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Welding & Cutting News

SAIW re-elects Maroga as president

By: Megan van Wyngaardt 1st August 2016 State-owned power utility Eskom corporate specialist Morris Maroga has been elected to serve for a second term as president and chairperson of the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW). He has held various positions that involve management and leadership roles at Eskom and has been... →

Fibre laser technology on the rise in steel industry

By: Robyn Wilkinson 1st July 2016 Cutting solutions provider First Cut is supplying fibre laser cutting machines to South Africa, which are greatly improving the efficiency and cost effectiveness of laser-cutting operations in various industries, including the steel industry, in a difficult economic climate →

BLM TUBE LASER Fibre laser technology is a cost-effective option for the steel industry

Local company awarded German welding agency

By: Simon Sonnekus 17th June 2016 The acquisition of the South African agency for German tooling manufacturer Orbitalum Tools will allow Dowson & Dobson (D&D) Industrial to provide welding solutions for industries that require tube and pipe-welding preparation. D&D Industrial is a division of Actum Industrial. Both Actum... →

WERNER SMIT The acquisition of Orbitalum tools has enabled Actum to expand to higher-growth sectors such as the pharmaceuticals industry

Equipment supplier strengthens bonds with German companies

By: Simon Sonnekus 17th June 2016 The continued quality of German products has allowed Boksburg-based capital equipment and consumables provider Elquip Solutions to thrive in a challenging local market. According to Elquip Solutions MD Mike Cronin, the resounding quality of the German-made electrical, automation and mechanical... →

Elquip Solutions MD Mike Cronin discuss the influence of German products on the South African market, scan the barcode with your phone’s QR reader, or go to ‘Video Reports’ on www.engineeringnews.co.za. Camerawork: Nicholas Boyd. Editing: Lionel da Silva. Recorded 18.05.2016

Cost calculator assists with choosing gas mix for welds

10th June 2016 Diverse gas equipment and services suppliers Air Products South Africa has developed a customised welding cost calculator, which assists clients in making the right decision when choosing a gas mix for a weld. →

SEAN YOUNG Correct gas mix crucial for the quality and cost-effectiveness of a weld

Niche welding companies remain optimistic

By: Robyn Wilkinson 10th June 2016 Despite a challenging start to the year for companies in the mining and engineering sectors, friction welding specialist Manapp Industries director Shannon Frost and welding and cutting solutions provider Shield Technologies CEO Wayne Holt are optimistic about their companies’ prospects. →

SPECIALISED WELDING Friction welding produces high-strength welds

Product offering focuses on employee safety

By: Robyn Wilkinson 10th June 2016 Specialised lubrication and maintenance products provider Orapi Africa is introducing products for use in welding and cutting processes that not only increase the life span and operating efficiency of machinery and equipment but are also environment friendly and aligned with international... →

WIDE PRODUCT RANGE Orapi offers specialised products for various industries

On-site plugging possible using explosive welding

By: Robyn Wilkinson 10th June 2016 Engineering, manufacturing, construction and maintenance services provider Steinmüller Africa offers explosive welding and explosive expansion services to its clients. As part of this service, the company has increased its focus on on-site plugging which enables it to fix leaks in heat exchangers... →

Steinmüller Africa demonstrates explosive welding

Cost-sharing initiative to save small businesses

By: Robyn Wilkinson 10th June 2016 Welding services provider Federal Steel Company MD Phakamile Buthelezi has implemented a cost-sharing initiative that has helped to keep several small businesses in Turfontein, in the south of Johannesburg, afloat during a challenging economic start to the year for the welding industry. →

PHAKAMILE BUTHELEZI One of Federal Steel’s first projects was the fabrication of over 100 m of balustrading at Orange Court residential apartments

Trade test centre registered

By: Robyn Wilkinson 10th June 2016 Engineering, manufacturing, construction and maintenance services provider Steinmüller Africa has registered its Technical Training Academy as a decentralised trade test centre, enabling the company to perform trade tests in the field of welding. →

JACO VAN DEVENTER SAIW’s 2014 Young Welder of the Year will compete in the Beijing Arc Cup this year

Industry bodies determined to maintain standards

10th June 2016 The Installation and Fabrication Plastics Pipe Association (IFPA), a subsidiary of the local representative body of the plastics pipe industry South African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (Sappma), together with umbrella body for the local plastics industry Plastics SA, has implemented a... →

WELDER STAMPS Hardened steel stamps enable each weld and welder to be linked

International exposure key for South African fabricators

By: Robyn Wilkinson 10th June 2016 There is a tendency among local and international original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to underestimate the capabilities of South African sheet metal fabricators. This makes industry collaboration crucial to increase the exposure of local fabricators and prevent the loss of orders to... →

ANDRÉ VISSER Fabrinox MD (left) says South African fabricators should capitalise on partnerships with international original-equipment manufacturers in full

Aligning welding training with international standards

By: Robyn Wilkinson 10th June 2016 Welding industry association Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) is working with government organisations, such as the South African Qualifications Authority and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, to further develop its courses so that they are aligned with local... →

SEAN BLAKE The implementation of international welding standards is key for the South African industry

Need for greater focus on local welding skills

By: Robyn Wilkinson 10th June 2016 The lack of good quality artisanal skills in South Africa, specifically welding skills, calls for a bigger focus on the development of training schools, says specialised stainless steel products supplier Plasma Cut technical director Manny da Silva. →

Plasma Cut’s Kanyisa Limekaya and Manny da Silva discuss the macroeconomic environment’s effect on the South African welding and cutting industry and the company’s innovations

Alloy supplier introduces new welding consumables offering

27th May 2016 Leading supplier of nickel alloys, stainless steel and titanium Multi Alloys has strategically extended its portfolio and entered the welding consumables market with a new range of products. Through a partnership secured with electrical product supplier Lincoln Electric Company late last year,... →

ONE STOP SOLUTION Multi Alloys says Metrode’s range of consumables will enable it to assist customers

Reality programme used for welding training at AIDC

By: Simon Sonnekus 19th February 2016 Students who want to work in the production sector of the automotive industry can submit their curriculum vitae to the Automotive Industry Development Centre’s (AIDC’s) Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre to participate in an augmented-reality welding programme. Eight Soldamatic welding simulators... →

Photo by Simon Sonnekus
SOLDAMATIC WELDING SIMULATOR Trainees will be able to practise more than 93 different welding lessons on the simulators

First batch of artisans from R60-million training facility near graduation

By: Donna Slater 20th November 2015 About 900 potential artisans, representing the first intake at project services corporation Hydra-Arc’s Secunda-based artisan training facility, Mshiniwami Training Academy, are well on their way to completing their training. →

UPSKILLING INDUSTRY The Mshiniwami facility can cater for up to 1 200 students, based on workplace-learning rotation schedules

PPE manufacturer employs facial recognition technology

By: Nadine James 2nd October 2015 Personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturer and distributor Black Ginger 48 has implemented facial recognition technology at two of its clients’ on-site stores to counter identity fraud and reduce theft. Black Ginger 48 GM Jevan Malan tells Engineering News that the motivation for the... →

Photo by Bloomberg
DUAL BIOMETRICS SCANNER Black Ginger 48 has introduced biometric scanners at its on-site stores

Industrial elements manufacturer upgrades technology

By: Dylan Stewart 18th September 2015 Benoni-based industrial elements manufacturer Independent Elements is adopting a number of new technologies that will enhance the reliability of the company’s product range, says Independent Elements chairperson Harry Flowers. →

Independent Elements chairperson Harry Flowers discusses the company’s operations amid a trying economy

Integrated NDT qualification, certification approach set for 2017

By: Mia Breytenbach 17th July 2015 To achieve international harmonisation in the qualification and certification of nondestructive testing (NDT) personnel, the national ISO 17024-accredited personnel certification body, the Southern African Institute of Welding - Certification (SAIW - Certification) is collaborating with national... →

CERTIFICATION HARMONISATION The qualification and certification process will also accommodate the American Society for Nondestructive Testing SNT-TC-1A requirements

VT course to meet industry requirements

By: Mia Breytenbach 17th July 2015 Nonprofit technical organisation the Southern African Institute of Welding’s (SAIW’s) nondestructive testing (NDT) department introduced an independent Visual Testing (VT) course as part of its training offering last month. VT was previously incorporated into SAIW’s welding inspectors course only... →

COURSE CONTENT Level 1 of the Visual Testing (VT) course focuses on general theory and application, while Level 2 enhances basic VT theory

New portable NDT equipment solutions suitable for welding inspections

By: Mia Breytenbach 17th July 2015 Vereeniging-based nondestructive testing (NDT) equipment provider GammaTec is currently introducing the latest portable, phased-array, ultrasonic testing (PA UT) equipment and new computed radiography (CR) digital systems and focuses on raising awareness of the advantages of this equipment. “The... →

NEW GENERATION The Zetec TOPAZ phased array system has a 10.4” 1 024 X 768 pixel screen that can display 64% more information than the 800 X 600 pixel screens

Locally manufactured vacuums offer cost-effective solution

By: Pimani Baloyi 10th July 2015 Steam-powered and high-pressure water-powered ejectors do not require maintenance and regular replacement, compared with regular vacuum pumps and, therefore, save clients time and money that could have been lost as downtime, says local vacuums manufacturer Applied Vacuum MD Geoff Levy. He tells... →

MINIMAL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED Applied Vacuum recently sold spare parts to an edible-oil distillery for the first time since the company bought the ejector 12 years ago

Global steel company launches new high-strength product

10th July 2015 Specialised global steel company SSAB’s new brand of steel, Strenx, is a high strength structural steel in the 600 to 1300 MPa range. Strenx performance steel combines the best properties of the three brands it replaces – Optim, Weldox and Domex – from SSAB and metal-based components and... →

IMPRESSIVE RESULTS Strenx steel is delivered with a set of guarantees that ensure trouble-free production consistently

S Africa key to German tool manufacturer’s Africa growth

By: Pimani Baloyi 19th June 2015 South Africa remains an important market and source of revenue for Germany-headquartered machine tools manufacturer Robert Bosch Power Tools, says Southern Africa regional sales director Yugan Moodley. “South Africa contributed about 60% of Bosch’s Africa-based turnover in 2014 and we are... →

YUGAN MOODLEY We want to operate in-country and become part of every African country’s culture

Project opportunities drive welding operations

By: Mia Breytenbach 12th June 2015 Despite the challenges currently facing the South African welding and cutting industry, including project delays, commodity price fluctuations and the lingering effects of last year’s local metals industry strikes, there are still significant opportunities for the industry to evolve and improve... →

Photo by Bloomberg
CERTIFICATION IMPERATIVE The welding industry should be EN 15085-certified to participate in the rail projects and subsequent manufacturing

Institute revives back to basics welding training

By: Mia Breytenbach 12th June 2015 Though there has been a reasonably large demand for nonprofit technical organisation the Southern African Institute of Welding’s (SAIW’s) high-end training and management programmes, as well as its consulting and industry support services, the institute is revitalising its basic welding skills... →

Photo by Bloomberg
SKILLS REVITALISATION The Southern African Institute of Welding has been successful in implementing the IIW International Welder training programme in several in-house training academies

Free State welding training facility upgraded, reopened to attract skills interest

By: Mia Breytenbach 12th June 2015 Bloemfontein-based Louis Botha Technical High School officially reopened its welding centre earlier this month, after the facility had undergone a complete overhaul and upgrade, which was funded by local gas and welding company Afrox. Louis Botha is the latest of 12 high schools over the past two... →

SKILLS DRIVE Afrox’s initiative aims to upgrade technical facilities at 25 schools nationwide to support and enhance economic and skills development in South Africa

Welding services specialist secures several petrochem contracts

By: Mia Breytenbach 12th June 2015 Following the completion of several local projects showcasing engineering and labour-broking services provider Fabricon Pipe & Labour Hire’s knowledge about welding processes and its swift project execution methods, the company has been awarded several new contracts in the local petrochemicals... →

DECIDING FACTOR Fabricon was awarded the new multiproduct pipeline and Vopak projects because of its project execution methods, adaptability and rapid delivery

Training academy boosts local skills complement

By: Mia Breytenbach 12th June 2015 Engineering company Steinmüller Africa’s technical training academy is rapidly introducing young blood into its welder, boilermaking, rigging and fitting teams to boost the company’s on-site maintenance welding and cutting teams. Steinmüller Africa’s welding operations manager Morne Kidson notes... →

ARTISAN CULTIVATION The training centres collectively specialise in welding, boilermaking, fitting and rigging and produce about 165 artisans over 24 to 48 months

Fabricator completes maintenance project at PetroSA refinery

By: Mia Breytenbach 12th June 2015 Engineering company Steinmüller Africa, a subsidiary of Germany-based international engineering and services group Bilfinger, completed a planned maintenance project in March for State-owned national oil company PetroSA’s Mossel Bay-based Gas-To-Liquids refinery, in the Western Cape. Steinmüller... →

Photo by Duane Daws
PLANNED MAINTENANCE Steinmüller Africa replaced the Synthol Reactor internal coil U section and structurally replaced and welded the pipe components at PetroSA's GTL refinery, in Mossel Bay

Welding supplier’s consolidation initiatives increase end-user benefits

By: Mia Breytenbach 12th June 2015 Welding products supplier Weldamax has embarked on several rightsizing and consolidation initiatives to mitigate the effects of a contracting local welding sector and the cost pressures that welding equipment end-users face. “Weldamax focused on premises rationalisation by consolidating the... →

MARKET EDGE Weldamax’s brand of Thermamax welding equipment and consumables sales and market share have increased in the past year

Motion-control specialist intensifies focus on linear motion solutions

By: Mia Breytenbach 12th June 2015 Motion-control solutions specialist DC Auto-Motion aims to increase local market awareness for the Japan-based THK linear-motion (LM) product range this year, emphasising the range’s suitability in welding and cutting machine applications. DC Auto-Motion started representing THK in 2012 and was... →

SEALING SOLUTION The LM block guide rail systems with the laminated contact scraper (laCS) system and sealing arrangement prevent potential seizures and failure

Young welder on track for world skills competition

12th June 2015 Nonprofit technical organisation the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) says South Africa’s 2015 Young Welder of the Year (YWoY), Jacobus van Deventer, is on track in his preparations for this year’s WorldSkills international competition, which will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from... →

JACO VAN DEVENTER Van Deventer is Steinmuller Africa’s first apprentice to have been awarded the Young Welder of the Year Award

New welding technologies cultivate global competitiveness

By: Mia Breytenbach 12th June 2015 Adopting new welding technologies and processes that will improve productivity and assist with cost reduction is critical for the local welding and fabrication industry to be globally competitive in terms of price offering, and service and product delivery, says South Africa-based gas and welding... →

Afrox manufacturing industries business manager Johann Pieterse discusses how the PipeWorx Fieldpro meets industry's need for new technology

South African firms yet to fully embrace dual-system apprenticeship model

By: Leandi Kolver 1st May 2015 While results from the first year of the dual-system apprenticeship project (DSAP) pilot in South Africa have been positive, with a second intake of learners and additional pilot sites being planned, convincing employers to participate remains a challenge, representatives from the Department of... →

Digital educational tools empower teachers and super-charge study materials

By: Schalk Burger 24th April 2015 Electronic and digital education tools, including interactive whiteboards and student-response systems, are empowering teachers to spend significantly more time preparing lessons, work on identified difficult topics and help students who struggle. Various high-quality, colourful images, and... →

BEZ SANGARI Rich-media environments and content provide significant benefits for all subjects and improve learning and retention

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