Additive Manufacturing in Canada: Key Insights

Introduction

• Presenter: Sean Casemore, host of the event
• Guest Speaker: Mark Kirby
• Event Overview: Discussing the additive manufacturing ecosystem in Canada from an industry research and training perspective

Welcome Remarks

• Event has over 100 people signed up
• Recording available for 30 days, later on NGEM’s YouTube channel
• Frank DeFalco, Director of Membership for NGEM, supporting event

Purpose of the Event

• Overview of additive manufacturing in Canada
• Addressing technology developments, application highlights, regulatory differences
• Lessons from hands-on industry engagement

Speaker Introduction: Mark Kirby

• Education: Graduated from MIT in Aero & Astro Engineering
• Career Highlights: Rolls-Royce, father’s machine shop (Jet Blades), Renishaw, and University of Waterloo

Additive Manufacturing in Canada

Industry Overview

• $6.8 billion industry, growing at 20%
• Global manufacturing value: $14 trillion
• Projected to be 1% of all manufacturing in future: worth ~$2 billion to Canada’s GDP

Survey Insights

• A survey across Canada covering plastic printing to advanced manufacturing tools
• Canada has about 1000 polymer machines and 100 metal machines
• Installations concentrated in Quebec and Ontario
• Investments mostly aimed at expanding into new markets

Industry Players & Examples

• Precision ADM: Nasal swabs production; world's highest volume printed medical devices
• Tronos Jet: Aerospace, adapted a bracket for 3D printing using titanium
• Productique Québec: Focus on part process and finishing, automation, and business intelligence
• Equispheres: High-performance aluminium powders, faster manufacturing
• Repedia/X1: Affordable metal 3D printing
• NanoGrant: High-resolution binder jetting technology
• Metafold: Advanced lattice structures using meta materials

Research and Training

• Emphasis on continuous learning and adoption of additive manufacturing
• Various institutions involved in research to material and machine development
• Example: University of Waterloo’s industry training for additive manufacturing

Panel Discussion & Q&A Highlights

Fatigue Properties in Lattice Structures

• Noted by experts such as Damiano Pasini at McGill University
• Importance of analysis of as-manufactured conditions and using CT scanning

Material Suitability for Laser Powder Bed Fusion

• Titanium: High performance despite being expensive

Evaluation of Additively Manufactured Parts

• Clear specifications required for a valid comparison between subtractively and additively manufactured parts

Challenges of Adoption

• Technical vs. Organizational: Predominantly organizational challenges
• Emphasis on learning and evaluating the right problems to solve

Powder Waste Management

• Reduction strategies are crucial but not the primary concern

Emerging Talents and Training

• Importance of multi-disciplinary knowledge and mentoring in the additive manufacturing field

Conclusion

• Encouragement to engage in continuous learning and participate in round tables and conferences
• Emphasis on practical learning and understanding market needs

Next Steps

• Round table discussion next Thursday, March 4th, at 11 AM EST
• Follow-up emails with links and slides

Final Remarks

• Gratitude to the participants
• Encouragement to reach out to Engine for further information and networking