Browsing by Author "Rokita, Piotr"

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    Socio-economic and techno-economic factors associated with establishing a titanium machining industry in South Africa, a qualitative study
    (2017-03) Rokita, Piotr; Dimitrov, D. M.; Von Leipzig, Konrad; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Industrial Engineering.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa is a key producer of titanium raw material, but has very little exposure in downstream industries. The purpose of this study is to investigate what impact a titanium machining industry would have on the country, to show whether the South African government should invest in establishing such an industry. This was done by investigating South Africa’s present position in the titanium market, investigating the countries present socio-economic climate and looking at the techno-economic aspects involved; part of this included defining a concept model for an “ideal” machining cell. To determine interactions between all these factors and show the impact of titanium machining, a soft systems approach was followed focusing mainly on a single machining cell, like the one modelled, and the impact it has on the local community. This impact is negligible on a country scale, but significant for the local economy. The multiplier effect is used to argue that it can be extrapolated to a larger machining industry, and the impact this would have on a broader titanium industry. The goal is for titanium machining to create a market for and drive development of a primary titanium metal industry. The socio-economic situation in the country provides lots of opportunity for titanium machining to address challenges facing the country, including: . The country’s resource intensive economy – by creating a viable downstream industry, the country can better capitalise on its available titanium resource; fourth largest mineral reserves and second highest mine production. . The poverty cycle – titanium machining can address unemployment (through job creation) and education (through in-service training) on a small scale. Benefits of breaking the poverty cycle also extend to dependents of employees, affording them a chance for education, proper healthcare and an improved standard of living. The greater potential benefit would be derived from the expansion of upstream industries. The technical capabilities for titanium machining exist in South Africa as demonstrated by the production of parts for the aerospace sector by private companies; and the research and projects carried out by the CSIR, various universities and industrial partners under the Titanium Centre of Competence. Considering manufacturing in South Africa, the latest Deloitte manufacturing competitiveness index, the country dropped to 27th out of 40 nations. The decline is attributed to growing labour costs without a commensurate increase in productivity, small domestic market, energy crisis, and lack of available infrastructure among others. Government needs to create an environment in which the sector can thrive, and to focus on long term issues and greater collaboration with labour and business. In future, gearing a titanium industry towards the industrial sector needs consideration as this provides a much larger market than aerospace and medical sectors, where most research to date has focused. It is also the most significant sector in China, one of the country’s strategic trade partners. The soft systems model along with the “ideal” machining cell will need to be refined, quantified and rigorously tested with an industrial partner.