Technology boost levels global playing field for local component manufacturer

The machine set-up time and machining cycle time of Daliff Precision Engineering (Pty) Ltd were reduced by 20% following the successful implementation of a Firm Technology Assistance Package (FTAP), an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology. The reduction in time enables Daliff to be price competitive in global terms.

The company specialises in the production and assembly of complex machined components. A significant portion of Daliff’s business is focused on the production of components for the global aerospace, defence  and rail industries.

Daliff Precision Engineering, as a supplier to state-owned companies, was selected to form part of government’s drive to improve the competitiveness of local original equipment manufacturers, and could benefit from the mechanism established for this purpose, the Technology Localisation Plan, of which the FTAP is one solution.

Says Masande Dlulisa, Project Manager for the Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU), “The FTAP implemented state-of-the-art  manufacturing software (simulation and optimisation) as well as necessary skills development. So successful was the intervention in reducing machining time that it created the capacity for an additional machine.” The TLIU is a Department of Science and Technology supported initiate hosted by the CSIR.

According to Daliff Precision Engineering Chairman Rowland Chutè, “The installation of the Vericut Software enables us to verify and optimise all our CNC programs prior to running the first article on a CNC machine. It is critical that we have the technology platform to compete on a level playing field against our foreign competitors. With Vericut, which we would not have been able to afford without the assistance of the TLIU, Daliff has been elevated to a globally competitive level.”

CNC refers to computer numerical control where a machine is controlled by means of codes, typically generated by an integrated computer-aided design/manufacturing system, sent from a computer.

Dlulisa concludes, “Daliff Precision Engineering is a high-quality, successful company with the vision to further expand its footprint – and thus South African expertise – globally. As with all our FTAPs, we worked closely with the company to ensure the technology intervention is in line with its business objectives and vision. In Daliff we found a company committed to building a technology base that is globally competitive while at the same time embracing transformation, being 33% black owned and BEE Level 1. 

Ends.

For further information, please contact:

Tendani Tsedu

Media Manager: CSIR

Cell: +27 82 945 1980

Mtsedu@csir.co.za

Masande Dlulisa

Project Manager: TLIU

Cell: +27 73 303 5255

Mdlulisa@csir.co.za  

About the TLIU:

The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which is hosted and incubated at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The TLIU was formed by the DST to implement the deliverables of its Technology Localisation Plan. Services provided by the TLIU include:

• Benchmarking and technology capability evaluation services;

• Technology capability platforms, or shared technology facilities;

• Access to technical expertise;

• High-end technical skills development programmes;

• Design and tooling support; and

• Technology transfer benefits/Offset programmes.

About Daliff Precision Engineering:

Daliff specialises in the production and assembly of machined components for those industries that require complex components machined to tight tolerances in a wide range of materials including metallics, super alloys and polymers. A significant portion of Daliff’s business is focused on the production of components for the global aerospace and rail industries. As a result, Daliff has developed and implemented advanced production, quality and supply chain management systems. The core of Daliff’s business strategy is ongoing R&D and the investment in new technology and equipment, not only to increase the available machining capacity, but to ensure that the capacity is internationally competitive.