The Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC) will ensure that CPUT students are equipped with the skills needed to grow South Africa’s industrial sector.

The Bellville based centre, which is one of five of its kind in the world and the only in Africa, has officially rolled out its first suite of specialised training courses.

EXCLUSIVE: The Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre is the only of its kind on the African continent

The centre trains engineering students how to use specialised computer software, which will allow them to become skilled in virtual product design, development and manufacturing.

Director of the centre, Prof Stephane Bouye says the training courses are suited to the needs of the various disciplines in the Engineering Faculty.

Bouye says they have also devised a course for students enrolled in the Industrial Design programme, which is offered by the Faculty of Informatics and Design.

“So far we have offered training to BTech and MTech Mechanical Engineering students. We have also trained some Industrial Design students,” he says.

The centre also recently trained a group of engineering students from Stellenbosch University.

Bouye says training is not limited to the CPUT community but will be offered to students from other universities as well as to members of industry.

When not training students, the centre’s staff members are lending their skills to a number of innovative projects.

Currently, they are collaborating with the Adaptronic Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory and the Electrical Engineering Department on several projects.

The centre is a joint venture between CPUT, the French Ministry of Education, Dassault Systems and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and was launched last year.

For more information on the centre and the courses on offer, please contact: Program Coordinator: Michael Petersen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or +27 21 959 6856

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News

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A collaboration between CPUT’s Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC) and a local high school will see the development of a 50 watt generator wind turbine.

Learners from The French School in Cape Town are working with students and staff members from the PLMCC on the design and production of the wind turbine, which will be used on their school premises.

Director of the PLMCC Prof Stephane Bouye says it is important for universities to engage with learners.

“The aim is to create a passion for technology and to create awareness (amongst the learners) on what is available in technology and science,” he says.

The learner recently spent a day at CPUT working at the PLMCC centre, which is based on the Bellville Campus.

Here they got a first-hand look at the highly specialized design programmes used by staff members and students, who are working on several innovative projects.

This centre trains engineering students how to use specialised computer software, which will allow them to become skilled in virtual product design, development and manufacturing.

The centre is one of five of its kind in the world and the only in Africa.

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The Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC) is staying abreast of the latest technology in the engineering sector.

The Bellville-based unit, which is one of five of its kind in the world, has acquired an interactive screen tablet.

The highly specialised device allows students and staff members to conduct freehand designs, which are then saved and converted into 3D images.

Head of the centre, Prof Stephane Bouye says the device is aimed at streamlining the conceptual process of any product.

Thanks to this innovative technology, engineers no longer have to conduct initial drawings on paper, but on the tablet. This allows for changes to be made immediately and ensures design accuracy.

The tablet along with other specialised equipment is core to the centre’s training, which will be rolled out in 2013.

The centre focuses on engineering processes involved in managing the entire lifecycle of a product from its conception, through design and manufacture, to service and disposal. These processes are all made possible by highly specialised computer programmes.

PLMCC Programme Coordinator, Michael Petersen says training will focus on BTech Mechanical and Electrical Engineering students.

“We are looking for MTech students who would like to consider doing projects at the centre,” he says.

Collaborations with the Adaptronic Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory and Electrical Engineering Department on several innovative projects are also on the cards.

By Candes Keating

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CPUT will host a French Day at its Bellville Campus next week.

The event, which takes place on 5 September, will highlight successful collaborations between the French and CPUT and promote future cooperation and student exchanges.

The event forms part of the broader “French Season in South Africa” which is currently being celebrated.

During the next few months, a series of events, organsied by the French Embassy and South African entities, will highlight French culture, education, sports and science.

CPUT’s Ian van Zyl, who is one of the organisers of the French Day, says the event will feature exhibitions, round table discussions, demonstrations and lectures.

The activities will take place at the Gencor Building, which is home to the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) and the Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC).

F’SATI is a joint venture between the university and ESIEE-Paris, a graduate school in France.  Established several years ago, the collaboration is a huge success and has seen F’SATI develop Africa’s first cubesat - ZACUBE 1.

The university’s most recent collaboration with the French resulted in the establishment of the PLMCC earlier this year.  Partners in this venture include the French Ministry of Education, the French company Dassault Systems and the Technology Innovation Agency.

By Candes Keating

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The French Ministry of Education and Dassault Systèmes recently re-affirmed their continued commitment to the Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC) at CPUT.

The partnership between the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) with the world leader in 3D Design & Engineering Software, Dassault Systèmes and the ministry extends the commitment in sharing one of the most advanced software suites for teaching students in the PLMCC Lab – Dassault Systèmes. The collaboration has now been extended for the third time and for another three years since its inception in 2015.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation & Partnerships, Dr David Phaho who led the CPUT delegation during the recent meeting with the ministry and Dassault Systèmes says: “This gives our students access to world-class software that covers up to date practices and technologies. We also have access to a French expert, Laurent Marche, appointed by the French Ministry of Education who will make 40% of his time available to the CPUT PLMCC.” 

Marche will work in only two PLMC centres located in Africa, one at CPUT and the other at DUT, to introduce one of the most advanced software suites used in the world. He will be working with Prof Stephen Bosman in the PLMCC at Bellville Campus. Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Prof Marshall Sheldon stated that this arrangement was presented at the virtual World Engineering Education Forum and Global Engineering Dean’s Council held from 16 to 19 November 2020.

Bosman lauds the Dassault Systèmes software for bringing students an advanced 3D experience for product design that is used mainly in Engineering but can also be used in teaching design and modelling skills across disciplines in higher education.

“When students are building a satellite they will use these features to design all components of the satellite and be able to see graphically how all the parts fit together. They can also do 3D printing of selected components that they design,” says Bosman.

He explains that the design and modelling skills that CPUT students learn from Dassault Software are used by many large firms locally and internationally, and “will open doors for our students when job seeking”.

All students who have an engineering or product design requirement will benefit from this software. This includes engineering as well as design students. The software will be made available to 50 students initially, however, this can grow to up to 300 in the next year, depending on the alignment with the various curricula. Initially, five staff members will be started off on the new suite, but this number is expected to grow up to 15, who will use various levels of the functionality. 

“Using this software will enhance their knowledge because it's a new way to design, simulate and collaborate using the 3D experience,” says Phaho.

Furthermore, PLMCC can become a learning centre for the industry. The French expert will be there to train the lecturers and to assist them to train those in the industry. The goal of the PLMCC is to assist and prepare CPUT students in their 4IR journey.

Phaho urged the students to take the opportunity and learn as much as they can to become proficient in using the software to enable them to secure a place in the market.   “Becoming proficient in the software will also make themselves more marketable as graduates in their various spheres in the industry,” he remarks. 

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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CPUT has added another state-of-the-art centre to its already impressive list - the Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC).

The centre is a joint venture between CPUT, the French Ministry of Education, Dassault Systems and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and is the first of its kind in Africa and only the fifth to be set up in the world.

The Bellville-based centre will train engineering students how to use specialised computer software, which will allow them to become skilled in virtual product design, development and manufacturing.

Speaking at the recent launch, Jacques Kurkdjian, a representative from Dassault Systems, said their investment in CPUT, will allow the university to address the shortages facing the engineering sector.

EXPERT:  Dean of Engineering, Dr Nawaz Mohammed and Prof Stephane Bouyer, who will head up the centre, watch as a student demonstrates how the virtual product design system works.

Although South African companies make use of this software, universities do not have the capacity to train students in virtual product development.

“The PLMCC will play a big role in the development of skilled engineers in South Africa,” said Kurkdjian.

Pierre Le Monde, a representative from the French Embassy said the centre will also foster innovation in the higher education sector and South Africa.

And with CPUT making inroads in innovation, both nationally and internationally, Naim Rassool from the TIA, said industry could even see spin-off companies developing from the centre’s activities.

“CPUT is ideally positioned to host this center because it has the drive to make it a success,” he said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Anthony Staak said CPUT is proud to host the centre, which is the second unit to be set up with the help of the French.

Several years ago, the F’SATI unit was set up and now leads training in satellite engineering.

Prof Staak said the centre will further cement CPUT’s relationship with the French Government.

By Candes Keating

Photographs by Clive Galant

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Alumni, staff, friends and supporters of CPUT have joined forces to mark the close of 2014, raising thousands for the university’s Bursary Fund in a festive get-together at a city hotel.

The editor of the Cape Argus, alumnus Jermaine Craig, was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, and set the tone with his entertaining directing of the night’s events, while Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Anthony Staak, gave a punchy presentation on CPUT’s recent achievements. These include launching the first cube-satellite in Africa, hosting the only South African Renewable Energy Training Centre, and the only Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre in Africa, amongst other accomplishments.

Amidst the wining, dining and reconnecting with old friends, a series of raffles were held with all proceeds going to the Bursary Fund. Prizes included stunning jewellery worth thousands donated by alumni Jeanine Benjamin of Jinn and Marizanne Kellerman of Zanry Jewellery Design and Manufacturing. Other prizes included a Cadac Safari Chef Gas Cooker, donated by Alumni Association chairperson, Jeff Daniels, while both the Best Western Cape Suites Hotel and the DoubleTree by Hilton Upper Eastside Hotel donated a complimentary stay for two for two nights.

Alumni Association Chair Jeff Daniels (left) donates a Cadac Safari Chef to raffle winner Jean Jackson (right)

A special raffle for regular supporters of the Bursary Fund was also held, with Nomhle Klaas from Bloemfontein winning a superfast Proline Tablet worth R3 000. Although not present at the event, Nomhle is delighted at the news.

Nomhle Klaas, winner of a Proline Tablet for her support of CPUT’s Bursary Fund

“I decided to be a regular donor as I myself was the recipient of a bursary. Had it not been for this, I would not be where I am today. Having never won anything in my life, I’m overwhelmed – thank you very much!”

Alumni Officers Val Deelman and Francois Jooste have extended grateful thanks to all who made the event such a success.

“It was an honour to spend time with some of our finest alumni, and to raise a total of R6 400 through the raffles. We hope 2015 sees many more of our alumni join us to give back using their professional resources, networks and goodwill.”

Sandi Goodwin from PPS (left) and Nancy Daniels (right) who won the set of earrings and matching pendant valued at R1 500 from Zanry Jewellers

For more information on becoming an active alumnus, please contact the Alumni Office on 021 460 3389. More photographs of the celebration can be found on CPUT’s Alumni Facebook page.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
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Micro-mobility vehicles could be the solution to traffic congestion, poor public transport integration, and carbon emissions.

A Research and Development Officer at the CPUT Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC), Neil de Vos is an advocate of micro-mobility vehicles, which is the focus of his masters research project.

De Vos says given the current transport situation globally, people are being forced to drastically rethink traditional means of transport.

In South Africa, the lack of public transport services in key economic corridors coupled with the absence of an effective inner city transport system endorses the integration of micro-mobility vehicles, says de Vos.

As part of his research, de Vos has been working with the local company, Mellowcabs, who operates fully electric micro-mobility vehicles, and is set to introduce them in South Africa and abroad.  His research is focused on ergonomics and improving design aspects to ensure all year round use of the vehicles, which currently has no doors.

DESIGN: The research is focused on ergonomics and improving design aspects to ensure all year round use of the vehicles, which currently has no doors

“The design process is focused on creating a new side door, however, at the same time the product should be elegant, smart, fashionable, comfortable, economical, maneuverable and safe,” he says.

To conduct his research, de Vos is making use of CATIA, a highly specialized virtual product lifecycle management design programme that is housed at the PLMCC.

The programme allows de Vos to get immediate feedback in terms of physical-based data that correspond to how the door could hinder the passengers’ interaction when they enter and exit the vehicle.

“This enables us to try various designs to perform a comparative study without building a single physical prototype,” he says.

Despite being such a small vehicle, de Vos is positive that micro-mobility vehicles will play huge role in revolutionizing the transport system.

“I am very interested to see where we can go with something as small as this.”

For more information on electric micro-mobility vehicles, please see www.mellowcabs.com

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

This July, a group of BTech and MTech Mechanical Engineering students will compete in the Student Formula event at Silverstone in the UK.

The event is one of the world’s premier inter-university challenges and annually attracts thousands of students from across the globe.

Students from various disciplines are charged with designing and building a formula racing car from scratch and at Silverstone their design skills and technical know-how is put to the test as they battle it out for first place.

In 2012 our students participated in the Formula Student for the first time and went on to be the first African team to complete all race stages. The team was ranked 65th out of 132 overall and came 27th out of 132 for the endurance stage of the event.

This year’s team is made up of Mechanical postgraduate students who are already hard at work on the formula racing car.

Work began last year when students conceptualised their design using state-of-the-art 3D-design programmes at the university’s Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre.

With the designed passed by lecturers at the TIA Adaptronics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory (AMTL), students started work on the car and already have completed the outer shell and are working on other elements, including the engine.

*This is a recognised World Design Capital 2014 project. For more information about CPUT's efforts for WDC2014 visit the imaginethat* website.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

Through technology transfer and the diffusion of innovative technologies, the Metals Technology Laboratory (METL) will facilitate strategic projects that will contribute towards the growth of a sustainable South African and more closely the Western Cape foundry industry.

Launched recently at CPUT, the METL is a highly specialized unit that is based in the TIA Adaptronics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory.  Its activities are aligned to the National Foundry Technology Network (NFTN), a key foundry industry support initiative, which is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry.  

Spearheading activities at the METL is Llewellyn Cupido, who is part of the first cohort of South Africans who participated in the Research and Innovation in Foundry Technology scholarship programme, a Department of Science and Technology supported initiative aimed at developing high-end expertise to support the technology and innovation capabilities of the South African foundry industry.

Cupido says while South Africa has a struggling foundry industry, much more can be done to facilitate the development of a globally competitive industry and the potential is great.

“Technology and innovation in the South African industry is lacking. They are able to melt metal into shapes, but the question is how can they make better products using innovative technologies?” says Cupido.

“Internationally the industry has become innovative. We need to innovate to compete internationally.”

Cupido says the METL aims to expedite projects that will see the introduction of new technology into the South African foundry industry and will also provide general project assistance, in collaboration with its various partners.

Based on the Bellville Campus, the unit has access to a range of capabilities, which include state-of-the-art design and product performance simulation (virtual engineering), and casting simulation utilising the software MAGMASOFT. The unit also has the software Thermo-Calc, which is used for thermodynamic calculations such as phase diagrams and for the exploration of thermodynamic properties of chemical reactions.

The unit will also work closely with the Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre, also based at the Bellville Campus. The centre, which is the only of its kind in Africa, focuses on product design, product lifecycle management and system engineering.

Cupido says MELT is currently also involved in several projects, which includes a collaboration with the China Academy of Machinery Science and Technology. The project is exploring the use of patternless casting technology to reduce production time and cost, as well as the improvement of dimensional accuracies by producing casting as close to the final product. Other projects involve the design and simulation of castings used on power plants and the investigation of the corrosivity of specialty steels used in nuclear structures.

Cupido will also participate in the upcoming BRICS Foundry Forum and visit China later this year.

• The Research and Innovation in Foundry Technology scholarship programme is a collaborative initiative between CPUT, the Faculty of Foundry Engineering at AGH University of Science and Technology and the Laboratory for Aerospace Materials of Rzeszow University of Technology in Poland. It is supported by the Department of Science and Technology,

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

The Bellville Campus is the administrative hub of CPUT, housing the university’s Council and Senate Chambers as well as the office of the Vice-Chancellor.

The campus is also home to some of the country’s leading research centres such as F’SATI, which was responsible for the development and launch of Africa’s first nanosatellite, Tshepiso.

Other internationally recognized research centres that are located at the campus include the Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre, as well as the Centre for Substation Automation and Energy Management Systems.

The campus is home to the institution’s most cutting-edge facilities such as the Food Technology Building, which is the only educational and training facility of its kind on the African continent.

Students also have access to a range of sporting facilities, including an athletics track, squash courts, gym, swimming pool, and the Major Sports Hall that facilitates a variety of sports.

During the next year, a number of new facilities will be constructed at the campus, such as a new Electrical Engineering Building and the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre that will be a national center for renewable energy training and education.

Maps and contact details for the Bellville Campus

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