Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

The objective of the proposed project is to evaluate the potential for use of additive metal manufacturing in the development and manufacturing of mineral exploration products, and to develop appropriate process guidelines for such use. Incorporation of additive manufacturing into production processes requires a multi-faceted approach including processes, materials, design, management, and other factors. The research team proposes to take a systematic approach to evaluating and developing each of the critical aspects of the process, beginning with familiarization and validation of the EOS290 equipment and manufacturers recommended processes for the industry partner, followed by evaluation and development of recommended practices for design, material selection, production, and quality control of additive components as they relate to the specific needs of the industry partner, a producer of equipment for mineral exploration. As each one of the topics to be explored is a research area in its own right, the proposed project does not purport to create a final definitive answer for each of these challenges. Instead, the team will apply and modify current best practices - where they exist - to develop guidelines specific to the industry partner that can be built upon in future evaluations by the company and its partners.