Innovation Services
- Automation: The SLIC will have an automation team proficient in industrial automation, mechatronic design, and robotic integration.
- Engineering Solutions: These will come with the support of an expert problem-solving team with numerous years of combined experience in research and development, prototyping, proof-of-concepts, feasibility studies, and design for manufacture.
- Non-Destructive Evaluation: On offer, will be qualified NDE inspections and testing to evaluate the integrity of structures, parts, components, and materials. In house Level-III certified engineers will provide real-time support for testing, training, and qualification.
- 3D Scanning & Reverse Engineering: This is to enable interoperability between 3D scan data and CAD/CAM applications, providing solutions to fully characterize a part by determining material, external dimensions, internal dimensions, and more.
- Rapid Prototyping & Machining Services: The rapid prototyping and machining services will use the latest relevant technology to produce highly accurate and durable prototypes, minimizing manufacturing turn-around time without compromising precision or accuracy.
- Technical support services: These services will provide immediate resolution to equipment related problems, software fixes, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, communication and other support services to ensure zero downtime of equipment and systems in the SLIC.
Process and Stages
Stage 1:
- Research, Development & Design Thinking. To begin the creative process, relevant information and materials will be gathered, and sources of inspiration will be identified. Both internal and external information sources will be tapped and a data bank of information in various sectors will be created and stored. This is to assist the individuals who have innovative ideas to concentrate on thought processes and to deliver information to them on demand, enabling them to engage with ideas, and not to go out into the world to gather the necessary data, resources, materials, and expertise, which can be made available within the SLIC
Stage 2:
- Incubation. During this stage, individuals will be encouraged to contemplate on the ideas and information gathered in stage 1. The individual will take the focus off the problem, allowing the mind to rest, while the unconscious mind engages in "combinatory play" - taking diverse ideas and influences and finding new ways to bring them together.
Stage 3:
- Application. This is the stage when the real-life application for the project or product will be crystallized, and design is altered accordingly to suit the envisioned application. The application could be at less or great variance with the original thought ideation and may also create an altogether new idea for innovation.
Stage 4:
- Prototyping. Following the application, the innovator is assisted with technical design and drawings, and a business plan is developed. Ideas and insights that arose in stage 3 will now be fleshed out and developed, with the inventor using critical thinking and aesthetic judgment skills to hone and refine the work and communicate its value to others.