3d Printing Adds Greater Functionality

Known for use of best-in-class technology, Murray & Roberts Cementation has added 3D printing technology to its capability portfolio and believes that this will add greater functionality during project design stages. Allan Widlake, business development executive at Murray & Roberts Cementation, says that use of 3D printing technology allows engineers to take designs from CAD or other modelling software and convert this into complete models. “The primary advantage is that the physical model and the virtual model are almost identical and the ergonomics of the structure can be visually checked to ensure functionality.” It is significant that the first model produced by Murray & Roberts Cementation is of the Ivanplats’ Platreef No. 2 shaft headframe. The model is a 1:260 scale and is an accurate physical rendering of the headgear. It was printed using ceramic as opposed to plastics for aesthetic purposes, and took just 17 hours.