Technology Stations

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The Technology Stations Programme (TSP) was established to enable Universities of Technology to provide technology development services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Technology Stations provide innovative Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) solutions for complex engineering challenges within the relevant industrial sectors aimed at supporting government's socio-economic priorities. There are 16 Technology Stations (TS) based at 11 Higher Education Institutions in South Africa.

The Technology Stations are well positioned to support industry, particularly SMEs and Higher Education Institutions. The Technology Stations' activities offer an opportunity to bridge the gap between local suppliers and industry to take advantage of the recapitalisation and expansion programmes by enhancing competitiveness of local suppliers through technology improvement. The Technology Stations provide technology transfer infrastructure that plays a critical role for transferring technologies from Higher Education Institutions to technology users.

Testing and Analytical Services
Testing and Analytical Services include material testing and behaviour analysis, as well as quality tests. These can be R&D or routine jobs according to existing standards or client's specifications, using readily available high-end software and equipment.
Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing
This involves producing a working model according to the indicated functional aspects of a product. The manufacturing is not limited to batch/pilot manufacturing of models, but can include either contract machining or manufacturing, based on the client's drawings or specifications.
Consultation, Technology Audit and Feasibility Study
Consultation includes search and technology brokerage services, finding the know-how as a diagnostic service, assessment, or consultancy. This is usually the first part of any project to identify the potential for improvement and the required interventions. This involves the searching and sourcing of technology from outside the Universities of Technology, generally from firms, engineering consultants, brokering as well as possibly managing technology transfers to SME's.
Process or Product Improvement
Productivity, workflow, and quality all improve production facilities and products by applying standard procedures and methods. In many cases, this would also involve testing and analytical services to make the product conform to required specifications on new market demands and regulations.
Applied development, engineering and design
This involves the application of engineering processes from CAD to CAM now CAĚ, including scaled production based on the know-how from Technology Stations, needing professional engineering and design skills as well as identification and sourcing of technology or equipment. These services lead to demand driven projects that can be funded by various funding Agencies.
Research and Development
This refers to the R&D conducted on behalf of SME`s to investigate new products or processes which are beyond the existing state of the art; applying scientific methods to improve competitiveness and compliance to prescribed standards. Some of the categories of R&D are initiated from within the University of Technology with the intention to market them at a later stage.
Technology Demonstration and Training
The demonstration of technology focuses on the introduction of SMEs to new products or to improve existing technologies related to their respective projects. Tailor-made training and demonstrations can be to a number of SME`s or Individuals. Technology Demonstration and Training is also aligned to formal accredited University Training activities.

ATS: CPUT
Agri-food Technology Station
Cape Peninsula University of Technology

LATS: UL
Limpopo Agrifood Processing Technology Station University of Limpopo

DCTS: NMU
Downstream Chemicals Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

TSC: TUT
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology

TSC: MUT
Technology Station in Chemicals Mangosuthu University of Technology

TSC&T: CPUT
Clothing and Textile
Cape Peninsula University of Technology

TSE: TUT
Electronics and Electrical Engineering Tshwane University of Technology

eNtsa: NMU
Automotive Components
Nelson Mandela University

TSMPT: VUT
Materials and Processing Technologies Vaal University of Technology

RMPTS: DUT
Reinforced & Moulded Plastics Technology Station, Durban University of Technology

PDTS: CUT
Product Development Technology Station
Central University of Technology

PEETS: UJ
Process Energy & Environmental Technology Station University of Johannesburg

MCTS: UJ
Metal Casting Technology University of Johannesburg

IAT: TUT
Training and SME TDM Support Tshwane University of Technology

IAT: WSU
Tool Design Walter
Sisulu University