THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF FOUNDRYMEN

The SAIF was established in 1964 from what was formerly the Institute of British Foundrymen (SA Branch), founded in 1939. Over the years, the Institute has taken a great interest in Technology Transfer and Technical Education. The first major achievement was the establishment of a Foundry Research Fellowship at the CSIR. Terms of reference were `to establish availability and suitability of South African Sands for Foundry Practice'.

To fulfil one of the Institute's aims to `disseminate information', the Institute, in conjunction with the SA Institutes of Welding and Production Engineering, established its own publication, the FWP Journal in 1961. The following year, in conjunction with the Journal, the Institute Council arranged a visit of South African Foundrymen to the International Foundry Exhibition (GIFA) in Dusseldorf. Since then, some 200 delegates and some of their spouses, have taken part in six GIFA exhibitions.

In 1965, the first National Apprenticeship Competition was organised by the Institute and this became an annual event with apprentice moulders and patternmakers competing for the generous prizes offered. The Western Cape Institute of Foundrymen established by the SAIF is particularly active in the field of education in the Cape area.

Aims of the SAIF

The aim of the SAIF is to promote and develop within Southern Africa the science, technology and application of founding, for individuals and involved industries through:

• appropriate education and training;
• dissemination of relevant information and knowledge;
• building cooperation and fellowship;
• developing and promoting career awareness.

Benefits Offered to Members of the SAIF

Education and Training. Realising the need for both operator/artisan and technical training for the Industry, the institute is committed to ongoing development of operators' courses and seminars in conjunction with both local and overseas institutes and a certificated course is run twice a year at the Witwatersrand Technikon.

Trends and Technology. You or your company can benefit by being kept up to date and familiar with local and international technology and trends relating to foundry activities.

castings sa. You will receive a FREE copy of castings sa, a bi-monthly publication which reaches decision-makers at all levels and sectors of the industry. The Journal covers topical local and international technology and applications in Foundry practice as well as news of the SAIF activities.

Technical Papers are presented to members and their guests on a monthly basis, and cover all fields in the metal casting industry.

Works Visits. Several times a year, the Institute organises visits to a foundry or allied interest works.

Annual SAIF Dinner. A purely social function to relax in good company. Awards presented at this function include the Morganite Medal for best presentation paper of the year by an SAIF Member, Non-Members' Diplomas for best presentation paper by non-members, Past President's Certificate and Plaque, and Honorary Membership.

Literature. The SAIF library is open to any member, making both international publications and reference works available.

Seminars are organised in conjunction with local or international developments as they occur. These one to three day seminars cover foundry and related subjects and include a bound manual of papers.

International Tours are organised by the Institute to GIFA in Dsseldorf and the Foundry World Trade Fair in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The SAIF has access to sister organisations in Europe, USA and the UK.