Thesis (MScEng (Industrial Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Any growing system is by definition in a transient phase, and consequently exhibits transient-, non-steady state-, unstable behaviour. Accordingly, this form of instability (systemic growth) is by and large conducive to the prosperity of said system. From a Control Systems perspective, transient behaviour that is not subjected to an adequate damping mechanism, does however lead to unavoidable adverse instability. Within the context of business systems, four distinct, yet interconnected entities (raw material, market demand, internal capability to deliver, and cash funds) serve as the damping mechanism to protect companies as a whole, against variation in any of the aforementioned entities. The level of damping afforded by the aforementioned entities is governed by its ability to decouple variation in one entity from undue variation in other entities. The higher the level of instability, the higher the associated level of damping required. The Thesis focuses on core instigators of negative instability within the context of Fast Growing Manufacturing Companies (FGMCs), and ultimately proposes a solution to prevent the regression from positive instability towards negative instability. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Enige groeiende stelsel is per definisie in ’n oorgangsfase en vertoon gevolglik verbygaande-, niestabiele oorgangsgedrag. Dienooreenkomstig is hiérdie vorm van onstabiliteit (sistemiese groei) in die algemeen bevorderlik vir die welvaart van genoemde stelsel. Vanuit ’n Beheerstelsels oogpunt, lei oorgangsgedrag wat nie onderworpe is aan ’n voldoende dempingsmeganisme nie, egter tot onafwendbare negatiewe onstabiliteit. Binne ’n besigheidstelsel konteks dien vier afsonderlike, tog onderlingverbonde entiteite (roumateriaal, markaanvraag, interne bekwaamheid om te lewer, en kontantfondse) as die dempingsmeganisme om besighede holisties te beskerm teen variasie in enige van die voorgenoemde entiteite. Die dempingsvlak wat deur die voorgenoemde entiteite gegun word, word bepaal deur dié se vermoë om variasie in een entiteit te ontkoppel van variasie in ander entiteite. Hoe hoër die vlak van onstabiliteit, hoe hoër die vereiste vlak van demping. Die Tesis fokus op kern aanstigters van negatiewe onstabiliteit binne die konteks van VinnigGroeiende Vervaardigingsbesighede en stel uiteindelik ’n oplossing voor om die regressie vanaf positiewe onstabiliteit na negatiewe onstabiliteit te verhoed.

Background: Manufacturing sectors are focusing on developing new manufacturing strategies and improving technologies since there has been a decrease in productivity in recent times. This has led to a massive growth in AM but also due to the benefits of implementing AM technologies. However, there are some challenges to overcome with AM implementation.  Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the AM implementation to achieve sustainability in manufacturing companies.   Research questions:  ·      What are the challenges in achieving sustainability with AM implementation for manufacturing companies? ·      How can manufacturing companies achieve environmental and economic sustainability with AM implementation through an industrial technology center?  Method: This study is based on a qualitative method with an abductive approach. The theoretical framework has been gathered through a literature review and the empirical data is based on interviews at the case company. The analysis is based on a thematic analysis method.  Conclusion: This thesis concluded that challenges in achieving sustainability with AM implementation are related to inaccuracies of produced parts and components and geometric complications. This was based on design complexities and printer capabilities. The other conclusion made was that there are aspects that contribute to environmental and economic sustainability through AM implementation such as enhancing process efficiency and low setup costs.