⎪ Local manufacturing and food processing ⎪
Left: The GFTC’s pattern-making shop: The college is introducing digitalisation, with employees moving from manual design to computer-aided design. Middle: A trainee doing sand preparation at the GFTC’s foundry using a green sand mixer. Right: A motorised sieve shaker for sand testing and quality control.
employment and enterprise development across the value chain.
along with knowledge and familiarity with the personal protective equipment used during their practical work, which is critical for employee safety,” Majatladi says. “The foundries that are now in business are foundries with the right skills in place. Those are the foundries that have appointed highly skilled metallurgists, hence our drive for skills and upskilling of foundry employ- ees across the foundry sector. Successful foundries appreciate the value of proper skills. “As a result, our three-year focus starts with the right foundation. We are develop- ing melters, moulders and pattern makers to ensure the basics are right from the start. The next phase will introduce machine learning, although we have already begun with some elements, to enable foundries to respond to and record real-time data. This is quite critical, especially in sectors such as automotive, where, when they encounter product-defect recalls, they can respond more quickly because production data is readily available, enabling problems to be eliminated faster and more accurately. Research, development and innovation to aid rapid response are ongoing, with, among others, product simulation being introduced to identify potential defects in the casting, optimise the gating system, and cut costs by validating manufacturing feasibility before producing the actual part,” continues Majatladi. “We at the NFTN and the GFTC also understand that, for many foundries, their equipment is ageing and the cost of capital equipment is substantial. However, there are methods and processes in place that enable phased upgrades and integration. “In addition, we are looking at helping foundries incorporate added value to cast- ings. The majority of our foundries cast
Just sign up Majatladi explains that the reinvigora- tion and reinvestment in the GFTC are in response to the need for skilled artisans and technicians in these areas, as well as to positive feedback from companies that have either employed GFTC-trained apprentices or sent their employees for upskilling and accreditation. The drive to train or upskill employees who are then also accredited and undergo an apprenticeship upon completion of their training is essential for the sustainability of the foundry sector, not to mention the benefit to the individuals, who leave the GFTC with proof of having gained vital formal skills. “This is a service to foundries at no cost to them. Foundry managers just need to send their people for training to begin enjoying the many benefits of well-skilled artisans. We are also encouraging the youth to pursue careers in the foundry industry. It has been known as a dirty, dusty and risky career, but it is not anymore; technology has brought along many improvements.” What to look forward to The GFTC is introducing digitalisation within the pattern-making field, where employees will move away from manual design to computer-aided design. “This will enable the foundries to align with state-of- the-art technologies that competitors are using globally. Business is moving faster, and for us to be efficient, we must align with industry norms. In addition to that, we're also adding foundry consumables knowl- edge, while ensuring that students receive relevant, adequate and practical training,
Some of the GFTC’s precision laboratory equipment: a Branson 1510 ultrasonic cleaner used to separate clay from sand grains in a sample, and an Ohaus Explorer precision balance for achieving an exact chemical composition of a melt. and send the ‘as-cast’ product to the sup- plier or a third-tier supplier for machining. However, adding value to their own cast- ings not only increases their product value but also eliminates defects and reduces turnaround times, because foundries can machine and inspect their products before releasing them from the facility. This also shortens lead times to market. “We envision fully integrated produc- tion facilities with the necessary machining in place. This will be another big plus for localisation – keeping manufacturing in South Africa and not relying on imports, says Majatladi. “We expect this to snowball into employment creation because success- ful foundries are sure to have a consistent supply of orders to be filled,” he concludes.
https://www.foundry-planet.com/d/ gftc-gauteng-foundry-training-center/
May-June 2026 • MechChem Africa ¦ 37
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