Mastercam is the most widely used CAM software worldwide and is the program of choice among both industry and education.
Here at MECAD Manufacturing, we have a responsibility as the sole supplier of Mastercam for Sub Sahara Africa, to ensure that Mastercam is being taught to students throughout the major universities and colleges. We are proud to say that Mastercam is now being taught at institutions such as Wits University, Tshwane University of Technology, North West University, University of Stellenbosch, Nelson Mandela University & Walter Sisulu University as well as the University of Botswana & The University of Zimbabwe.
Providing Software that is ideal for CAD/CAM education in only one ingredient for success however. One of the biggest challenges facing our industry in South Africa, is a severe lack of qualified Mastercam Operators with the ability to then take the programme to the machine, and physically cut the part they have programmed. Universities cover the basic operation of CNC Machines; however, students are usually taught on outdated machines and the environment is not conducive to hands-on practical learning. Due to limited resources nowadays, being able to programme with Mastercam as well as operate the machine, is hugely beneficial and would drastically increase productivity as well as the employability of any student.
Feedback from Engineering companies, shows that most students coming out of university/college may be proficient on the CAM Software, however cost the company thousands of rands annually, in tool breakage and unnecessary wear and tear on their machines, due to lack of hands-on experience, operating a CNC Machine. Here at MECAD Manufacturing, we have identified this issue and are working closely with partners to provide a solution. We are now partnering with companies such as Quick Rock Engineering, who will be offering a 4-year accredited program, covering both certified CAD/CAM Software training, and hours of hands-on machine operation experience. By completing this course, students will now be able to enter the workplace with end-to-end part manufacture from CAD design on SOLIDWORKS and Mastercam to toolpath generation and finally to physically cutting parts on CNC machines with state of the art, market leading software. Educating our youth, is essential to our industry moving forward, and here at MECAD Manufacturing, we will continue to ensure that we are preparing the students of tomorrow.
