⎪ Products and industry news ⎪
Turning bottlenecks into profits
extending maintenance intervals. “We have demonstration models that we are showing across the region in dif- ferent industries, wherever products need to be turned. Although our demonstration models are designed to reorient aluminium cans and PET containers on high-speed conveyors, we can also work with clients to develop solutions for their packaging needs wherever they are needed. “3D printing unlocks fast prototyp- ing and rapid scale-up from prototype to production-grade parts, which is a big ad- vantage in these fast-paced manufacturing environments. Importantly for food and beverage packaging lines, our iglidur i150 is compliant with EU Regulation 10/2011 for food contact applications when appro- priately specified,” says Davidtz. He adds that the solution interfaces perfectly with the company’s 3D printing service, which supports a wide range of motion and wear parts, from plain bearings and gears to custom rollers in igus materials that offer lubrication-free, maintenance- free performance. For packaging engineers, the ability to print mechanically strong, abrasion-resistant parts on demand can significantly improve processes and reduce downtime. https://www.igus.co.za/
vestment for packaging operations across southern Africa. Manufactured by polymer specialist igus, the 3D-printed product turner is designed for high-volume packaging environments to reorient cans and containers for down- stream processing. These processes operate under continuous load and friction, where traditional parts wear quickly, leading to stoppages and driving up maintenance costs. The solution from igus uses a tribo- logically optimised polymer called iglidur i150 Tribo-Filament, which is highly wear- resistant and can be 3D-printed on demand for end-use applications. According to Juan-Eric Davidtz of igus, the material is specially engineered for high abrasion resistance with excellent strength and mechanical properties. Unlike standard PLA or ABS polymers, iglidur i150 is an engineered compound that also contains solid lubricants, which enable it to run dry with no external lubrication while offering significantly longer service life in sliding and rotating applications. The material’s inherent wear resistance means that these critical elements retain dimensional stabil- ity far longer than conventional printed plastics, reducing part replacements and
Anthe engineered, low-cost component used to reorient cans or containers has the potential to significantly boost production, delivering an unparalleled return on in-
Juan-Eric Davidtz demonstrates the company’s game-changing can-turning device for high-volume conveyor applications.
Water tank safety and responsibility: an open letter from JoJo Tanks
South Africa is under growing water pres- sure, and for many households and commu- nities, water tanks have shifted from being optional extras to essential infrastructure. A full water tank, however, is more than a simple container. It is a structure carrying significant weight, and when placed on un- stable ground or supported by inadequate stands, the risks increase significantly. Recent events have reinforced the im- portance of proper installation, appropriate support structures, and regular mainte- nance to ensure the safety of water storage systems. This is a shared responsibility. Proper installation is not a techni- cal formality; it is a safety requirement. Engineered, load-bearing stands, level and stable foundations, strict adherence to installation guidelines, and routine inspections are all essential. When these elements are overlooked, manageable risks can quickly escalate, especially in environ- ments where children and other vulnerable community members are present. Consumers are often encouraged to prioritise capacity and price when se- lecting water storage solutions. Yet true quality extends beyond the tank itself. The stand, foundation preparation, installation
method, and ongoing maintenance all play a critical role in ensuring long-term safety. As water storage becomes more wide- spread, education around these factors must keep pace. Safety guidance should be clear, visible, and consistently reinforced, whether the tanks are installed by private contractors, municipalities or community- based programmes. JoJo calls on all stakeholders to take proactive steps to prevent future harm: • Municipalities and public bodies must ensure that tanks installed as part of water relief or infrastructure projects meet appropriate safety and installa- tion standards. • Installers and contractors must use fit- for-purpose, load-bearing stands and follow installation guidelines without compromise. • Consumers and communities should ask questions, insist on compliant in- stallations, and ensure that tanks and stands are kept secure and inaccessible to children. Water insecurity should not introduce new risks to life and safety. Access to wa- ter must go hand in hand with responsible infrastructure decisions.
At JoJo, we remain committed to pro- moting safe water storage practices and supporting education around proper instal- lation and use. If greater awareness today can prevent tragedy tomorrow, then this conversation is worth having. https://www.jojo.co.za/
Recent events have reinforced the importance of proper installation, appropriate support structures, and regular maintenance to ensure the safety of water storage systems.
42 ¦ MechChem Africa • March-April 2026
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