Two months left to enter the prestigious awards for the Printing, Packaging and Signage industries in Southern Africa.

Print plays an essential part in conveying the story of a brand to its respective audience. Much as there is oftentimes the perception that the only requirement is to simply is click a button and the job comes out of the other end of the machine, specialist printers, packaging manufacturers and signage companies will tell you otherwise - they are well aware that it requires effort and attention to detail.  

Ultimately, their actual task is to be brand custodians, through transforming intangible concepts and designs into tactile works of art that will captivate and delight the brand’s audience; to help shape the way that people perceive and relate with it; and to ultimately forge a meaningful connection with the brand as well as with their respective clients. Some will go the extra mile to achieve the highest quality, which then determines the difference between a job well done and attaining excellence.

The GAPP Awards is a celebration of the contribution that print in all its forms, makes to the economy, to communication and to everyday life in Southern Africa. The competition looks at it in all its forms – be it print, packaging or signage - with the aim of promoting quality and creating a sense of pride within the industry. The Awards is a broad-spectrum competition that addresses all these sectors, while incorporating all of the different methods and technologies of print involved in the production of the final product, including the “Design For Print” category, which looks at the design element from the context of how it pertains to the printed final product. 

An important aspect of any competition is the process of determining the winners. While the criteria for all sixty categories serve as a guideline, the physical process of judging the entries requires knowledgeable, experienced and impartial judges. Judges are selected from all sectors of the industry in sufficient quantities to ensure a fair process resulting in winners, who are deserving of a trophy. If the judges’ scores determine that no winner is declared, then so be it; awards are not presented for the sake of it – they are earned and ultimately, deserved.

Entries are submitted to the judges anonymously, with all identifying information and marks removed. They are allocated a random number and become the only manner in which they are identified by the judges. The panel of judges are not given access to any information pertaining to the entry, other than the technical details regarding the job if it is deemed pertinent or required for the judging process. Motivations are permitted, which will also be presented to the judges. 

The entries are judged against a set of criteria specific to each type of print production or category. In order to foster the desire to produce improved levels of quality and thus to “up your game”, a minimum of 80% is required in order to be eligible to win a Gold Award. All winners receive certificates and the top three winners in each category receive a custom-designed, handmade trophy. 

With the closing date for entries being 31 October, time is running out for members of the industry to create their own legacy and demonstrate that they are amongst the crème de la crème of print in the Southern African region, through having reached the “Pinnacle of Excellence”.

For more information and to enter visit www.thegappawards.co.za.

Time is running out!

Additive manufacturing (also known as 3D Printing) (AM) machines are getting faster, design tools smarter and the portfolios of materials and finishes ever more suited to industrial applications. AM is no longer a trend on its way into the mainstream, it’s a serious global business. With new innovations reaching the market constantly, it’s a challenging world to navigate.

Additive manufacturing has side-stepped age-old design, tooling and production problems more effortlessly than anyone a decade ago thought imaginable. The ability to consider a component holistically and design specifically to purpose is changing the nature of the $12 trillion manufacturing sector, shortening supply chains, spearheading innovation and significantly reducing time to market.

The promise of full serial production is drawing ever closer, with the industry driven towards the holy grail of delivering high volumes of reliable product at lower costs than traditional processes.

The industry conference formnext, held every year in Frankfurt, grew 25% between 2017 and 2018, and this year will grow a further 64%, encompassing 58,000 square metres across multiple venues. A notable shift for this year’s event is the increased investment some of the world’s largest companies are making, with GE, HP, BASF and Siemens all vying for position.

As technologies have advanced, components have moved beyond the arena of R&D and on to the production line. Consider the aerospace industry. Subject to some of the world’s most stringent performance standards, the ability to develop high performance, lightweight components individually has had far ranging implications in both commercial and military applications.

With the rise of additive manufacturing, Boeing has completely overhauled its engineering model, developing a new design approach that considers every mechanical element individually, managed by a single design engineer.A similar revolution is currently underway in the medical field, where high tensile, flexible and biocompatible substrates are transforming surgical implants, dentistry, prosthetics and countless other applications.

Turnkey Additive Manufacturing Production

Akhani 3D is the largest commercial additive manufacturing service bureau in southern Africa. A newly established venture from Rapid 3D and Kemtek, Akhani 3D was created to meet the rising demand from within the manufacturing sector for a turnkey AM production service that translates ideas into objects as efficiently as possible.

Leveraging 15 years experience in the industry, Akhani 3D’s expert team provides traditional manufacturers with access to industry-leading additive manufacturing production processes that deliver a clear competitive advantage.

“Rapid 3D launched when 3D printing was in its infancy, not just in South Africa, but globally. It’s an industry that has progressed at a staggering rate, and through the years we’ve filtered out the noise to pinpoint the processes that deliver real value,” states managing director, David Bullock.

Akhani is taken from the Zulu word meaning ‘to make’. Under the vision of ‘Make Possible’, the goal at Akhani 3D is to unlock value through product innovation.“

Akhani 3D has been established for two reasons. The first is the growing demand among our clients for cutting-edge manufacturing technologies that speed up their research and development workflows. The second is recognising that the AM industry has reached a level of maturity where the costs, quality and time factors have converged to make scaling production feasible.” Pauline Bullock, Akhani 3D’s Director of Operations said.

Recently added to the arsenal is the EOS M290, the industry benchmark in the industrial 3D printing of metal parts. Ideal for manufacturing highly complex DMLS components from aluminium and steel in a range of quality grades, the investment has unlocked new possibilities for Akhani 3D’s clients.

Hailing from far ranging industries and disciplines from mining to mountain bikes, Akhani 3D’s clients include Pyga, who build a world renowned range of bespoke trail bikes. Akhani 3D have played an instrumental role in honing the design of their premier Slakline enduro bike, reducing its weight while building frame strength and durability.

For Raptor Rescue, Akhani 3D built solar powered GPS units to track and monitor birds of prey, providing their team with the ability to quickly respond to poisoning sites to save critically endangered vulture species.

Akhani 3D is serious about additive manufacturing. We partner with companies who see the power in harnessing new technology to deliver competitive advantage. We’re driven by our purpose: to make your ideas possible.

Akhani 3D is an Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) and Finishing Bureau located in the KZN Midlands. A comprehensive, professional production and industrial 3D printing & finishing service for manufacturers, Akhani 3D combines experience, insight and the cutting-edge in additive manufacturing hardware, aimed at letting you Make Possible.

New and affordable 3D printers offer highly accessible learning tool for universities, colleges and schools 

Johannesburg, South Africa, 22 May, 2017 - RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the global distributor for engineers, has introduced a pair of high-reliability affordable 3D printers from Zortrax that are ideal for educational establishments to teach students about the possibilities offered by 3D printing. Universities, colleges and schools can use these machines as a key tool for teaching and learning about 3D design, enabling students to realise ideas, concepts and designs in highly accurate and quickly produced models. 

Employing single-extruder LPD (layer plastic deposition) printing technology, the reasonably priced Zortrax M200 and M300 3D printers are reliable, efficient and offer exceptional quality with high dimensional accuracy and repeatable precision. This enables the high-quality printing of detailed elements that duplicate models without any loss of the original appearance, as well as completing extensive print jobs with almost no maintenance.  

The M200 pack is fully integrated plug-and-play system that allows users to get up-and-running immediately and includes the 3D printer, starter kit, dedicated intuitive software bundle Z-SUITE, and compatible material. Specifications of the M200 include: workspace dimensions of 200 x 200 x 180mm; 90 to 400-micron resolution, wall thickness capability of 400 microns (minimum) to 800 microns (optimum); and single printable point resolution of 400 microns.

Other key specifications include material diameter of 1.75mm and a nozzle diameter of 0.4mm.  Physical dimensions of the printer are 345 x 360 x 430mm without the material spool and 345 x 430 x 430mm with the spool. In addition, there are a number of extra options available including the Hotend V2, perforated plate V2, and side covers, which keep a stable model temperature during the printing and cooling process to reduce the risk of warps and cracks. 

Materials are available in a wide selection of professional grades, qualities and colours to suit different design requirements, and include Z-ABS, Z-ULTRAT, Z-HIPS, and Z-PCABS. The Z-ULTRAT filament comes in pastel shades of yellow, pink, purple, blue and turquoise; Z-ABS in white and pure black; Z-PCABS is a polycarbonate ABS ivory filament; and Z-HIPS comes in black. The range also enables the selection of materials that offer high durability against mechanical stress or high resistance to temperatures or even chemicals.  

The Zortrax M300 3D printer builds upon the capabilities of the M200 and offers a larger workspace with dimensions of 300 x 300 x 300mm and 140 to 300-micron resolution, optimal wall thickness dimension of 800 microns, and single printable point resolution of 400 microns. The M300 is ideal for designs using the Z-HIPS material, and provides a spool preview to allow users to check the material usage and colour. The M300 pack comprises the printer, side covers, starter kit, key to Z-SUITE software, and two spools of material. 

Compatible with stl, obj, dxf and 3mf file types, both machines support Mac OS X/Windows 7 and newer versions, and have access to a helpful model library. Further accessories available for both machines include the Zortrax 40 x 40mm fan cooler and extruder cable with adaptor.  

The Zortrax M200 and M300 3D printers are now available from RS. These new 3D printers strengthen the existing comprehensive range of educational products and solutions stocked by RS: http://za.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=/education  -

About RS Components
RS Components is the market leader in the high service level distribution of electrical, electronic, mechanical, tools and industrial products. Operating in 26 countries whilst serving a further 100 through third-party distributors, RS serves every sector of industry in the procurement of their products relating to maintenance, repair, operations, low volume production, research and development.   With over 500 000 products across 2500 leading brands, the company is committed to ensuring that their 1,5 million customers have fast access to a broad, as well as deep range, of products and technologies, all under one roof. 

RS’s customers, whether ordering single or multiple items, experience a quick, easy, secure, painless and cost effective process. The RS catalogue, available at za.rs-online.com, offers full colour pictures with extensive clear product specifications.Free access to thousands of datasheets ensures the correct product choice. Order placement is easily facilitated through za.rs-online.com, the call centre, e-mail, fax and trade counter. Locally held stock is delivered to customers within 24 hours, and products held internationally, within four to six working days.    

It is proven that departments traditionally spend 80% of their time sourcing products that account for only 20% of their total procurement spend. RS is focussed on reducing the customers “total cost of product ownership” by reducing the need to make multiple calls to various companies to source products, reducing supplier related administration and allowing for the amalgamation as well as consolidation of supplier bases. 

Through this process, procurement efficiency is improved and time is freed up to concentrate on the more important business decisions. 

For more information, please visit the website at za.rs-online.com 

Press Office
Le-andra OlivierPR and Communication Specialist RS Components South Africa This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.+27 11 691 9345 Further information is available via these links:Twitter: @RSNewsSA; @RSElectronics; designsparkRSFacebook: facebook.com/RSSouthAfricaRS Components on LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/rscoms 

Relevant Links: RSProRS Components South Africawww.electrocomponents.comDesignSpark Magazine - http://www.designspark.com

A new report by Allied Market Research titled, "3D Printing Market in Emerging Economies (China, India, UAE, Brazil, South Africa) - Size, Industry Analysis, Trends, Opportunities, Growth and Forecast, 2013 - 2020", indicates that the 3D printing market in emerging economies would reach $4.5 billion by 2020 registering CAGR of 37.4% from 2014 to 2020. The additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping process adopted by the leading manufacturing companies would propel the growth of the 3D printing technologies. Amongst the emerging markets, India andChina are the most opportunistic regions for the development of 3D printing; therefore, market leaders are looking to capitalize on the prevailing opportunities in these countries.    

Higher accuracy, faster processing, efficient use of materials and the ability to build customized products optimally are the prime elements of growth for 3D printing market. Favourable initiatives by the governments in the emerging economies are contributing to the growth of the start-ups in the region giving them power to compete with the top players in the region. According to AMR analysis on the emerging sectors, the adaptation can be phrased in simple form as "Print what you think with the help of 3D printing technology effectively". Shanghai Winsun Decoration Design Engineering, a Company based in China, has adopted Contour Crafting to build houses which is a milestone to a lot of companies. Unique factors of 3D printing over traditional printing processes such as building complex designs easily, mixing of materials to meet continuously changing demands of customers, effective time management, among others have been the prominent factors driving the adoption of 3-D printing.

Get the full access of the report at http://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/3D-printing-emerging-economies-china-india-UAE-brazil-south-africa-market

The easy portability and simple installation with the facility of mixing different types of materials according to need of the operating environment has made 3D printing a popular technology. The widespread adoption of 3D printers in healthcare and medical sectors in emerging economies is bringing the technology into the limelight among the domestic players. The technology is gaining prominence amongst leading domestic players, as the products manufactured can be further used in varied applications.AMR analysis suggests that the commercialization of 3D printing technology would not only lower manufacturing material loss and minimise the labour cost, but also raise awareness and eventually lead to widespread adoption of the technology. Mergers and acquisitions among top global players and local players of emerging regions would further accelerate the growth and adoption of the technology. Acquisition of Brazilian domestic company named Robotech by 3D Systems; a global leader is one such notable example that confers the impending market trend.

The initiatives taken by governments across the emerging economies to enhance the 3D printing technology is one of the major driving factors. In April 2013, China has invested $6.5 million to conduct research on key 3D printing technologies. Technological events have been arranged across sectors for spreading awareness among stakeholders.

The adoption of the technology would lead to low labour cost and efficient use of printing material, which would give a competitive edge to manufacturing companies. General Electric, on the other hand, explored the potential in the Indian market by incorporating additive manufacturing technology in manufacturing plastic parts and eventually also used the technology in manufacturing metal parts. Key companies profiled in the report are StratasysLtd, 3D Systems, Arcam AB, Autodesk Inc., ExOne Company, Voxeljet AG, Optomec Inc., Hoganas AB, Organovo Holdings Inc., and Ponoko.

About Us:  

 Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based inPortland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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{pp}3D printing is a relatively new technology here in South Africa. Simply put, it’s a physical version of a CAD file – thin slices built one on top of the other using various processes.