CDI Product
Support is an assisted DIY facility empowering and helping craft
producers, designers, students, and other individual businesses to develop new,
and refine existing product.
We have a well-resourced facility with access to tools and
processes to help assist you in generating innovative product and creative
problem-solving. We operate on a one-on-one consultation basis, through which a skilled
Product Support Advisor will guide you through your own problem-solving
process.
Our Advisors can assist in a variety of ways, from exploring ideas
through research and conceptualisation, to actually making things such as
prototypes and product refinement, constructing production aids, branding and
packaging. Proper access to equipment and technical know-how can be a huge
stumbling block for entrepreneurs and innovators wanting to develop their ideas, which is why we
offer a range of tools, machines and industry knowledge that allow for
immediate experimentation and object prototyping. These range from quick
processes using hand tools and semi-stationary machines, to digitally-based
processes, such as 3D printing and CNC cutting.
We emphasise the use of
technologies and tools appropriate to the needs of individual producers. For a complete list of the tools and processes available in the space,
as well as machines sizes, file formats and limitations, please see below. Please note
that CDI Product Support and its use is for prototyping, it is not intended for recreational use or mass production.
If you would like to book a consultation with CDI Product Support, you need to register as a CDI member here.
You can only access CDI services once you have completed your registration.
Product Support bookings:
Please email Caragh Barwise on caragh.barwise@thecdi.org.za
or call 021 461 1488 should you wish to schedule an appointment to access the CDI Product Support facility.
Product Support Initial Consultations: One-on-one consultations
Duration: 1 hour
Product Support consultations assist participants to either refine existing product or develop new product with the aim of stimulating the originality, diversity and quality of creative product within the market. This assisted DIY process supports individuals to explore ideas, concepts and processes related to the development of product.
Please email Caragh Barwise on caragh.barwise@thecdi.org.za
or call 021 461 1488 should you wish to schedule a consultation.
OVERVIEW OF AVALABLE TOOLS
Please download the detailed PDF spec sheet for available tools here: click here to download
Research and Design
- Research computers
- Design and Fabrication computers
- Surface Design computers
- 3D Design computer
- Document and Film scanners
- Graphics tablet
- Inkjet printer
3D design software
Our facility provides access to both open source and commercial software. International software company Dassault Systems SOLIDWORKS has donated full commercial licenses of its 3D products and tools to the CDI.
Fabric Processes and Paper
- Vinyl cutter
- Sublimation printer
- Fabric transfer printer
- Thermal transfer press
- Craft cutting plotter
Laser Cutting and Engraving
3D Fabrication and Scanning
- 3D Printer
- 3D Scanner
- 2.5D Scanner
- 3D Milling machine
Mould Making
- Mould making
- Vacuum chamber
Thermoforming
- Vacuum former
- Line bender
- Hot wire cutter
Welding, Bending and Heating
- Metal bending kit
- Wood burning kit
- Heat cutting kit
- Heat gun and flame torch
- Glue guns
- Hand tools: pliers and shearing
Electronics
- Soldering Irons
- Power supply and Oscilloscope
- Hand tools: electronics
Sawing and Cutting
- Scroll saw
- Mitre Saw (electric)
- Mitre saw (hand)
- Routers
- Rotary multi-tool
- Jig saw
- Circular saw
- Hand tools: cutting and sawing
Sanding and Finishing
- Electric hand sander
- Hand tools: rasps and files
Drilling, Punching, Tapping and Fastening
- Drill press
- Hand drills (electric and hand)
- Tap and die set
- Hand tools: punching
- Assorted hand tools
Please download the detailed PDF spec sheet for available tools here: click here to download
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