President's desk

June 2006 SAIMC

Well all, it has been a long road that I have travelled with the SAIMC. From being a student member when an apprentice at African Explosives and Chemical Industries as it was then known, to the president of the organisation. It all started around about the middle of the twentieth century when things were done very differently. The transistor had not yet been accepted as a reliable component in instrumentation. There have been many 'revolutionary new ideas', but guess what; the basic principles are the same!

For those of you entering this field of engineering, my advice is to become well grounded in the basic principles of measurement, and use the latest technology as purely a tool to convert physical phenomena into engineering units that can be used to evaluate or control the process that you are measuring.

The tools change, when I started, we used pneumatic signals to transmit and control (spring and wind instruments using 3 to 15 psi). This worked extremely well, and we achieved some exciting goals. Today, we use bus systems transmitting enormous amounts of information on two wires. Combine this with microprocessors and we can once again transmit and control. This too works extremely well, and again we have achieved some exciting goals. The only difference is that the equipment has got smaller and faster.

We are in an industry that changes faster than any other. Revel in the new developments; but remember the basics. If you want to stay in this exciting profession, become an expert at using new tools but be prepared for change because it will happen sooner than you can imagine. This occupation is exhilarating and challenging; enjoy the experience, get the latest tools, but do not discard the old ones. If you do not get excited about change, or fear it, then go and count something, you could earn more 1, 2, 3, 4...

Vivian MacFadyen

[email protected]

Further reading:

From the office of the CEO
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When South Africa clinched victory in the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time, the nation collectively rejoiced. However, amidst this optimism lies a pertinent question: is South Africa truly a land of hope, or is it merely a fool’s paradise?

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SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
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The local Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a technology evening at the Bryanston Sports Club on 13 March 2024. It was sponsored by Phoenix Contact and the technical presentation covered the full gambit of industrial wireless technology in the automation field.

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SAIMC: Durban Branch
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The SAIMC Durban technology meeting in March drew a record attendance, with an old friend of the SAIMC, Gary Friend presenting on the very topical subject of ‘Risks, rewards, advantages and disadvantages of new technologies and the impact of legislation’.

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SAIMC: Secunda Branch
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The SAIMC Secunda branch held its monthly Technology Evening on 6 March 2024 at the Proconics, Secunda office. Sagadevan Kanniappen from WIKA presented on Thermowell stress calculations as per ASME PTC 19.3.

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SAIMC: From the office of the CEO
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The manufacturing industry is facing some challenges due to automation and outsourcing, but there are still opportunities in advanced manufacturing, such as 3D printing and robotics. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the industry to remain competitive.

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SAIMC:Johannesburg branch
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The annual general meeting of the SAIMC Johannesburg branch was held on 7 February 2024 at the Northcliff Country Club.

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SAIMC: Durban branch
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The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its annual general meeting at the Premier Splendid Inn in Pinetown on 24 January 2024

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SAIMC: Secunda Branch
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The SAIMC Secunda branch held its annual general meeting on 17 January.

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Reminiscences of a life in control
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Reminiscences from Michael Brown on a long and rich journey in the world of automation together with SAIMC.

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SAIMC: From the office of the CEO: Cavemen to Chatbots
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This month, we have a contribution to our Cavemen to Chatbots challenge. The idea is to reminisce on where our industry came from, and where it is headed.

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