Industrial 3D Printing Advances in Canada: University of Waterloo Receives $8.9M Government Investment for World-Class Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Lab

Canada is going all in with 3D printing—if the University of Waterloo has anything to do with it. About to make very good use of a federal grant for $8.9 million from their government, the University will be tacking this on to their recent good fortune as a $32.6 million federal funding announcement was made in January of 2017 for the new Engineering 7 building at the university, as well as a $17 million supercomputer (making history as the most sizeable computer to be found at any Canadian university).

“Additive manufacturing is poised to fundamentally change the way things are made,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice Chancellor at Waterloo. “Fueled by a culture of innovation and backed by broad expertise in the advanced manufacturing sector, we look forward to playing a key role with our partners in unlocking the potential of this exciting technology.”

The $8.9 million will go toward a 3D printing lab, as well as furthering the University’s overall dedication to additive manufacturing. Their Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Lab, looking prosperous with enormous funding so far of $27 million and ‘in-kind support,’ is meant to not only further the use of progressive technology at the learning institution, but also that of other companies around Canada with whom they will work in development.

The University has plans also to see additive manufacturing expand through further research with this funding, which is the largest ever received from a government source to a university in Canada for additive manufacturing.

Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, announced the funding, which came from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

 “We are proud to support the University of Waterloo in continuing its role as a leader in additive manufacturing, innovation and strategic partnerships with the private sector,” said Chagger. “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to supporting innovation, which translates into creating jobs and opportunities for middle-class Canadians.”

The lab, now to be one of the largest AM facilities in the world, will work on furthering the technology by:

• Using innovative sensors to print with metal
• Creating quality assurance software
• Improving machine intelligence

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and competitiveness on a global scale,” added Navdeep Bains, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and minister responsible for FedDev Ontario. “This means investing in research and development to place Canada at the leading edge of disruptive manufacturing technologies. It also means supporting the skills training for manufacturing jobs now and in the future.”

3D printing research at Waterloo will continue to build on progress in patented technology that has spanned the last 17 years. University officials expect to support 18 new partnerships as well as creating more than 80 new jobs in manufacturing and technology.

Those researching AM at Waterloo will include:

• Fourteen professors
• Dozens of engineers
• Post-doctoral fellows
• Graduate students
• Co-op students

“Through the support of the Government of Canada, this state-of-the-art lab will merge high technology with additive manufacturing,” said Pearl Sullivan, dean of engineering at Waterloo. “From machine design to the additive manufacturing process to final part quality, Canadian manufacturers now have a research hub to help them adopt end-to-end process innovation on their shop floors.”

Discuss in the University of Waterloo forum at 3DPB.com.

[Sources: University of Waterloo; 570 News; CTV News]