Technology Centre

 The TC pulls together all workshops and laboratories at HIT and promotes (the development of) production and manufacturing activities across the University’s academic departments in an inter and multidisciplinary manner. The centre provides a broader platform for students to turn their Capstone Design Projects into tangible prototypes. It also bridges the gap between industry and academic activities by offering training, product development opportunities, and machining services for scarce industrial components.

The TC has two distinct and complementary units: The Technical Training Unit and the Production Unit. The Technical Training Unit links all academic departments to provide tailor-made programmes and customised short courses responsive to the industry’s needs. The Production Unit brings workshops and laboratories of all academic units in an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach to enhance research and development and maximise production orders from industry and commerce.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between academia and industry by providing:

  • Access to advanced manufacturing technologies
  • Expert engineering and product design services
  • Practical, hands-on technical training
  • Facilities that promote innovation and industrial growth

We serve students, professionals, heavy industry and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by providing affordable access to specialized machinery, manufacturing expertise, and engineering support for both training and production.

Our Mission

To empower local industries and innovators by providing access to advanced technology, high-quality manufacturing services, and professional training that fosters sustainable industrial growth.

Our Vision

To be a national leader and regional centre of excellence in manufacturing technology, engineering design, and technical training driving industrial transformation through innovation and precision.

 The Technology Centre is equipped with modern, industry-grade machinery designed to meet the diverse needs of Zimbabwe’s manufacturing and education sectors. Our facilities enable practical learning, prototyping, product development, and precision fabrication in a real industrial environment.

Machining & Fabrication Equipment

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machines:
CNC Milling Machine, CNC Lathe Machine, CNC Gear Hobber

Conventional Machines:
Lathe Machines, Milling Machines

Workshop Tools:
Surface Grinders, Cylindrical Grinders, Pedestal Grinders, Bench Grinders, Press Machines, Tooling, and Precision Measuring Instruments

All these machines are available for SMEs and industries to carry out machining, fabrication, and production work on a pay-per-hour basis, ensuring affordable access to high-end technology without large capital investment.

Hydraulics & Pneumatics Training Laboratory

Our Applied Hydraulics and Electro-Pneumatics Laboratory provides a hands-on environment for fluid power system learning and testing. The facility allows participants to:

  • Design and simulate hydraulic and pneumatic systems
  • Assemble and test various control circuits
  • Conduct troubleshooting and maintenance exercises

This laboratory supports short courses such as Applied Hydraulics & Electro-Pneumatics.

Design & Simulation Workstations

The TC operates high-performance CAD/CAM suites equipped with licensed design and simulation software to support digital product development.
Software tools include:

  • AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Inventor Professional
  • SolidWorks
  • EdgeCam
  • MasterCam

These platforms enable 3D design, digital modelling, and CNC toolpath generation, ensuring seamless transition from concept to manufacturing.

Prototype & Product Fabrication Area

The Technology Centre provides facilities for prototyping, fabrication, and product assembly.
We design and manufacture a wide range of industrial and agricultural systems, including:

  • Incubators
  • Dryers
  • Blow Mould Plants (blow mould, chiller, and preheater)
  • Special-purpose jigs, fixtures, and moulds

We also produce precision-engineered components such as spur gears, shafts, moulds, bushings, couplings, pulleys, and dies.
This facility enables innovators, students, and SMEs to transform designs into high quality, functional products.

Training and Demonstration Facilities

The TC offers both theoretical and practical training supported by well-equipped infrastructure, including:

  • A training classroom with multimedia presentation tools
  • Workbenches and rigs for CNC machining, welding, and electro pneumatics
  • A dedicated area for Reliability and Preventive Maintenance training

Our setup ensures that trainees develop hands-on competencies that match real-world industrial environments.

The Technology Centre offers a wide range of technical, design, and educational services aimed at promoting industrial growth and innovation.

1. Design & Manufacturing

We provide comprehensive design and manufacturing solutions tailored to industrial needs.
Our expertise includes:

  • Tool, Mould, and Die Design & Manufacturing: Using CAD/CAM and CNC systems for precision results.
  • Prototyping and Product Development: Turning ideas into functional, testable prototypes.
  • Reverse Engineering: Recreating or improving existing parts through digital scanning and measurement.

This department supports local industries by reducing dependency on imports and ensuring high quality, locally made components.

2. Product Fabrication

We fabricate customized industrial and agricultural equipment, ensuring durability, functionality, and efficiency.
Our products include:

  • Incubators for poultry and laboratory use
  • Industrial and solar dryers for food and agricultural produce
  • Complete Blow Mould Plants (blow mould, chiller, and preheater)
  • Machine frames, fixtures, and fabricated structures
  • Mechanical components such as gears, pulleys, couplings, and shafts

Every fabrication project follows strict quality control standards to guarantee professional results.

3. Industrial Machining

Our machining section specializes in precision engineering and repair services for industrial clients.
We offer:

  • Turning, milling, drilling, boring, and surface grinding
  • Machining of shafts, gears, dies, and bushings
  • Refurbishment and reconditioning of industrial components
  • Production of custom spares, jigs, and fixtures

We help industries minimize downtime through timely, high-quality local machining and repair services.

4. Industrial & Technical Training

The Technology Centre is a recognized hub for technical skills development, offering short, focused programs that combine theoretical and practical training.
Each course runs over five days and is facilitated by experienced professionals.

Our Core Short Courses Include:

  • Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programming and Operation
  • Applied Hydraulics & Electro-Pneumatics
  • MIG & TIG Welding Techniques
  • Reliability and Preventive Maintenance

These programs provide participants with industry-relevant competencies for professional advancement.

 

Whether you are an SME, industrial company, or student, the Technology Centre offers you a unique opportunity to:

  • Access advanced manufacturing equipment affordably
  • Get customized technical and machining support
  • Participate in industry-focused training
  • Collaborate on product development and research