Over the past month we have been working hard to be ready for this day (Jan 27th 2012). The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology along with other dignitaries including representatives from Boeing and Airbus were going to be in attendance. The launch was our chance to highlight all the efforts we are doing at the National Laser Center (this is where I work) to ensure the future of advance manufacturing continues to grow in South Africa.
I got in rather early to make sure all the final details were in place! I also like seeing things before the madness begins.
This system called "LENS" made by OPTOMEC in USA is an additive manufacturing system. It is the first one in South Africa. We will use this tool to help supoprt industry as well as Universities within South Africa so they become familiar with the technology.
We had a nice tent and had our intital speaches in it...I gave one that highlighted another one of our programs which we call "Aeroswift" this is a first of its kind additive manufacturing system that will be able to build large aerospace components.
Here my boss (Dr. Cingo) was introducing the Deputy Minister of Science & Technology so he could cut the ribbon and officialy start the launch. I was then asked to give an explanation about the LENS. All the cameras and mics were shoved in my face and it was a bit intimidating but well I think I survived okay.
I was then interviewed by E-News to higlight the launch and what it means to South Africa, I did no expect that at all....
Then it was just great having all the visitors seeing us working hard and I think we left a great impression with those who visited. I was proud of my group and hope this increases our visibility and allows us to grow. We are ready for it!!!
This is the Aeroswift room which was the other part of the launch. Here my colleauge Dr. Esser is explaining the objective of this project! We are all excited to get to work in this lab! I mean when you have the chance to be the first in the world to do something that is motivation enough...let alone trying to create opportunities for South Africa.
I got in rather early to make sure all the final details were in place! I also like seeing things before the madness begins.
This system called "LENS" made by OPTOMEC in USA is an additive manufacturing system. It is the first one in South Africa. We will use this tool to help supoprt industry as well as Universities within South Africa so they become familiar with the technology.
We had a nice tent and had our intital speaches in it...I gave one that highlighted another one of our programs which we call "Aeroswift" this is a first of its kind additive manufacturing system that will be able to build large aerospace components.
Here my boss (Dr. Cingo) was introducing the Deputy Minister of Science & Technology so he could cut the ribbon and officialy start the launch. I was then asked to give an explanation about the LENS. All the cameras and mics were shoved in my face and it was a bit intimidating but well I think I survived okay.
Then it was just great having all the visitors seeing us working hard and I think we left a great impression with those who visited. I was proud of my group and hope this increases our visibility and allows us to grow. We are ready for it!!!
This is the Aeroswift room which was the other part of the launch. Here my colleauge Dr. Esser is explaining the objective of this project! We are all excited to get to work in this lab! I mean when you have the chance to be the first in the world to do something that is motivation enough...let alone trying to create opportunities for South Africa.
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