Back to freelancer search

Akani K.

Mechanical Design Engineer | Sheet Metal & Precision Machine Parts Specialist

Pretoria, South Africa

Global rank:

14,609 / 129,466

Skill pts: 5

CAD Design Engineering Design Part Design Technical Drawing Services Tool and Die Design

Get a quote

About

I am a technical professional specializing in Mechanical Engineering Design and precision manufacturing, with over 7 years of industrial experience.

My background as a NIMS-USA certified Tool & Die professional allows me to create digital designs that are fully optimized for the shop floor.

By leveraging GnaCAD, I provide comprehensive engineering solutions,

including:

Precision Machine Part Design: Developing detailed models for components such as gears, shafts, and custom brackets, informed by my proficiency with Lathes, Milling machines, and Drill Presses.

Sheet Metal & Enclosure Engineering: Expertise in calculating Flat Patterns and Bend Lines for complex industrial housings and safety infrastructure.

Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Using my background as a NIMS-USA certified professional to ensure designs meet international standards for Measurement, Material, and Safety.

Technical Documentation: Creating "first-time-right" technical drawings that incorporate Engineering Science and rigorous 5S Safety protocols to reduce production errors and plant downtime.

Industrial Integration: Because I have extensive experience maintaining Extrusion, Looming, and Printing machinery, I ensure every CAD model I produce is practical for real-world mechanical assembly.

I bridge the gap between complex engineering concepts and physical production, ensuring high-accuracy results for every project.

Experience

Maintenance Technician & CAD Drafter ABCO Flex · Full-time Mar 2019 – Present 7 yrs 1 mos Hammanskraal, GP, South Africa Utilize GnaCAD to develop technical drawings, specializing in Flat Patterns and Bend Lines for industrial components.
Perform preventative maintenance and emergency repairs on Extrusion, Looming, and Printing machinery.

Design and fabricate custom safety infrastructure, including cages, tables, and trolleys, using Arc Welding and precision machining.

Apply 5S Safety protocols and Engineering Drawing standards to ensure a "first-time-right" approach in manufacturing.

Successfully reduced plant downtime through proactive mechanical problem-solving and technical planning.
Graduate OJT Apprentice (Tool, Die & Mould Making) Rosslyn Enclosure Manufacturers · Internship Sep 2016 – Mar 2017 6 mos Akasia, GP, South Africa Completed intensive on-the-job training as part of the TDM Powered Foundation Programme.

Applied NIMS-USA certified competencies in Measurement, Materials, and Safety within a precision manufacturing environment.

Assisted in the fabrication and design of electrical and industrial enclosures, gaining foundational experience in sheet metal flat patterns.

Utilized high-precision machinery, including Drill Presses, Lathes, and Milling machines, to produce components to strict technical specifications.

Collaborated with senior toolmakers to interpret complex engineering drawings and ensure "first-time-right" manufacturing.

Education

NTIP / Toolmaking Association of South Africa (TASA) TDM Powered Foundation Programme, Tool, Die and Mould Making, Applied Theory: 87% 2016 – 2017 Activities and Societies: NIMS-USA Certified Competency Modules Completed international certification in Measurement, Material & Safety and Job Planning, Benchwork & Layout via NIMS-USA.

Developed fundamental expertise in Engineering Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Drawing.

Gained extensive on-the-job workplace experience in industrial toolmaking environments.
Tshwane North College National Certificate (N1), Automotive Engineering, Passed 2014 – 2014 Activities and Societies: Engineering Drawing, Motor Trade Theory, Engineering Science Achieved foundational proficiency in Engineering Drawing, which serves as the basis for current CAD design and drafting projects.

Studied Engineering Science and Motor Trade Theory, providing a strong technical understanding of mechanical systems and automotive components.

Applied theoretical knowledge to practical mechanical concepts, bridging the gap between design and physical assembly.
Mahuntsi high school National Senior Certificate (NSC), STEM & General Studies, Diploma Entry 2008 – 2008 Activities and Societies: Focused on Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Geography. Achieved a high level of proficiency (Level 6) in Xitsonga Home Language.

Successfully completed core STEM subjects including Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences, providing the analytical foundation for engineering and CAD tasks.

Met the national requirements for admission to Diploma or Higher Certificate study

Licenses & Certifications

NIMS Machining Level I National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Jan 2016 – Present See credential
Tool, Die & Mould Making Foundation Programme TDM Powered / Intsimbi Future Production Technologies Jan 2016 – Present See credential
National Certificate N1: Automotive Tshwane North College for Further Education and Training May 2014 – Present See credential