THE BEST OF THE GPS E-NEWSLETTER
Each month Sassda rounds up a selection of global and local market intelligence articles that are sent to our members in an easy to read package of content. They’re designed to highlight pockets of potential growth in demand for stainless steel. Here are some of the best articles from the last few issues.
STEEL MASTER PLAN NEEDS REFINING IF IT IS TO HELP REVIVE DOWNSTREAM INDUSTRY
Duferco MD Ludovico Sanges argues that the Steel Master Plan is a good start, but that certain key issues still need to be addressed if the embattled downstream steel industry is to be revived. The Steel Industry Master Plan was signed on June 11, 2021, with the laudable aim of revitalising the country’s failing downstream steel industry which turns “raw” steel into products. The concept of a master plan has considerable merit, especially when it comes to saving a critical strategic industry, but important issues need to be resolved in order to make it a success.
POSITIVE RESULTS FOR 3D PRINTED DUPLEX CONNECTORS
Large-scale 3D metal printing company MX3D has successfully produced a structural connector in duplex stainless steel, designed in collaboration with engineers from Takenaka, one of the largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms in Japan. This project demonstrated the progress in producing highly customised and engineered steel connectors using robotic 3D metal printing, i.e. Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). Destructive and non-destructive testing on a series of printed duplex steel connectors shows a strong and consistent performance of mechanical and material properties. The successful tests are a crucial step towards certification of the structural connector, which parties intend to use for innovative building projects.
SA EXPLORES INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO WATER CHALLENGES
Water and sanitation minister Senzo Mchunu has urged the Water Research Commission to continue addressing water quantity and quality challenges through innovation and new technologies. A prime example of this type of approach to 21st Century water challenges is stainless steel water pipes. Mchunu has called on stakeholders in the water sector to rally behind ensuring that water supply exceeds demand. Mchunu made the call while addressing the fifth Water Research Commission Symposium held earlier this week. He said the ongoing drought that continues to be experienced in some parts of the country and the COVID-19 pandemic, have exacerbated water and sanitation challenges.
THE POSSIBILITIES OF WIRE MESH IN ARCHITECTURAL FACADES
From creating a new parking structure with an awe-inspiring aesthetic to retrofitting an existing building, architectural wire mesh provides versatility and durability which makes it unique from other design material options. Commonly referred to as “wire cloth” or “wire fabric” this versatile metal product can be used effectively in countless applications. Popular uses for wire mesh include steel wire mesh partitions, wire mesh for building facades, and PVC wire mesh for machine guards.
R500M UPGRADE FOR PINETOWN PACKAGING PLANT
A project with potential for stainless steel usage…Tetra Pak has announced a R500-million upgrade of its packaging material factory in Pinetown, KwaZulu- Natal. Factory Director Waqas Ali said the work would take place over several years, starting in the first quarter of 2022 and increase the production capability to the benefit of sectors in the liquid food industry value chain. Stefan Fageräng (pictured), Managing Director of Tetra Pak South Africa said while the investment was primarily a business decision, “it cannot be ignored that it also represents a timeous morale booster in the KwaZulu-Natal province and South Africa”.
SOUTH AFRICA’S NEW SMART CITIES: A ROADMAP FOR TRANSFORMING ALL OUR CITIES
In 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa shared his dream for a new South African city that would be “driven by smart technologies of the fourth industrial revolution”. The ultimate purpose of South Africa’s new smart cities is more sustainable, inclusive and socio-economically relevant urban development. But the president’s vision of what “smart technology” can do for all stakeholders involved, especially those in the stainless steel sector in these specific developments, can also be a reality for every existing city in South Africa. Everyone – from local and provincial governments to commercial entities and citizens – can benefit from their cities becoming smarter. Ultimately, a smart city is a manifestation of sustainable urbanisation in action.