The Rapid Product Development Association of South Africa (RAPDASA) will hold its 17th Annual International Conference from 2 to 4 November 2016 at the Vaal University of Technology, VUT Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa.
The theme for this year’s conference is: “Building on the foundations – consolidating impact into products to enhance quality of life for all South Africans”.
In support of this theme, the first day of the conference will build on the success created during RAPDASA 2015 and again be dedicated to a special event entitled the “South African Additive Manufacturing Innovation Showcase”. This event will bring together the leading innovators / entrepreneurs in Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) in South Africa, allowing them to share their ideas on innovation and product development using additive manufacturing. As the conference will be presented at the VUT Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park, daily visits to the Advanced Manufacturing Precinct, hosting one of the largest AM installations in South Africa, will be conducted.
With respect to the conference theme, papers can be submitted under any of the following topics:
• AM business development
• New AM applications
• Impact of AM on the intellectual property environment
• Design for Additive Manufacturing
• Reverse engineering
• Simulation and modelling
• Process monitoring and control
• Material evaluation and selection
• Post processing and qualification
• Material / Process development
• Product development
Conference package
The conference will be held at the VUT Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park, located in Sebokeng, just north of Vanderbijlpark in the Gauteng province. The conference fee will be R4,100 for delegates and R2,750 for students** which will include:
• 3 days full conference participation
• Lunch and refreshments (tea/coffee breaks)
• Cocktail function
• Gala dinner
• Advanced Manufacturing Precinct tour
The organising committee would like to extend a special invitation to SMMEs, entrepreneurs, inventors, engineers, product designers, toolmakers, production staff, technical directors and managers from industries involved in the design, development and manufacturing of products and components. You are welcome to participate and share experience and learning in the field of AM, or simply attend the conference and gain a better understanding of AM’s possible impact on your business.
Pre-conference workshop
Pre-conference workshops will be presented on 31 October 2016 and 1 November 2016. The workshops will include “Additive Manufacturing of Titanium Parts”, hosted by the Central University of Technology, and “Idea 2 Product” hosted by the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). Further information and cost will be given in future communications. For more information regarding the pre-conference workshop, contact: Jenny van Rensburg jvrens@cut.ac.za Tel: 051-507 3456
Online registration has opened on the RAPDASA website and there are calls for papers, and an early bird registration fee discount will apply.
For further information, please contact Sarah Tlale on TEL: 016 930 5023 or email Rapdasa.general@vut.ac.za
