efficiency. This level of immersion helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, making training more impactful and immediately applicable.”
“Furthermore, CoreTech provides a platform for ongoing research and development in core-making technology. As new materials and methods emerge, foundries must adapt to remain competitive. Our facility allows businesses to stay ahead of the curve by providing access to the latest advancements in binders, coatings, and release agents. This not only ensures that our clients are equipped with state-of-the-art solutions but also strengthens the industry by fostering continuous improvement and innovation.”
DZanetech’s team collaborates closely with clients to translate their design needs into functional 3D models, ensuring that every print aligns with casting specifications and performance requirements. With 3D printing, clients are empowered to innovate faster, test smarter, and produce with greater agility – ultimately reducing risk and increasing competitiveness in a demanding industry
The company also offer the EinScan range of high-quality 3D scanners
“This initiative aligns with our broader vision of strengthening South Africa’s foundry industry. As materials, methods, and technologies evolve, we ensure that foundries stay ahead of the curve, equipping them with the tools to lead, not just keep up.”
“CoreTech is where foundry innovation lives. In a foundry environment that rewards speed, precision, and innovation, CoreTech by DZanetech is built to give South African foundries forward integration with purpose, where every challenge becomes an opportunity, and every core we make is shaped by experience, data, and vision.”
“Whether you’re looking to troubleshoot, test, prototype, or produce, DZanetech’s CoreTech Centre is your destination for core excellence,” concluded Swanepoel.
For further details contact DZanetech for Johannesburg on 082 809 7380 (Paul Malone) or Cape Town on 083 454 5465 (Johan Jooste) or for National 066 010 0999 (Zaid Syed) or Technical Support on 083 274 1657 (Koketso Mamogale) or visit www.dzanetech.co.za
