With over two decades of experience in military sales, business management, and end-user engagement, I have consistently driven growth and operational excellence across diverse sectors. My career commenced with a focus on military sales, where I successfully navigated complex procurement processes and cultivated strategic relationships with defense stakeholders. Transitioning into business management, I have led cross-functional teams, streamlined operations, and implemented customer-centric strategies that enhanced service delivery and profitability. My commitment to accountability, mastery, and compassionate leadership has been instrumental in fostering high-performing teams and delivering solutions that meet and exceed client expectations.

In an era defined by rapid technological disruption, additive manufacturing is emerging as a transformative force for industrial businesses. As a business owner, I am actively exploring how this technology can reduce lead times, lower inventory costs, and enable agile design iterations without the traditional constraints of machining or casting. This presentation explores some of these strategic advantages of adopting additive manufacturing in real-world operations. I’ll share practical insights, some cost-benefit considerations, and lessons learned from early adoption, aimed at helping decision-makers evaluate the true value of additive manufacturing in their own operations. For those seeking a competitive edge in efficiency, responsiveness, and innovation—this is a conversation worth having.

Prof Jean Pitot is co-founder, deputy director and chief engineer of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI), in Durban, South Africa and an associate professor at the University’s Discipline of Mechanical Engineering. ASRI’s fundamental mission, and Jean’s driving passion, is to develop a sovereign space launch capability for South Africa and the African continent at large. As ASRI’s chief engineer, he oversees and directs all technical and R&D work conducted by ASRI’s engineering staff. Jean holds a PhD from Stellenbosch University, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of KwaZulu-Natal; all in mechanical engineering. He is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

The Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI), based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, specialises in the development of rockets and rocket propulsion systems and ultimately aims to establish a sovereign space launch capability for South Africa and Africa at large. In the NewSpace era, metal additive manufacturing has had a major impact on how rocket and rocket engine components are fabricated, leading to considerable reductions in part complexity, cost and production time. This talk will shed light on how the technology is being applied in the manufacture of rocket engines globally, and will detail parts ASRI has, is and plans to produce using metal additive manufacturing, as well as the associated challenges ASRI needs to manage in the process.

Mechanical Design Engineer and Additive Manufacturing Specialist at Aditiv Solutions, brings seven years of expertise in designing for additive manufacturing, including four years focused on selective laser melting (SLM) and three years with FDM processes. Holding a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in post-processing of additive parts, Jurgens has a passion for designing high-performance metal components, particularly for golf applications. His work centers on SLM machine design and optimizing metal additive components to enhance performance through innovative geometries and tailored post-processing techniques. Passionate about bridging the gap between complex SLM processes and practical applications, Jurgens has a knack for making additive manufacturing accessible to newcomers. In this presentation, he shares his insights on navigating the realities of SLM to create high-value parts, drawing from his extensive experience in the field.

This presentation explores the selective laser melting (SLM) additive manufacturing process through the journey of designing and producing a high-performance metal part. Following the lifecycle of a component from concept to finished product, we highlight the realities and complexities of SLM, including its costs, design requirements, and post-processing needs. The narrative showcases why SLM is ideal for complex, high-value parts, emphasizing benefits like customization, optimized geometries, and performance enhancements that outweigh its challenges. Key topics include designing for printability with self-supporting geometries to minimize supports, the SLM printing process, and the critical role of post-processing—such as support removal, surface finishing, and heat treatments—tailored to the part’s purpose. We also address cost competitiveness, demonstrating how SLM’s reduced material waste and tooling costs make it viable for niche applications. By weaving practical insights with a compelling story, this 20-minute presentation illustrates how thoughtful design and process management unlock SLM’s potential, transforming innovative ideas into successful realities.

It is a privilege working with dedicated and brilliant people in where-ever life takes us. Playing a part in the growth of our company, people and country is exhilarating!

In my professional journey I’ve had the opportunity to work with exceptional teams, on a multitude of projects in diverse industries, contributing in roles as commercial executive, business development partner, project manager, project lead and engineer. As a team, we’ve always delivered.

Some highlights include:

IoT Applications & Solution Development
– RFID cashless commerce systems.
– Mining
– Fleet and Logistics

Software & Mobile Application Development
– E-Commerce
– Financial Services
– Fleet and Logistics
– Mining
– Retail
– Security and Risk Management

Event Management, Event Ticketing & Access Control
– 1,000+ ticketed events in ZA (including Top Gear Festival SA, MMC, AiG, Coldplay, BonJovi, LadyGaga, Jusin Bieber, LinkinPark, AFCON)
– 100,000+ pax attendance at a single event

Innovation in your business