The IAT WSU is a Technology Station which is part of the national Technology Station Programme within the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).  Funding is provided by the DSI, administered by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).

The IAT WSU officially commenced operations in January 2007.  It was born out of a unit established to support the local tooling industry, particularly in the automotive sector.  The IAT WSU fits within the light metals and tooling (manufacturing) sector of the Technology Station Program (TSP).  The stationed is positioned at the Walter Sisulu University, at a satellite campus in Buffalo City, East London. 

The strategic objectives of the station is to provide technology support services and training to the (predominantly) regional manufacturing sector, SMME’s, inventors, individuals, academic partners and in some cases large companies.  The station has refined its focus and developed a niche support service towards developing Knowledge Innovation projects.

The vision of the station is to positively impact SMME’s, entrepreneurs and individuals through the application of engineering excellence support services towards growing the economy, promoting employment and driving technology development.

The IAT WSU focusses predominantly on:

1. Product Development

2. Technology Demonstration

3. Training (SLP’s)

4. Applied R&D (support for post grad and staff research projects)

5. Technology Audits

6. Design (CAD)

7. Manufacturing including small batch manufacturing (CNC Milling)

8. Reverse Engineering

9. Pattern making for the composites industry (CNC Robotic Milling)

10. 3rd Party Measurement

Department of Science & Innovation (DSI), through the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

SMME’s

• Through access to technology not available at the SMME

• Product development

• Design & manufacturing of components, aluminium moulds (for composite products)

• Reverse Engineering

• 3rd Party Measurement

• Applied R&D

Entrepreneurs

• Product Development

• Design (CAD)

• Manufacturing

• Training

Individuals

• Product Development

• Design (CAD)

• Manufacturing

• Training

Students

• Support for R&D projects

• Training

• Technology Demonstration

The main successes of the station include the successful Knowledge Innovation projects undertaken.  The sectors include manufacturing, aircraft, sports & recreation, automotive, agriculture, composites and aquaculture.  The station is one of the biggest contributors to Knowledge Innovation targets for the TSP programme despite being small stations.

Other success include services  supporting R&D projects, small batch manufacturing and Technology Assistance Packages (TAP’s) which have improved the quality of locally produced products for the national and in some cases international markets.     

Kerryn Newey (Mr)

Station Manager: IAT WSU

Walter Sisulu University

Email: knewey@wsu.ac.za

Tel: 043 709 4748