3D Printing at the core of Infotech 2017

The National Computer Board (NCB) is organising its 24th Edition Infotech 2017 in collaboration with media partner Defi Media Group and Radio Plus from Thursday to this Sunday 2017 at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre (SVICC), Pailles. This year’s theme is Innovtech and one such innovation in the frontline is 3D printing.

Several exhibitors are showcasing their technology and ICT products and services.  Over 100,000 visitors are expected. Some of the main highlights of Infotech 2017 are: InnovTech Demo Area; 3D Printing; Open Source and Internet of Things; Coding; ICT Exhibition and InnovTech Conferences.

During the official launch, the Minister of Technology Communication and Innovation, Yogida Sawmynaden, stated that the government is determined to validate the potential of the ICT sector with a view to shaping a new digital landscape in Mauritius. The Minister announced the upcoming creation of two 3D printing centers across the country, which will be available to professionals, including SMEs, institutions, and members of the public, including students.

During the event, a 3D Design and Printing Area have been setup inside the ICT Exhibition. The objectives of this component are to demonstrate the 3D design and printing process to visitors and empowering SMEs on business opportunities in 3D printing. Some 20 3D filament printers will be in a dedicated stand for 3D printing technology. The general public, students, Micro enterprises and SMEs are invited to book a slot to be able to make use of this facility and print their 3D objects on site which is free of charge.

3D Printing: The current market 

From high technical gadgets to medical equipments, 3D printing is stimulating new opportunities and bringing new horizon for big businesses as well SMEs to be more creative and saving money. Around the globe, 3D printing has greatly revolutionized the way of doing business. Experts forecast that the 3D printing industry is expected to be worth $21bn by 2020. What is the situation in Mauritius? How far have we adopted this technology? Experts in this field elaborate on this new emerging sector.

The budget 2017-2018 had announced the introduction of the application of 3D printing technology, by equipping the two technopoles at Rivière du Rempart and Rose Belle with 3D printers and removal of VAT on 3D printers.  It was stated that provision is being made for customs duty exemptions on materials used in the manufacture of medical devices. Likewise, Enterprise Mauritius, in its budget, highlights that the setting up of 3D Printing Service Centre at the National Computer Board will be a major boost for SME jewellery manufacturers.

“This support will enable jewellery manufacturers to produce prototypes rapidly compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Complex designs can be uploaded from a CAD model and printed in a few hours which will enable rapid verification and development of design ideas.”

Managing director of Generation Plus Yovan Fowdar reveals that three years ago, with the Mauritius Maker Community, he launched the 3D Printer. “At the start, it was slow but with time, it picked up. As compared to last year, we have noticed much interest among the Mauritian population.”

What is 3D printing?

3D Printing or Additive Manufacturing is a process by which almost any three-dimensional object of any shape can be made from a digital model. This is achieved by an additive process whereby layers of materials are laid down in different shapes. This method differs vastly from traditional machining techniques that rely on the removal of materials either by cutting or drilling, which are subtractive processes.

Opportunities

The 3D printing can create a series of opportunities for big enterprises as well SMEs and individuals as well. The main areas for opportunities are listed as follows:

Education

It is argued that this new industry will help in encouraging lateral thinking, producing projects and concepts as well as combining technology with creativity and technical learning. Solution Specialist at EO Reality, Achala Mulloo Hurpal affirms that in some years, it will become a necessity in schools, especially in secondary education. Similarly, the head of Department of Software Engineering at the University of Mascareignes, Mahejabeen Peermamode Mohaboob, explains that it is a new sector that will revolutionize the education.

“There is no doubt that today, this sector is growing slowly, but in a few years, it will be one of the major sectors and it will bring major development in the education field. It is for this main reason that at our university, we have incorporated 3D in our programs. Students get to study both theory and practice.”

Engineering and Architecture

In this field, this new technology can help engineers to easily create prototypes and performs in house conceptual development. Architects can be very innovative in their approach and can present tangible models to their clients. This can bring a boost to our construction sector.

Yovan Fowdar states that one of the main objectives of the 3D printing industry is to create objects. “Usually what happens is that many businesses waste time and money in relying for foreign expertise. For example, an engineer makes a model here in Mauritius and sends it for printing abroad. Now if there are modifications, he has to redesign the product and send again. These modifications are costly at times. If the engineer has its own printing machine, he can easily do his modifications.”

Similarly, Oudaye Tahalooa, director of Minifactory, reveals that with these technologies, the lives of various professionals and manual workers can become easier and more comfortable. “It is an efficient way for different sectors like construction or engineering, and architects can easily create their own tools. They don’t have to wait to buy a tool or small equipment when they have in hand a machine that can do it for them. It saves time and money.”   

Medical and Veterinary

In the medical field, this technology can help Mauritius in various ways. Firstly, it is a boon for persons with disabilities. Through this technology, lots of development in terms of prosthetic development and pre-surgery panning can be achieved. Other innovations can be achieved in dentistry, optometry and veterinary.

Catering and corporate rebranding

In Mauritius, the craze for personalized gifts is already a trend. Through this technology, custom made event gifting will even be trendier. SMEs in this field can create innovative ideas as well as create new business opportunities and original concepts for development.

Yovan Fowdar underlines that this technology allows people to create decorative items and alphabets. “It is a way for SMEs to boost up their creativity and play with their imaginations. They can design their own products at their own pace. There are already 3D online services to help them in their endeavour.”

Obstacles

Despite having many opportunities, this sector is still at the development stage. Why are we lagging behind? One of the main reasons, as advanced by our experts, is price and know-how. The price of the machine is quite expensive.

The cost of a simple machine can be bought at Rs 26,000 and above. Some of the most sophisticated printers are as from Rs 100,000. An SME needs to make an investment of around Rs 100,000 to be able to start its operations.

Another issue is know-how. To be able to manipulate the machine, it is important to have basic understanding of designs. The expert argues that it is not difficult to learn, but there is need to know how to handle different steps while working on the machine.

Future

Experts believe that 3D printing is the future. Achala Mulloo Hurpal avers that this sector will create more jobs in their years to come and for this reason, the NCB has started to train people. Training Officer in IT at MITD, Juneida Ghanty also affirms that MITD will come with courses in this field.

The University of Mascareignes also envisages doing same.  Oudaye Tahalooa states that there will come a time when a 3D printer will be available in every house.

Three days of discovery

InnovTech highlights all innovative tools and technologies and demystifies the perception that Infotech is merely a trade fair for sales to the general public and will consist of:

Conferences

The National Computer Board, in collaboration with Mauritius Software Craftsmanship Community, is organising the InnovTech Conference on 1st and 2nd December  in the Kestrel Room (1st Floor). The aim of InnovTech Conference is to raise awareness on future and innovative uses of IT and addresses an audience consisting of technology savvy developers, start-ups and students. The programme is listed.

Furthermore CERT-MU, in the context of Computer Security Day, there will be another CSD conference and Technical Colloquium (TC) in Mauritius on 1st December with the theme “Emerging Threats of the Cyberspace and its Countermeasures”, in collaboration with the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), USA. This event is being organised to commemorate the Computer Security Day 2017.

Coding in Cyber Caravan

The National Computer Board (NCB) is implementing the Digital Youth Engagement Programme (DYEP), which aims at the provision of introductory courses on Coding to youngsters. Free training sessions is being held in NCB Cyber Caravan with a view to initiate Kids (8 years onwards) and Youngsters to Coding.

Virtual Reality

Two companies, namely HTC and EON Reality (VR Dome) are present at the fair. It is an amazing opportunity to discover virtual reality. At the HTC stand, you will be able to experience driving a car while at EON, you will experience being on a roller coaster.

Gaming Zone

The Gaming Zone is being hosted by the LAN Gamers Association and comprises over 25 stations linked to a 100 Mb ADSL line for LAN Gaming. This year, 30 Playstations gaming consoles are in the gaming zone.

Best deals

This fair cannot be completed without the best deals on various technology products. Smartphones are being sold at reduced prices by Mauritius Telecom. Other retailers also have been presenting best deals in different items such as drones, cameras, 3D pens and other items.