PROTEA MACHINE TOOLS
PROTEA MACHINE TOOLS
OUR TECHNOLOGY
Our technology is based on a reconfigurable planar parallel robot. Introduced in 1994, the 1st parallel robot machine tool had a machining speed of almost 70 m/min, which is unmatched even today!
Many other designs have followed, but they all fell short because of their small work spaces. The reconfigurable planar parallel robot has a research-proven large work space! Our current design is a combination of this parallel robot with two "serial motions", hence the name "hybrid parallel-serial machine tool". The 5-axis Sugarbush Protea Machine Tool can machine steel work pieces of 150 x 150 x 150 mm at machining speeds up to 60 m/min.
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THE CURRENT STATE OF TECHNOLOGY
Most of today's machine tools have a serial lay-out where one axis is stacked upon the next as illustrated here. The problem with this lay-out is an accumulation of errors and mass, which negatively impact accuracy and speed. Consider for the moment your arm as a serial chain of elements that control the movement of your hand. Imagine trying to draw a perfectly straight line on a black board with an extended arm while holding a piece of chalk. It’s impossible! Similarly, it’s very difficult to rapidly move around a heavy hand-held weight with just one arm.
About Us
Protea Machine Tools was formed in December 2018.
Our vision is to revolutionise the international competitiveness of the Sub-Sahara African manufacturing industry, by creating affordable and disruptive machine tool technologies and by nourishing win-win relationships in the international machine tool industry. The founding members and directors collectively have more than 20 years of relevant experience.
We are very keen to form a strategic alliance with a corporate venture partner to establish and scale Protea Machine Tools into the 1st world-leading machine tool company in Africa!
For more information regarding this exclusive opportunity please send an email to info@proteamachinetools.com
TESTIMONIALS
SOUTHERN MEDICAL
"The Sugarbush Protea Machine Tool is a new and exciting application of existing low-risk technology. This machine configuration shows potential to meaningfully increase manufacturing capacity and capability.
Southern Medical prides itself with innovation and quality, this alignment of goals puts us first in line to purchase such a machine."
Neville Jansen
MD Southern Medical
ASM
As founder and chairman of the South African Computer Numeric Control Club (sa-cnc.com) I've known Lukas for the past 3 years not only as a regular club member, but also as the inventor of the hybrid (parallel-serial) 5-axis machine tool. He presented his design at one of our club meetings and has also consulted me personally on various matters related to the development of the 1st prototype.
I can vouch for the uniqueness of this innovation that is set to deliver unmatched cutting speeds and I'm as excited as Lukas to see his dream in fruition.
Prof. Rudy du Preez
JHPE PRECISION ENGINEERING
We, JHPE Precision Engineering CC hereby confirm that Dr Lukas du Plessis is truly passionate about getting his patented innovation into industry.
I've also known Conrad for a long time in his role as contracted as Zeiss Field Service Technician.
Lukas presented his 5-axis machine tool to me and I've agreed to supply him a working area in my factory to complete the first prototype of the Sugarbush Protea Machine Tool. The frame of Sugarbush 1 has since been moved to my factory. On completion of the first prototype, the machine will be tested in my facility under commercial manufacturing conditions to give refinement feedback to Lukas.
I'm excited about the outcome of the prototype development and depending on its success will definitely be interested to purchase such a machine tool. I am also positive that it will benefit the manufacturing industry in South Africa.
J.A. Hugo
Executive Member
