Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology
$9,741.00
Performance Validation of Advanced Skate Blade Runners
FY 2013-14
Summary
RZR Skate Blades (RZR) is a Hamilton-based SME that designs and manufactures custom, advancedperformance hockey skate blade runners. RZR's product follows a classic hockey skate blade design, butcombines high quality aerospace-grade stainless steels with the latest technology in custom precisionmanufacturing processes to yield a product with superior performance, strength and durability that providescost and time savings to the consumer. The combination of RZR ToughEdgeTM surface hardening and G3TMprecision machining technologies results in a skate runner that (1) has 5x greater edge hardness than untreatedmaterial that should hold its sharpness longer and therefore require less frequent sharpening and minimize riskof losing an edge during game play, (2) has a 3x tougher core than untreated material that is more resistant toimpact, (3) is composed of a heat-resistant material that can withstand 250?C more heat than conventionalrunners, virtually eliminating the chance of surface tempering during sharpening which causes edge softeningand (4) has perfect geometry and contour with minimal material removal and surface tempering. This project isa two-part industrial collaboration with RZR, George Brown College and Brock University that seeks to assessthe performance of RZR runners from two complimentary perspectives: (1) Applied Sport (On-Ice)Performance Characterization and Testing and (2) Material Evaluation and Failure Analysis. Results willprovide RZR with empirical support and validation of the value add of their proprietary process and enablethem to accelerate market adoption of their product. Commercialization of RZR's runners will lead to thecreation of local high skill manufacturing jobs, improved on-ice performance and commensurate enjoyment ofskating/hockey and a lower cost of ownership for Canadian consumers.
Program
Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
Location
Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
462094-2013
Name nom
Facchini, Diana
Department département
Head Office
Organization id
10366
Institution établissement
George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2013
Competition year année de concours
2013
Award amount
9741
Program id
CARD1
Program name en
Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
Program name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement appliquée - niveau 1
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
1561
Committee name en
Applied Research and Development Grants
Committee name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement appliquée
Area of application code
517
Area of application group en
Manufacturing processes and products
Area of application group fr
Procédés et produits industriels
Area of application en
Consumer goods
Area of application fr
Produits de consommation
Research subject code
2001
Research subject group en
Materials science and technology
Research subject group fr
Science et technologie des matériaux
Research subject en
Materials structure, properties and testing
Research subject fr
Structure, propriétés et essais des matériaux
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
Performance Validation of Advanced Skate Blade Runners
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
RZR Skate Blades (RZR) is a Hamilton-based SME that designs and manufactures custom, advancedperformance hockey skate blade runners. RZR's product follows a classic hockey skate blade design, butcombines high quality aerospace-grade stainless steels with the latest technology in custom precisionmanufacturing processes to yield a product with superior performance, strength and durability that providescost and time savings to the consumer. The combination of RZR ToughEdgeTM surface hardening and G3TMprecision machining technologies results in a skate runner that (1) has 5x greater edge hardness than untreatedmaterial that should hold its sharpness longer and therefore require less frequent sharpening and minimize riskof losing an edge during game play, (2) has a 3x tougher core than untreated material that is more resistant toimpact, (3) is composed of a heat-resistant material that can withstand 250?C more heat than conventionalrunners, virtually eliminating the chance of surface tempering during sharpening which causes edge softeningand (4) has perfect geometry and contour with minimal material removal and surface tempering. This project isa two-part industrial collaboration with RZR, George Brown College and Brock University that seeks to assessthe performance of RZR runners from two complimentary perspectives: (1) Applied Sport (On-Ice)Performance Characterization and Testing and (2) Material Evaluation and Failure Analysis. Results willprovide RZR with empirical support and validation of the value add of their proprietary process and enablethem to accelerate market adoption of their product. Commercialization of RZR's runners will lead to thecreation of local high skill manufacturing jobs, improved on-ice performance and commensurate enjoyment ofskating/hockey and a lower cost of ownership for Canadian consumers.
