About the Additive Manufacturing Institute
The Additive Manufacturing Institute is committed to advancing innovation in Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing—a cornerstone technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Leveraging our extensive expertise, we offer specialized services that seamlessly integrate AM into various fields, including CAD, Design for Additive Manufacturing, training, and the entire product development process. Our work spans industries from industrial to medical. Our research and development efforts are dedicated to exploring sustainable and innovative applications of AM, while developing new methodologies across a broad range of industries. By applying insights gained in one sector to another, we discover creative solutions to complex challenges. As we evolve, we continuously expand our adaptable training programs, from CAD software to advanced design for AM. Originally founded as BunnyCorp in 2008, the company specialized in CAD and design projects, AM consulting, and CAD training. In 2015, we expanded into medical applications, focusing on implant development and animal prosthetics. By early 2023, we broadened our scope to deepen our focus on AM training and rebranded as The Additive Manufacturing Institute to better align with our mission. As part of this transformation, we relocated from Gauteng to Cape Town, partnering with the Cape Town Creative Academy (CTCA). This collaboration has created a platform for innovative research and development in AM, benefitting both our clients and the next generation of students. We are also collaborating with new partners in robotics, marine, and medical fields to explore further applications of AM, pushing the limits of this transformative technology.
The Team
Philip van der Walt
Philip brings over two decades of experience in the Additive Manufacturing (AM) industry, collaborating with academic institutions and private sector companies across a range of fields. He founded BunnyCorp, the original iteration of our company, and his expertise spans the entire spectrum of AM processes, from entry-level to advanced, including Design for Additive Manufacturing, Rapid Product Development as well as Advanced CAD Modelling & Digital Sculpting. Philip is a frequent speaker at conferences and consults with various industries and academic institutions on Design, CAD, and AM applications and integration. He also develops and presents a range of courses on CAD and design.
His work encompasses a variety of design fields, including jewellery, footwear, fashion, architecture, automotive, marine, and art. Notably, Philip has been involved in groundbreaking projects in the medical field, working on innovative solutions for both human and animal applications. In addition, he is the founder and creative director of Nexus Advanced Geometries, a design studio specializing in high-end product art, where he collaborates with other artists and explores his own brands
Jeané Bresler-van Tonder
Jeané, a founding partner of BunnyCorp, brings nearly two decades of experience in Additive Manufacturing (AM). She is deeply involved in high-end sintering processes and has contributed to benchmarking projects that have pushed the boundaries of AM manufacturing. As an expert CAD modeler, Jeané specializes in design for additive manufacturing, with extensive experience in high-end selective laser sintering (SLS) production and quality control.
Her background as a product designer spans various industries, with a particular focus on fashion, accessories, and footwear. Jeané has traveled internationally to further her expertise in shoe design and manufacturing. Now based in the Netherlands, she is expanding our international footprint, exploring new avenues for design for AM, and contributing to the development of innovative solutions in the field.
Sarel Havenga
Sarel has been involved in Additive Manufacturing (AM) for over a decade, beginning with academic research in AM polymers and achieving an impressive track record of accomplishments in the field. He holds a master’s degree in Design for Multidisciplinary Additive Manufacturing and is finalizing his PhD in Design Education, specializing in AM for higher education. His doctoral research focuses on augmenting curricula in higher education through Design-Based Thinking, implementing technology-focused models. Additionally, Sarel holds a certificate in curriculum development, a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, and has studied Additive Manufacturing for Innovative Design and Production through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Sarel’s extensive experience in AM education includes lecturing, working as an academic researcher, and facilitating Idea2Product labs. He has played a key role in introducing 3D printing into schools and universities, adapting and enhancing existing technology curricula. His research on AM and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has led to numerous academic publications, as well as awards and grants recognizing his expertise on an international level. Sarel has represented South Africa on the global stage as a leader in the field of AM education and innovation.
Dirk Swanepoel
Dirk recently began his journey in Additive Manufacturing, following years of acquiring technical skills across diverse industries, making him a unique and vital asset to our team. His background includes studying and working in IT, specializing in networking and collaborating with large corporations. He has also spent time in education and training, refining practical teaching techniques. Dirk studied Business Management abroad and gained extensive experience working with industrial systems in various settings. His strong interpersonal skills, combined with his technical aptitude and broad business knowledge, make him the ideal person to lead our marketing efforts.
Working and Studying Abroad he joined our team to help us navigate into the next evolution of the company.
Collaborating Partners
The Cape Town Creative Academy is a private Art & Design Academic Institution based in the Silo district at the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa. They provide transdisciplinary student-centered education on the highest level and collaborate with industry to give their students the best possible exposure to prepare them, not just for real life work, but also understand how to work on a high level required to become an industry influencer. Nexus Advanced Geometries has joined forces with the CTCA to create a space that will bring various design industries into their environment, giving them the opportunity to experience projects in motion.
Nexus Advanced Geometries is a design studio founded by Philip van der Walt, specializing in high-end art and design projects, often created in collaboration with other artists and designers. The studio exemplifies the fusion of technology and art, exploring digital sculpting and design while utilizing Additive Manufacturing and various other methods to produce works of art for diverse purposes.
Nexus Advanced Geometries operates through three distinct divisions, each with a specific focus:
Collaborations | Collaborative projects with designers and artists, ranging from component design to full-scale development in fashion, footwear, jewelry, product art, and architecture.
Commissions | Custom designer products created exclusively for clients.
Collections | Philip’s personal and collaborative collections of art and designer products, available for viewing and purchase in the Nexus online gallery.
As a partner, the studio manages the designer product projects that demand a more artistic hand. Explore the Nexus brand online www.nexusadvancedgeometries.com
The OrthoCross Amputee Foundation plays a very important role as a partner for us, they give us a problem to fix, and we get to figure it out. We always try to help where we can.
As a production partner to help innovate, develop and produce products in die prosthetic market that can make a difference is something we love to do