Two CSIR metallurgists have been awarded the prestigious Harvey Shacklock Gold Medal Award - the highest accolade in the South African welding industry in terms of research and development.

This award was established in memory of Harvey Shacklock's contribution to the welding industry and was first presented in 1949. It is not an annual award, but only given if and when technical papers of very high standard are presented.

The recent recipients of this award are Corney van Rooyen and Herman Burger from the CSIR; they share it with Prof Madeleine du Toit from the University of Pretoria who co-authored the paper.

Their paper, titled: Laser metal deposition microstructure of modified low-C martensitic stainless steel, was regarded as the best technical paper by the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW), which administers the Harvey Shacklock Gold Medal Award.

Commenting about the award, Van Rooyen (who is the lead author), said: “Solving industrial problems always makes a difference. I am happy that the work we do has been recognised.”

The paper described the work done in collaboration with the CSIR’s industry partner, ArcelorMittal, of which aspects have subsequently been licensed to FW Gartner in the United States of America and Swedish metal powder manufacturer, Höganäs AB.

The lifetime of rolls used in steelmaking is important because of the significant savings associated with a longer lifetime. However, these rolls are subjected to harsh operating environments, requiring refurbishment.

Compared to traditional welding typically used to refurbish the rolls, the laser welding process in combination with a specially developed alloy produces a microstructure and alloy composition with much-improved wear and corrosion properties. Prof Du Toit also received this award in 2008 for her paper, titled: Failure of type 1.4003 ferritic stainless steel welds due to intergranular stress corrosion cracking and pitting in the heat-affected zone.

The SAIW is a non-profit technical organisation dedicated to furthering standards in welding-fabrication and related technologies.